Introduction to ‘Bear’ by Julia Phillips

In Julia Phillips’ latest novel, ‘Bear,’ two sisters, Sam and Elena, navigate the challenges of life on an island in the Pacific Northwest. Their days are consumed with work and caring for their dying mother. However, their steady routine is disrupted when a bear appears, bringing a wild and unpredictable element into their lives.

A Shift in Control

‘Bear’ opens with a sense of wildness and an immediate understanding that control is elusive. The island’s landscape dictates the terms, not the humans inhabiting it. This is evident when Sam, who works in food service on the island’s ferry, spots a bear swimming—an unusual sight for the area. Sharing this sighting with her sister Elena, who reacts with curiosity, sets the stage for the novel’s unfolding events.

The Bear’s Disruption

The unexpected arrival of the bear outside their home shocks Sam and terrifies her, while Elena finds herself enchanted and curious. This bear’s presence disrupts their equilibrium, raising questions they are unsure how to answer. The novel beautifully balances the twin tensions of caring for their mother and understanding the bear’s presence, pushing the sisters’ relationship to evolve in unexpected ways.

Modern Fairy Tale Elements

Julia Phillips draws light inspiration from the Grimm’s fairy tale “Snow White and Rose Red,” imbuing ‘Bear’ with a modern fairy tale sensibility. There is a quest for wonder and magic in their surroundings, an acceptance of the unexpected in a world that otherwise feels rigid and constrained. The novel’s pacing is careful and swift, contrasting the richness of the landscape with the intense human struggle for survival.

Conclusion

‘Bear’ by Julia Phillips is a novel that demands to be read in a single sitting. Its taut energy, quick language, and surprising narrative make it hard to look away. Just as the sisters are captivated by the bear, readers will find themselves engrossed in this story that deftly unfolds in unexpected and enchanting ways.