I first read this book in grade school in the 60's. It's set in a pre-historic setting and the main character is banned from his clan and is forced to survive on his own until he saves a woman who he finds alone on his quest for food. The main character learns many inovations to improve his hunting skills and therefore his survival. One of his most noteworthy inventions is the spear thrower, which increases the range of his spears and also the power they deliver to the game he kills. I recently acquired another copy of this book and enjoyed reading it, again.