Bear: A Novel - Book reviews of Bear: A Novel

'Bear: A Novel' book reviews

Review for'Bear: A Novel'

"Bear: A Novel" by Marian Engel is a book that defies easy categorization and challenges conventional storytelling. Published in 1976, this enigmatic and provocative novel has carved out a unique niche in Canadian literature. On the surface, it tells the story of a woman’s unexpected and deeply unusual relationship with a bear. However, beneath this ostensibly simple premise lies a rich tapestry of themes exploring isolation, self-discovery, and the boundaries of human experience.

The protagonist, Lou, is an archivist who has been sent to a remote island in northern Ontario to catalog the library of a deceased colonel. The isolation of the island mirrors Lou’s own internal isolation. Her life has been marked by a series of unfulfilling relationships and a pervasive sense of disconnection. It is against this backdrop that she encounters the bear, and what unfolds is a relationship that is both literal and metaphorical, charged with a mixture of fascination, tenderness, and unsettling sensuality.

Engel’s prose is both poetic and precise, capturing the wild beauty of the Canadian wilderness and the complexity of Lou’s inner world with equal skill. The island itself becomes a character in the novel, its rugged, untamed landscape serving as a stark contrast to Lou’s previous life in the city. The bear, too, is more than just an animal; it becomes a catalyst for Lou’s transformation, a symbol of the primal and untamed aspects of her own nature that she has long suppressed.

The relationship between Lou and the bear is the novel’s most controversial and compelling element. Engel navigates this delicate territory with a deft hand, avoiding sensationalism and instead focusing on the emotional and psychological dimensions of Lou’s journey. The bear represents a return to a more instinctual way of being, a shedding of societal constraints and a reconnection with the natural world. Through her interactions with the bear, Lou begins to rediscover her own sensuality and sense of self, leading to a profound and unsettling transformation.

"Bear: A Novel" is not an easy read, and it is likely to provoke strong reactions from readers. Some may find its themes disturbing, while others will appreciate its boldness and originality. What is undeniable, however, is Engel’s skill as a writer and her ability to evoke a powerful sense of place and character. The novel’s exploration of isolation, identity, and the human-animal connection is thought-provoking and deeply resonant, raising questions about the nature of love, desire, and what it means to be truly alive.

In conclusion, "Bear: A Novel" is a daring and unforgettable work of fiction that pushes the boundaries of what a novel can be. Marian Engel’s masterful storytelling and evocative prose make this a book that lingers in the mind long after the final page has been turned. It is a novel that invites readers to step outside their comfort zones and confront the wild and untamed aspects of their own nature. For those willing to take the journey, "Bear" offers a profound and transformative reading experience.

Similar BooksMore