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Fossil Woman
A million years ago, humans walked the earth in tribes,
their lives precariously short, their stories mostly untold.
Ifa was such a woman.
And her story is at the beginning of all things.
As a woman raised in the 1950s, Henrietta Ballantine has always had to prove herself. Homeschooled to challenge her intellectually, Henrietta spent her childhood with a strict Russian tutor and an overbearing mother for whom she could do nothing right. It’s her science-driven father who finally manages to give Henrietta refuge within the Smithsonian’s glorious walls. There she learns a love of ancient things, of secrets hidden in the ground. Of fossils.
Deciding to attend college and study paleontology, hoping knowledge will finally fill the emptiness inside her, Henrietta faces an uphill battle against those who refuse to see her as their equal in a male-dominated field. This, she expects. But as her studies bring her to dig sites across the country, Henrietta’s adventures unearth something she never imagined: a romance with fellow geologist Frank Bailey, a man of few words, strong opinions, and an evolving belief in Henrietta’s capabilities. Still, it isn’t Frank who haunts her dreams: the relationship she can’t seem to define is the one she has with a “guardian angel” whose voice Henrietta hears in her loneliest moments. A voice that calls to her across the ages. A voice that suddenly becomes very loud once Henrietta’s excursions bring her to Africa.
How could Henrietta and Ifa, two women born thousands of millennia apart, forge a connection, one that may ultimately fulfill Henrietta’s greatest desire?
The answer will be found deep beneath the sediment, in fossils that tell a wondrous story of endurance, of resilience…of women.
their lives precariously short, their stories mostly untold.
Ifa was such a woman.
And her story is at the beginning of all things.
As a woman raised in the 1950s, Henrietta Ballantine has always had to prove herself. Homeschooled to challenge her intellectually, Henrietta spent her childhood with a strict Russian tutor and an overbearing mother for whom she could do nothing right. It’s her science-driven father who finally manages to give Henrietta refuge within the Smithsonian’s glorious walls. There she learns a love of ancient things, of secrets hidden in the ground. Of fossils.
Deciding to attend college and study paleontology, hoping knowledge will finally fill the emptiness inside her, Henrietta faces an uphill battle against those who refuse to see her as their equal in a male-dominated field. This, she expects. But as her studies bring her to dig sites across the country, Henrietta’s adventures unearth something she never imagined: a romance with fellow geologist Frank Bailey, a man of few words, strong opinions, and an evolving belief in Henrietta’s capabilities. Still, it isn’t Frank who haunts her dreams: the relationship she can’t seem to define is the one she has with a “guardian angel” whose voice Henrietta hears in her loneliest moments. A voice that calls to her across the ages. A voice that suddenly becomes very loud once Henrietta’s excursions bring her to Africa.
How could Henrietta and Ifa, two women born thousands of millennia apart, forge a connection, one that may ultimately fulfill Henrietta’s greatest desire?
The answer will be found deep beneath the sediment, in fossils that tell a wondrous story of endurance, of resilience…of women.
276 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 22, 2022
76 people are currently reading
62 people want to read
About the author
Sharon Lyon
3 books15 followersSharon Lyon is a geologist, author, and educator. Her first two novels launched as #1 Amazon Best-sellers. The Fossil Woman audiobook won an IBPA Silver Award for Best Audiobook: Fiction, for 2023. Ms. Lyon has worked as a paleontologist, a petroleum geologist, and an environmental scientist. Now a retired geology professor, she sees her novels as an extension of her teaching. Ms. Lyon earned a B.S. in geology from The College of William and Mary, and a M.S. in geology from The University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill. She resides in Virginia.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
July 29, 2023
Fossil Woman is an exceptionally well-written and researched story. I am so excited that I found and read the book because I could relate to the experiences of Henrietta in her journey to become a paleontologist. I wish to thank the author, Sharon Lyon, for bringing back memories of my own educational experiences. I was so surprised to discover that many of Henrietta’s activities were so similar to my own. My father also took me to look for fossil fish in Wyoming! We went to look for them near a little ghost town named Fossil, now Fossil Butte National Monument, not far from where Henrietta went. I gave an oral and written report in my junior high school life science class about Louis and Mary Leakey's discoveries of hominid stone tools in Africa complete with the National Geographic pictures. Yes, I've been fossil and rock hunting in Utah, and visited Dinosaur National Monument. The first course I took as a science major was the same as Henrietta's, called Prehistoric Life. I've also had to endure field trips, classes, and labs where I was the only female; the herpetology professor would not allow women to take his course, or male graduate students’ wives to go on field trips (this was before Title IX), just like Henrietta not being allowed in the mine. The strong and uplifting ending was a wonderful surprise. Also, I appreciated that the author wrote an explanation at the end of the book that described what was factual about the paleontology, and what was fictional about the story. Included at the end is a set of discussion questions that go with the book. Some of the locations: [Kenya: Nairobi, Coryndon Museum; Tanzania: Odavai Gorge and Leakey Camp on the Serengeti Plain, Arusha, Moshi City; East Africa’s Great Rift Valley during the Middle Pleistocene and also in 1961; Virginia: Arlington, Natural Bridge of Virginia, College of William and Mary at Williamsburg, James River, Allegheny Outfitters in Oakton, Appalachia, Grandy; Washington, D.C.: Smithsonian Institution U.S. National of Natural History, Union Station, Smithsonian Castle; Wyoming: Green River Fossil Quarry near Kemmerer; Utah: Dinosaur National Monument near Vernal, Delta; Colorado: Cripple Creek, Colorado Springs; Illinois: Chicago; The Great Plains]
October 25, 2022
An amazing tale
If you have any interest at all in development of paleolithic proto-humans, or the environment for females desiring a career in paleontology in the 1950s and 1960s, or the mind-boggling research of Richard and Mary Leakey in East Africa, or a sici-fi connection between a young woman researching fossils in the late 1950s and a paleolithic human in Africa, this novel has them all. The narrative unrolls in alternating chapters depicting the experiences of a young paleolithic female in East Africa, all of which are described in details that have the ring of truth, as her tribe migrates with animal herds and avoids volcanic threats, and the tale of a young girl, Henrietta, in Virginia in the 1950s. She's the daughter of a relatively well-known paleontologist who wants a career in the same field, despite the fact that women aren't particularly welcome in such scientific fields. The two narratives begin to converge and when Henrietta has the opportunity to work at the Leakey's camp at Oldupai Gorge in Tanzania. This book is a novel, telling multiple stories at the same time, one of which is very technical and potentially 'dry.' But the reader is rewarded with anything but a 'dry' recitation of scientific facts and instead is given an engaging and well-written tale that grabbed me firmly and pulled me in right to the end of the book. Without giving away any spoilers, the novel ends in a very satisfying melding of the stories, as Henrietta makes the discovery of a lifetime that brings the paleolithic development of homo sapiens to life. Highly recommended.
If you have any interest at all in development of paleolithic proto-humans, or the environment for females desiring a career in paleontology in the 1950s and 1960s, or the mind-boggling research of Richard and Mary Leakey in East Africa, or a sici-fi connection between a young woman researching fossils in the late 1950s and a paleolithic human in Africa, this novel has them all. The narrative unrolls in alternating chapters depicting the experiences of a young paleolithic female in East Africa, all of which are described in details that have the ring of truth, as her tribe migrates with animal herds and avoids volcanic threats, and the tale of a young girl, Henrietta, in Virginia in the 1950s. She's the daughter of a relatively well-known paleontologist who wants a career in the same field, despite the fact that women aren't particularly welcome in such scientific fields. The two narratives begin to converge and when Henrietta has the opportunity to work at the Leakey's camp at Oldupai Gorge in Tanzania. This book is a novel, telling multiple stories at the same time, one of which is very technical and potentially 'dry.' But the reader is rewarded with anything but a 'dry' recitation of scientific facts and instead is given an engaging and well-written tale that grabbed me firmly and pulled me in right to the end of the book. Without giving away any spoilers, the novel ends in a very satisfying melding of the stories, as Henrietta makes the discovery of a lifetime that brings the paleolithic development of homo sapiens to life. Highly recommended.
March 16, 2022
What a thoroughly interesting novel. Back in the 50's and 60's women generally only went to college to get their MRS degree--or else they were supposed to be nurses, teachers or secretaries. There were a few really brave ones who kept to their dreams and went for the sciences. Henrietta was one lucky girl-her father actually wanted her to learn about and work in the field her father did. She spent a lot of time in the Smithsonian where her father worked. Of course her Mother was not too happy especially when she went off to college.
There weren't too many females in her classes, if any--the guys were not all that friendly putting it mildly--but she ignored them and excelled in most of her classes. When they went on field trips--she was the only female.
This novel also contains the life of a woman who lived millions of years ago. It was not an easy life as you will read. When Henrietta went to Africa, in place of her father (much to her mother's distress) it was as if the woman from the past was calling to her to find her remains.
The imagery in this novel is amazing--you will feel like you are there in the past and in the future. What an amazing book about strong woman who follow their dreams!
There weren't too many females in her classes, if any--the guys were not all that friendly putting it mildly--but she ignored them and excelled in most of her classes. When they went on field trips--she was the only female.
This novel also contains the life of a woman who lived millions of years ago. It was not an easy life as you will read. When Henrietta went to Africa, in place of her father (much to her mother's distress) it was as if the woman from the past was calling to her to find her remains.
The imagery in this novel is amazing--you will feel like you are there in the past and in the future. What an amazing book about strong woman who follow their dreams!
March 17, 2022
Fossil Woman written by Sharon Lyon is an engaging novel that narrates the struggle of a woman to achieve her dreams. Henrietta has had a difficult childhood and found a refuge among ancient artifacts, fossils and history. Pursuing a career in paleontology, she finds herself traveling and struggling to develop in a world ruled by men. In Africa, she will finally start walking a path of self-discovery and realization as she investigates the life of a woman who lived thousands of years ago and establishes a relationship with her across time.
I really enjoyed this story. It is original and believable at the same time. It is very well written. One thing that I enjoy and appreciate is when I finish a book and I realize that I learnt something. Dramatic and enlightening, this novel resonates with complex themes and emotions, and will stay in readers’ minds long after they finish it.
I really enjoyed this story. It is original and believable at the same time. It is very well written. One thing that I enjoy and appreciate is when I finish a book and I realize that I learnt something. Dramatic and enlightening, this novel resonates with complex themes and emotions, and will stay in readers’ minds long after they finish it.
November 24, 2023
I enjoyed the double narrative of a modern-age female and a Pleistocene female. Both start their journeys in middle childhood and into adulthood. Henrietta discovers paleontology via her father, and fossils and earth sciences becomes her life focus. Throughout the novel the tentative link between these two females continues to increase until the conclusion. It was also fun to read about the sciences involved, the difficulties presented based on era of birth, as well as the insertion of renowned historical scientists. However, this is more slice of life, and mostly focused on Henrietta. Of course, the life of Pleistocene women is less known.
For me, Henrietta’s love story was somewhat annoying, but it does serve the purpose of showing another link between these females separated by millennia.
For me, Henrietta’s love story was somewhat annoying, but it does serve the purpose of showing another link between these females separated by millennia.
March 16, 2022
My sister introduced me to this book. She fancy a lot of things related to the anthropology world, and, although I am not such a fan, "Fossil Woman'' captivated me completely.
I always enjoy stories about women, Henriettas' and Ifas' were not different. The position they took to defend their interests and also against all odds they resisted and persisted until they got what they were in it for was fascinating.
Sharon Lyons' book is definitely a book for adults, but it would be really interesting and really insightful to have a version for kids. It leaves a really powerful message that, sadly, it has to be reminded of.
I always enjoy stories about women, Henriettas' and Ifas' were not different. The position they took to defend their interests and also against all odds they resisted and persisted until they got what they were in it for was fascinating.
Sharon Lyons' book is definitely a book for adults, but it would be really interesting and really insightful to have a version for kids. It leaves a really powerful message that, sadly, it has to be reminded of.
March 16, 2022
The job of a woman
“Fossil Woman” is a novel that tells the story of Henrietta, a strong but struggling woman that fights against society’s patriarcal rules. Henrietta knows what she is supposed to do and how she is supposed to act. However, that is not what she wants. Luckily for her, she is surrounded by people that see her potential and help her to create her own reality.
This is a slow-paced story that speaks for many women in the 1950s. I was not enchanted by the plot, but I loved the main character and I understood her fight. I liked the way the author, called Sharon Lyon, honoured the many women that happened to live similar lives. For this reason, I give this story four stars.
“Fossil Woman” is a novel that tells the story of Henrietta, a strong but struggling woman that fights against society’s patriarcal rules. Henrietta knows what she is supposed to do and how she is supposed to act. However, that is not what she wants. Luckily for her, she is surrounded by people that see her potential and help her to create her own reality.
This is a slow-paced story that speaks for many women in the 1950s. I was not enchanted by the plot, but I loved the main character and I understood her fight. I liked the way the author, called Sharon Lyon, honoured the many women that happened to live similar lives. For this reason, I give this story four stars.
December 2, 2022
Excellent Story of Strong Women
Intelligent and capable women. This is an amazing story about women I’ve known. These women and so many others are strong, determined and capable. The only challenge for me was how each chapter moved back and forth so many times and in unexpected ways. At times I lost track of characters. However, the fundamental stories told were outstanding, heartwarming and well worth reading. These are the types of accomplished women I’ve been lucky to know.
Intelligent and capable women. This is an amazing story about women I’ve known. These women and so many others are strong, determined and capable. The only challenge for me was how each chapter moved back and forth so many times and in unexpected ways. At times I lost track of characters. However, the fundamental stories told were outstanding, heartwarming and well worth reading. These are the types of accomplished women I’ve been lucky to know.
July 9, 2024
If you have interest in paleontology, paleolithic evolution, geology, or the fantastic research done by Mary and Richard Leakey in the 50's and 60's, this is the book for you. I was glad I had it on Kindle so I could instantly look up the meaning of this branch of specific science inquiry. Henrietta had an innate longing and abilitiy for paleontology and was encouraged by her father who worked at the Smithsonian institute during her early school years. The one character I didn't like was grad student Frank, who was rude, disrespectful, unavailable, and unaware of caring for another. I could see no reason Henrietta would give him the time of day.
October 15, 2024
Loved this exciting tale
This is a well written story about a girl/woman of the 50's-60's who is strong willed in pursuing a career dominated by men, archeology and all the other " ologys". Her determination pays off in a most unbelievable way when she is presented the opportunity to join a famous dig in Africa. The story is very well written and flows smoothly. No filler all action. well defined characters. Couldn't put it down. I highly recommend to all you fossil hunters.
This is a well written story about a girl/woman of the 50's-60's who is strong willed in pursuing a career dominated by men, archeology and all the other " ologys". Her determination pays off in a most unbelievable way when she is presented the opportunity to join a famous dig in Africa. The story is very well written and flows smoothly. No filler all action. well defined characters. Couldn't put it down. I highly recommend to all you fossil hunters.
March 16, 2022
This book was thoroughly enjoyable and excellently written I really had a hard time putting it down
I though that Ms. Lyon did a great job of developing the main character. It was very easy to feel her growing and going through college ( and the trials of being an undergrad) and then participating in paleontological digs both during and after college.
I would recommend Fossil Woman unhesitatingly to anyone looking for a good read.
I though that Ms. Lyon did a great job of developing the main character. It was very easy to feel her growing and going through college ( and the trials of being an undergrad) and then participating in paleontological digs both during and after college.
I would recommend Fossil Woman unhesitatingly to anyone looking for a good read.
October 12, 2022
I would have given this "meh" book 3 stars but the narrator was so awfully bad I just can't. So many mispronounced words (what editor would have let her get away with saying "profilically" for "prolifically"?) and strange emphases on words. And really, get someone who can do better with the accents of Tanzania, etc. This was just so painful to listen to.
January 7, 2025
A captivating read about a woman’s journey to paleontology. I don’t think I’ve ever read a book that could make me excited about rocks and fossils but Henrietta’s drive and excitement carried me on her journey to follow her dreams.
A coming of age tale that shows tenacity and determination in a world that doesn’t want to accept women as professionals.
A coming of age tale that shows tenacity and determination in a world that doesn’t want to accept women as professionals.
March 12, 2022
Excellent story
This is an excellent read and one that is hard to put down. It combines history and science in an intriguing way as well as pointing out how difficult it was for women to strive in certain occupations.
This is an excellent read and one that is hard to put down. It combines history and science in an intriguing way as well as pointing out how difficult it was for women to strive in certain occupations.
July 21, 2022
Interesting and chock-full of geology and anthropology references
Also, most accurate about the 1960's attitudes towards women in the sciences.
Liked the inclusion of the second story line of prehistoric humans.
Also, most accurate about the 1960's attitudes towards women in the sciences.
Liked the inclusion of the second story line of prehistoric humans.
August 2, 2022
Mostly educational, but awesome!
I liked the mix of personal and professional life in this book. I heartily wish that I had gone into this profession. It brought to life this era and how hard it was to be a woman at this time. Wonderful!
I liked the mix of personal and professional life in this book. I heartily wish that I had gone into this profession. It brought to life this era and how hard it was to be a woman at this time. Wonderful!
January 15, 2023
I was intrigued by the idea of this book and the fact it was about anthology/paleontology. I enjoyed the book but failed too see the connection between Henrietta and the million year old fossil of Ifa.
May 18, 2024
It’s a good book and if you are into anthropology or evolution this is a well researched book. It’s well written although the connection to Ifa, the prehistoric woman and Henrietta was a little weak. This the first in a series but will be my last.
March 19, 2022
What a great book. This is about Henrietta reaching for her dreams. She dealt with the attitudes of the period. Henrietta not only prevailed but succeed and realized her dreams.
March 22, 2022
Loved the book!
May 22, 2022
of course a woman wrote this.
This book has it all. Love, science,history and is easy to read. Great for reading at the beach or backyard.
This book has it all. Love, science,history and is easy to read. Great for reading at the beach or backyard.
February 23, 2023
To Follow
March 25, 2024
The authors style flows so enjoyable to read. Deals with women breaking into an all men’s field of work.
September 26, 2025
Interesting
Ideally enjoyed this story. It gave me a little understanding of what people do looking into the past and discovering fossils
Ideally enjoyed this story. It gave me a little understanding of what people do looking into the past and discovering fossils
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews