Reviews with content warning for Racism - Bear

Reviews tagging 'Racism'

Bear by Marian Engel

7 reviews

toyin_'s review

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funny reflective slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

It is fairly interesting but the narratives surrounding the book make it sound like it is just

bear on lady business.

It is rather a introspective exploration of gender, sex and history. Sometimes the archival work the protagonist is interesting. Other times there's a uncritical nostalgic view of history is neither interesting nor needed. There are also some negative generalisations about indigenous people made by the main character and other white characters in the book.

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toffishay's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful mysterious reflective fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.75

Lou is a woman looking to understand herself, to find direction and meaning in life. Her job on Cary's Island and her connection with the bear allows her to find a connection with herself, with the world around her, and her place in it. It's absolutely a controversial book and will not be for everyone. I don't even really know if it's for me! But I connected with Lou's journey for self-discovery and I found myself at the end feeling contented, like there is something in this book that I can come away with too.

Content Warnings