A review by sarahdm
Bear by Marian Engel

reflective
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

"Are you tired of being nice? Don't you wanna go ape shit?"

This is a weird feminist sexual freedom novel from the 70's. She f*cks a bear. She FALLS IN LOVE with said bear. The metaphor isn't exactly subtle. Its just a little disappointing. I feel like as far as feminist literature about these types of themes, there is better stuff out there.

I think its still worth reading if you can bear it :D

Spoilers about why I found the book disappointing below:

Honestly was enjoying this book until the bear hurt her and she returned to society. I wanted to see this woman go FERAL, reject society and the rule of her sex/gender and truly experience freedom by becoming the weird lady that lives in the woods and f*cks a bear. But it didn't happen.