Bear
Bear
Book Brief
Beta128
Novel • Fiction
Ontario, Canada • 1970s
2002
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In Bear by Marian Engel, a librarian, Lou, is sent to a remote Canadian island to catalog a deceased colonel's library. There, she encounters a bear and develops an unusual bond. The narrative explores themes of isolation, nature, and self-discovery in her journey.
Mysterious
Contemplative
Bittersweet
Emotional
Reviews & Readership
9,661 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Bear by Marian Engel is praised for its bold exploration of solitude, nature, and emotional awakening. Critics admire its lyrical prose and unique narrative, though its controversial themes can be polarizing. Some find the storyline unsettling, yet others appreciate its courage in challenging societal norms. Overall, it's a provocative and memorable read.
Who Should Read Bear?
Readers of Bear by Marian Engel may appreciate introspective, unconventional narratives exploring human-animal relationships. Fans of The Vegetarian by Han Kang or Life of Pi by Yann Martel, which similarly challenge norms and explore solitude and transformation, may find this novel intriguing.
9,661 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Bear won the Governor General's Literary Award for English-language fiction in 1976, making it one of the most controversial yet celebrated Canadian novels of its time.
Described by author Margaret Atwood as having a "bold" plot, Bear was initially rejected by publishers for its unconventional and provocative theme, before being published by Harcourt Brace Jovanovich.
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Marian Engel, the author of Bear, was a prominent Canadian writer and an advocate for authors' rights, co-founding the Writers' Union of Canada in 1973.
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128
Novel • Fiction
Ontario, Canada • 1970s
2002
Adult
18+ years
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