Bear (novel)
| Author | Marian Engel |
|---|---|
| Country | Canada |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Fiction |
| Publisher | McClelland & Stewart |
Publication date | 1976 |
| Media type | Print (Hardcover) |
| Pages | 141 |
| ISBN | 9780771030802 |
Bear is a book by Canadian author Marian Engel. It was published in 1976 by McClelland & Stewart.[1] It is about an archivist named Lou who is sent to Northern Ontario to look after a library on fictional island.
The novel has been called one of the most controversial novels in Canadian history. This is because the character Lou has sexual intercourse with a bear.[2] The novel was awarded to Governor General's Literary Award in 1976.[3]
The novel has been praised for Engel's writing and has been called one of the best and quintessential Canadian novels.[4][5]
Plot
A 27-year-old archivist named Lou is sent from her work in Toronto to look after a library and house on the fictional island of Cary's Island. While here, she becomes lonely in the isolation of the Northern Ontario island. She meets a Cree woman named Lucy Leroy who helps her become close to a bear that was owned by the island's previous owner. Eventually Lou develops a sexual relationship with the bear.[6]
Popularity
In 2014, the novel became an internet meme after a post on the image website Imgur titled "WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK, CANADA?" was shared many times and became viral.[7]
References
- ↑ "Why the classic Canadian novel Bear remains controversial — and relevant". CBC Radio. Retrieved February 9, 2025.
- ↑ "Bear (Novel)". The Canadian Encyclopedia. Archived from the original on September 6, 2024. Retrieved February 9, 2025.
- ↑ "Quebec writers end literary award boycott". Edmonton Journal, May 18, 1977.
- ↑ "Marian Engel's Bear, reviewed: The best Canadian novel of all time". The National Post. Retrieved February 9, 2025.
- ↑ "Bearotica: Why the 1976 novel 'Bear' is actually a good read". CBC Radio. Retrieved February 9, 2025.
- ↑ "Lifelines: Marian Engel's writings". McGill-Queen's University Press. Retrieved February 9, 2025.
- ↑ "Why there's new interest in the book 'Bear': Irony, sly humour (and the bear sex)". The Globe and Mail. Retrieved February 9, 2025.