Café Neandertal

Book excerpt: Venture to one of Europe’s most ancient places to uncover Neandertal remains—and what it means to be human. “[Bahrami’s] wide interests in travel, memoir, food, wine . . . make this exceedingly engaging title more like a French version of Under the Tuscan Sun” (Booklist). The Dordogne region of southwestern France is one of Europe’s most concentrated regions for Neandertal occupations. In this delightful book, award-winning writer Beebe Bahrami travels to this storied place—highlighting the archaeologists doing some of the most comprehensive work on the research, exploration, and recovery of our ancient ancestors. Bursting with the textures, sounds, and smells of Dordogne’s excavation sites, Café Neandertal is a fascinating trek through prehistoric history that sheds surprising light on what it means to be human. Perfect for armchair travelers, history buffs, and anyone interested in archaeology!