Janelle's Reviews > Bear

Bear loosely takes its inspiration from the fairy tale Snow White and Rose Red. Two sisters, Sam and Elena live on San Juan Island off the Washington state coast. Together they look after their mother who has a terminal illness. Elena works at the golf club and Sam on the ferries that take tourists around the islands. They struggle to make ends meet especially with their mothers medical bills. The bond between the sisters is strong, but Elena, the older sister, takes on most of the responsibility of running the household. The story is told from the point of view of the younger sister, Sam and she trusts that after their mother dies, and they sell the house they will be able to move to the mainland. Then a bear appears on the island, first seen by Sam from the ferry and then outside their home. It’s a compelling read from the moment the bear appears, it’s smell, it’s size, and Elena in particular becomes obsessed with it, seeing it almost as something magical. I really enjoyed this book, even though the ending is shocking, it makes complete sense. This is a story about the bonds between sisters and how to get on with life when everything seems to be a struggle.