Two sisters, Sam and Elena, are living on an island off the coast of Washington. They are both still at home caring for their sick mother despite the dreams they had growing up. Elena comes home one day and shares about an encounter she had with a bear, but can’t seem to let it go no matter how many warnings are thrown her way.

To be quite honest, this one was not for me.. The magical realism aspect did not complement the depressing, sister-focused, family story this was trying to tell. It was just weird. For as much as I didn’t like it, I almost wished it was longer? If the author took more time to actually explore our characters I think I would have felt more invested. For the main characters to be so negative and sad, the author didn’t give us much else to cling on to character-wise which always leads to me never feeling connected to the story. Maybe I missed something, but maybe it was just mediocre?

While I was intrigued by the plot and potential of two sisters with two very different ideals and motivations, I grew tired of navigating some of the careless behavior. It culminated to a nice "shove it" moment but overall found myself growing apathetic to the very reason for this story: the bear!

Thank you to NetGalley for this eARC. Upon reading this book, I really enjoyed the interaction between the two siblings. I found a lot of connections between those sisters and my own family. The narrative propelled you along well enough, but I gotta admit, and this is not a spoiler to say so, but I loathed the ending. Absolutely loathed. It went from being a book that I wanted to suggest to others to being one of my least favorite reads this year. I have to say, I really wanted this to end differently, but I do sort of understand the author's intentions for the ending, but I just didn't like it.

“Bear” by Julia Phillips was my introduction to the author’s work, as I hadn’t read her previous novel, “Disappearing Earth”, although I had heard great things about it. That’s why I was so excited to read Bear.

“Bear” is a slow-paced, literary fiction piece about two sisters, Sam and Elena, who live underprivileged lives while caring for their dying mother. Both sisters work service jobs and struggle to pay their bills, with their mother’s medical expenses piling up. The story is narrated from Sam’s point of view, leaving Elena’s perspective unknown until the very end.

An unexpected bear enters their lives and doesn’t leave, with each sister reacting differently. Phillips excels at creating a strong sense of place, vividly capturing the isolated setting of San Juan Island, Washington State. This atmospheric portrayal was the highlight of the novel for me.

The story builds tension until it reaches a climax, but then it abruptly ends within a few pages. I found the ending rushed and almost unfinished, lacking development. The dynamics between the sisters didn’t work for me, and despite claims that this is a character-driven plot, I felt the characters were not developed well enough. The narrative might have been more effective if it had alternated between the sisters’ points of view from the beginning.

“Bear” highlights that relationships are not always what they seem and that individuals can experience the same circumstances differently.

Bear by Julia Philips is a uniquely compelling story that explores the lives of two sisters living on a tourist island. Struggling to make ends meet while caring for their sickly mother, the sisters’ lives take an unexpected turn when they encounter a bear. One sister becomes captivated by the animal’s mysterious presence, while the other sees it as an ominous sign—a warning to leave the island behind.

The contrast between the sisters’ reactions to the bear offers a fascinating exploration of belief, fear, and the tension between staying and leaving. Philips crafts an atmospheric narrative that delves into the complexity of their bond, the harsh realities of their lives, and the looming sense of change. The writing is evocative, and the island setting feels almost like a character in itself, adding depth to the story.

Bear is a thought-provoking read, blending myth and reality with emotional depth. It’s a unique exploration of family, nature, and the forces that shape our lives.

This was so good! my first julia phillips and wont be my last! im excited to pick up her other book!

I really enjoyed the author’s debut novel, Dissappwaring Earth, so I was very happy to be approved to give feedback on her newest work: Bear.

This was a pensive and somber story that was well written, but unfortunately did not click for me. I am however on Elena’s side and find the bear fascinating.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher!
The reviews on this book seem to fall in the feast or famine realm. Personally, I found it compelling, and darkly beautiful. Such an odd little tale, but I greatly enjoyed it!

*Bear* by Julia Phillips is a haunting, atmospheric novel that weaves together the beauty of the Alaskan wilderness with raw, emotional storytelling. Phillips' portrayal of complex, flawed characters is gripping, and her prose is both lyrical and sharp, pulling you deep into the story. With its themes of survival, trauma, and personal reckoning, *Bear* is a powerful and unforgettable read.

Bear was not quite the book I was expecting, but I still utterly enjoyed this novel! I am still in SHOCK over the ending and don’t know that I will ever forget this book. I really can’t wait to read more from this author!

Thank you to Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group - Random House | Hogarth for an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This book took me a while to get through and I am not sure if I just didn't like it or if I just wasn't in the mood for this book at the time. I think I would still recommend this book. I am not big on animals talking in books and shape-shifters.

I just finished reading Bear by Julia Phillips, and I’m so excited to share my thoughts with you!

This book is a mesmerizing blend of fairy tale and contemporary fiction, set against the stunning backdrop of the Pacific Northwest. Phillips’ writing is both evocative and atmospheric, making it a truly immersive read.

One of my favorite moments is when the protagonist, Sam, spots a bear swimming across the channel one night while working on the ferry. The way Phillips describes the bear’s massive form gliding through the dark waters, with the moonlight casting an ethereal glow, is so vivid and captivating. This scene perfectly sets the tone for the mysterious and magical elements that follow.

What I love most about Bear is how it explores the complex dynamics between two sisters, Sam and Elena, as they navigate their differing reactions to the bear’s presence. Sam is terrified and wants to leave the island, while Elena is enchanted by the bear and sees it as a symbol of hope1. This contrast creates a rich and compelling narrative that delves into themes of family, survival, and the unknown.

If you’re looking for a book that will transport you to a world where reality and fantasy intertwine, Bear is a must-read. Trust me, you’ll be enchanted by Phillips’ storytelling and the beautiful, haunting world she creates.

This is a book I expected to really like and I did but not for any of the reasons I normally do.

What I liked:
1. It is a story about two sisters struggling to make their way in a remote and beautiful island - with their ailing mother.
2. It has a bear -which are frightening and fearful creatures.
3. While you think the story is about the bear - it's about the sisters and how they cope with the difficult world they are navigating. Their responses to the circumstances and each other are sad, tragic and emotional.

What I didn't like about the book:
1. It was so unique that it took me a moment to appreciate and like the story!

Many thanks for the ARC provided by Random House Publishing Group - Random House, Hogarth

Atmospheric and slightly mystical, but without likeable characters and much plot movement makes this a slog of a read.

Julia Phillips is so good at atmosphere! I loved the moody vibe and exploration of family relationships.

This was nothing like I expected and I honestly was not a fan. I tried to read it and get into it but I had to stop in the beginning. It would be the perfect book for those who are a little more abstract and like those types of books but wasn't for me.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC of Bear by Julia Phillips. This novel delves into the untamed wilderness and the delicate balance between human nature and the animal world. Phillips’ writing is atmospheric, painting vivid scenes of the rugged landscape while maintaining a tense, simmering undercurrent. The protagonist’s struggle to find meaning and connection in a remote setting creates a sense of isolation and introspection. However, while the setting and mood are striking, the narrative pace can feel uneven, with some plot points not fully developed. Despite this, Bear captivates with its rich imagery and thought-provoking exploration of humanity’s relationship with the wild.

I wasn’t able to review this book before it’s publish date but now that I have read it I am giving it 4 stars.

🐻 A few years ago, I tried to read Disappearing Earth by this author but ended up not finishing it. When I saw the author had a new book out, Bear, I decided to give it a try. Although I didn’t DNF it, I was tempted many times.

🐻 This book just didn’t resonate with me. I found it to be slow and I couldn’t connect with the characters – particularly Sam. Sam is an adult woman who whined and complained more than the characters in any angsty YA books I’ve ever read. I was so frustrated by her! And there was no growth arc or resolutions to her behavior, which made it even more difficult for me.

🐻 The story itself was a bit odd to me as well. I wonder if I missed some kind of deep philosophical meaning that the author intended. While the book is supposed to explore themes of sisterhood and our relationships with animals “among us – and within us,” all I got out of it was a petulant 28-year-old and her sister who had a strange obsession with a bear.

🐻 I don’t like disliking a book, but this one wasn’t for me.

Thank you @Netgalley and Hogarth for an eARC of this book, which I have read and reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

Bear by Marian Engel is an atmospheric and thought-provoking novel set on a secluded island off the coast of Washington State, where two sisters, Sam and Elena, struggle to make a living amidst the backdrop of isolation and financial hardship. The author paints a vivid picture of the island’s rugged beauty, and the story has a haunting, somber quality. The central conflict arises when Sam encounters a bear swimming across the water, an ominous presence that stirs fear and a longing to escape the island. However, Elena's fascination with the bear—who she believes to be a magical creature—creates a rift between the sisters and complicates their plans for escape. The dynamic between the two, driven by their differing reactions to the bear, forms the emotional heart of the story.

While the novel is beautifully written, the character of Sam proved to be a significant hurdle for my enjoyment. Her constant complaints, condescending attitude, and general rudeness made it difficult to empathize with her, and rather than evolving, her behavior worsens as the story progresses. Additionally, the mystical aspect of the bear, which Elena embraces, felt overly fanciful and detracted from the emotional resonance of the story for me. While some readers may appreciate the quiet, pensive tone and exploration of sisterhood, the bizarre obsession with the bear and Sam’s off-putting personality made it hard for me to fully connect with the narrative. Ultimately, while Bear is an intriguing read, it didn't quite resonate with me, and I found myself wishing for more development and coherence. My rating: 3 out of 5 stars.