Gimbutas, and by extension Eisler, with all her claims after those, moves onto increasingly shakier ground.* Anything after that, we can't really say for sure. My conclusion: there are a couple strong points to the idea of a more egalitarian Neolithic society that had possible elements of a religion involving numerous goddesses.

Gimbutas is a highly controversial figure in archaeology, and I tried to wade a bit into the debate around her by reading a number of articles, to better weigh Eisler's argument. The first half is in large part a summary and popularizing of the work of archaeologist Marija Gimbutas, who argues that before the spread of Indo-European civilization there existed a matrifocal, peaceful, egalitarian society, that practiced a predominately female-oriented polytheism that also involved a single Goddess figure. I read it because I know a number of people who claim this book fundamentally shaped their worldview (and a number of others who don't make that claim, but are certainly influenced by the popularity of Eisler's ideas). I love the message.Three stars because it was a pretty interesting read, and she covers, well, all of human history. It's message could help change how humans treat each other, and it could teach us to love each other as equals. Riane has deeply researched this subject and it is comprehensive.

This book is important and I highly recommend it. It makes so much sense, and the message is powerful. The book made me happy and I had a sort of knowing that everything that Riane described was true.

What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment? Riane showed her passion about the subject as as always, I love to listen to books narrated by the author so that I can hear their passion in their voice. What does Riane Eisler bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book? The role of women in society and within the family over the ages is the main focus of the book and it was very interesting to understand how things have changed. The sound quality was poor so if this was improved the book would be better. What would have made The Chalice and the Blade better?

The chalice and the blade book