I used to love the Clan of the Cave Bear series - it's one of those books that probably piqued my interest about nature, resilience, and survival, as well as never believing the stories you are told. I also really identified with Ayla. I mean, so much of it is trashy love stuff but as I read it when I was a teenager that was totally fine haha. The way you're cooking meat is such a traditional way to do it in many cultures - the additions of herbs from your garden must have made it taste delicious!