“Transcendence”, Shay Savage
Published February 13, 2014
It's said that women and men are from two different planets when it comes to communication, but how can they overcome the obstacles of prehistoric times when one of them simply doesn't have the ability to comprehend language?
Ehd's a caveman living on his own in a harsh wilderness. He's strong and intelligent, but completely alone. When he finds a beautiful young woman in his pit trap, it's obvious to him that she is meant to be his mate. He doesn't know where she came from, she's wearing some pretty odd clothing, and she makes a lot of noises with her mouth that give him a headache. Still, he's determined to fulfill his purpose in life - provide for her, protect her, and put a baby in her.
Elizabeth doesn't know where she is or exactly how she got there. She's confused and distressed by her predicament, and there's a caveman hauling her back to his cavehome. She's not at all interested in Ehd's primitive advances, and she just can't seem to get him to listen. No matter what she tries, getting her point across to this primitive but beautiful man is a constant—and often hilarious—struggle.
With only each other for company, they must rely on one another to fight the dangers of the wild and prepare for the winter months. As they struggle to coexist, theirs becomes a love story that transcends language and time.
“My life with Beh was beautiful, transcending everything that set us apart from each other.”
It’s been a while since I read Transcendence, but I think of this book whenever someone asks me for a romance that’s a little different than the usual. This remains one of the strangest, most surprisingly tender romances I’ve ever read. Part time-travel fantasy, part caveman survival story, and all heart.
The premise alone is a trip: Ehd, a prehistoric man who can’t speak, discovers a modern woman, Elizabeth (Beh), suddenly dropped into his world. What could have easily veered into something ridiculous or problematic instead becomes a surprisingly moving exploration of love, communication, and survival against impossible odds.
Ehd’s perspective is what makes this book unforgettable. He doesn’t have words, but his voice is clear and primal. The way he puzzles out Beh’s strange behavior, the way he loves her fiercely and without hesitation is both sweet and heartbreaking. Elizabeth’s side is quieter, but her gradual adjustment and eventual trust in Ehd gives the story its emotional payoff. And yes, there are moments that make you go, “Wait, am I really crying over a caveman romance?” The answer is yes. Yes, you are.
However, I’d be lying if I didn’t say that some parts of this story felt uncomfortable. The lack and trouble of communication between Ehd and Beh result in dubious (consent) interactions. So take note of that when you dive into this book.
Content Warnings
Note: This is not an exhaustive list of content and trigger warnings.
pregnancy • misogyny • sexual harassment
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