Bear

★★★★★★★★☆☆ 8/10

182 pages

What’s it about?

Sam and Elena are sisters.  They are in their late twenties and are barely scraping by.  They live on an island off the coast of Washington with their ailing mother.  The island is affordable only for those who don't make a living there. Sam lives off the dream that one day (after their beloved Mom dies) they will sell their house and leave this place.  When a bear suddenly appears near their home Sam is terrified- but Elena is captivated.

What did it make me think about?

Sisterhood.

Should I read it?

So this goes on my list of novels that I deeply admire- but did not love.  Sam is the sole narrator and she often left me cold.  I absolutely understand why this book is being called "a masterpiece".  But admiring a story and loving a story are two separate things.  I would definitely recommend this one.  Maybe it was my mood.  I just never got emotionally attached to anyone in the book.

A passage I marked

" 'I saw it again,' Elena said.  'The bear.  It was right next to me.' "