"The Inheritors" is a novel by William Golding that explores the lives of a group of early Neanderthals as they encounter a more advanced species, modern Homo sapiens. The story is told from the perspective of the Neanderthals, highlighting their struggles, emotions, and the challenges they face in a changing world. The narrative contrasts the simple, instinctual lives of the Neanderthals with the complex, often harsh behaviors of the Homo sapiens. As the two groups interact, themes of survival, adaptation, and the essence of humanity are examined, ultimately questioning what it means to inherit the earth.