A Shape in the Dark: Living and Dying with Brown Bears

by Bjorn Dihle

In A Shape in the Dark, wilderness guide and lifelong Alaskan Bjorn Dihle weaves personal experience with historical and contemporary accounts to explore the world of brown bears--from encounters with the Lewis and Clark Expedition, frightening attacks including the famed death of Timothy Treadwell, the controversies related to bear hunting, the animal’s place in native cultures, and the impacts on the species from habitat degradation and climate change. Much more than a report on human-bear interactions, this compelling story intimately explores our relationship with one of the world’s most powerful predators. An authentic and thoughtful work, it blends outdoor adventure, history, and elements of memoir to present a mesmerizing portrait of Alaska’s brown bears and grizzlies, informed by the species’ larger history and their fragile future.

Genres: Nonfiction, Animals, Science, Nature, Audiobook, History, Memoir

161 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 12, 2021

Reviews

[Olive Fellows (abookolive) · Rating 3 out of 5]

A book deeply of the wilderness, A Shape in the Dark looks at brown bears (and grizzlies, a subspecies of the brown bear) through the telling of stories: the author's stories of growing up in and exploring Alaska where bears still roam, stories of actions taken toward bears earlier in American history, and stories of bear encounters - famous and mundane, personal and secondhand. The prose is haunting and, as I'm sure the author intended, vividly evokes the places he writes about. I wish there had been a stronger core to the book or a clear point he wished to communicate, but it was an enjoyable read overall.

Click here to hear more of my thoughts on this book over on my Booktube channel, abookolive!

[Rowan's Bookshelf (Carleigh) · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars rounded up. I didn't get into the memoir portion of the book, but its beautifully written, has a Very fascinating history with an enthralling way of telling it, and good exploration of why people (myself included) have an interest in creatures such as bears.

I particularly liked the discussion on why people still hunt bears. It goes for big-game hunting in general, that people feel there is a certain kind of "intimacy" that goes with killing large animals in order to truly get close and understand them. I personally think this is deranged and liked the line the author included that goes something like "rapists think they're being intimate with their victims, too"

I loved the history, all these "mountain men" types throughout American history. How hunting was both a masculinity test and a spit in the face of some native beliefs. I liked the conservationist efforts, too.

There isn't really a strong central message or thesis of the book, but more of the what the blurb says. An exploration of brown bears, the written history about them, how they are treated and interacted with now. I thought it was all very interesting and gave me some interesting historical figures to look into as well

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author weaves personal anecdotes with historic accounts regarding the human relationship with grizzly bears in the Rocky Mountains and Alaska. I enjoyed the read, although I'd categorize it as a series of essays rather than a cohesive narrative.

[Fred · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

[Jessica Kelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was surprised at how much I loved this book. Based on the cover (I know, I know) I had expected more fear mongering. But it was actually a fairly pragmatic look at brown bears, written by a hunter and native Alaskan who respects and even admires bears, while also recognizing that they are wild animals that can be dangerous in certain situations. Beautifully written with some great adventure tales thrown in.

[Andrew Garvey · Rating 3 out of 5]

An uneven, sometimes dull sometimes genuinely fascinating book, this attempts to give both an even-handed historical overview of brown bear/human interactions while also serving as a personal memoir of Dihle's experiences with them, and his expertise about them, and their environment.

As a writer of history, Dihle relates some good details and anecdotes but there's only so many accounts of frontiersmen slaughtering as much wildlife as they can get their hands on I could cope with. Yes, this context is important but could be related much more quickly in favour of more space for the book's real strength - as a tribute to the wilderness and the brown bears living in it.

[Houlcroft · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book written with the deepest of reverence and respect for not just brown bears, but the wild in which they live. Dihle blends various historical accounts of encounters and attitudes towards these great bears across the US with more personal and first hand experiences and musings. There is a serene calmness to each measured sentence, and the carefully planned structure weaves back in on itself time and time again to create an engaging and informative narrative grandfather trail of words and accounts. A stunning book from start to finish.

[earthshattering · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is divided into two parts, the first is an attempt at a historical overview and social commentary on the role of bears in society, and the second part includes personal accounts of the author’s experience with bears as a backcountry backpacker and bear-viewing guide in Southeast Alaska.

I could do without the first part. He talks a little bit about the role of Native Americans in bear lore, but he paints a pretty unflattering picture. His story of Geronimo as a carnival attraction comes to mind. Instead of emphasizing Geronimo’s strength and bravery, the author chooses to focus on Geronimo’s humiliation and degradation. Why? I can only assume this is a reflection of some internal attitude.

The second part of the book is much better. Bjorn talks about his trips in the Brooks Range, his experiences guiding, and most interesting to me, his ways of dealing with bear encounters. His advice is to gently talk to the bears and 99% of the time, they will leave you alone. The other 1% is sort of an unavoidable angry bear. I really enjoyed his stories of people who survived bear encounters and their attitudes towards their experience. He still manages to look down on a Native in Aniktuvuk Pass, but he also seems to respect some Natives, so I am not sure what that is all about. Anyone who lends a critical eye towards Native culture in the present time owes it to themselves and the readers to emphasize the oppression and abuse from the American government, missionaries, and pioneers and fortune-seekers over the last 100-150 years. The criticism and superior attitude shouldn’t exist in a vacuum.

I still enjoyed the book for the subject matter.

[Caroline Seate · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Shape in the Dark was a beautiful book that stirred many emotions, from my desire, like many, to “have a moment” with a bear, to a stark reminder of these animals’ power.

The book raises awareness for the respect and protection of grizzly bears through cleverly connected personal and impersonal anecdotes.

The only reason I haven’t given it five stars is because I wish it had taught me more about brown bears and their “sentience,” if you will. However, I learned a lot and have a new love for grizzlies that will only be displayed from a safe and respectful distance.

9/10 I highly recommend this read. Be aware that there are some minorly disturbing or gory moments, but I handled it which says a lot.

[Jason · Rating 4 out of 5]

A detailed beautiful look into a VERY foreign lifestyle. Walking among bears, the author clearly feels most at home -- and yet is not immune to fearing their anger. The description of his nervousness to the point of nausea when starting a trip was enlightening.

Still, if your perception of Grizzlys is that they're violent and unpredictable, this book goes a long way to changing that to reclusive. Certainly still worth being wary around, but not violence seeking.

4 instead of 5 because the book didn't really have connective tissue between the stories (except "Bears") so I found myself putting it down for a while now and then. Still excellent.

[Tessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m only about 1/3rd of my way through this book, which I picked up earlier today at the library, but it’s written in such an honest, poetic, and engaging manner that it’s quickly become my favorite memoir on a human’s relationship with nature. It’s full of open conversations, emotional vulnerability, stunning visual descriptions, and extensive research that gives the reader a strong appreciation and understanding of both the writer and the wilderness he describes.

This story awakens something both quiet and fierce within you. I feel as if I’m spell-bound.

Would I recommend? Yes.

[L Noble · Rating 4 out of 5]

Author is a supporter for saving the brown bears and their habitat. Accounts personal contacts with bears in the upper Northern Hemisphere as well as contacts during history (both positive and negative). Espouses contacts that show that the bears for the most part want to live their lives and are misunderstood.

[Leigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book . Learned so much about brown bears ( grizzlies) and their history ( the founding of America and the slaughter of bears). Great reminder of how special they are and what a privilege it is to see them
. How we need to protect them .

[Jahan Sagafi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great for getting a feel for Alaska and bears, but not particularly well written. Felt like the author lived a beautiful life among the bears but wasn’t really an evocative writer. Still worth it if you want to feel Alaska.

[Ginger Davenport · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very well written! I enjoyed every moment of this book. It’s a wonderful re-telling of our wild history, shaped in many ways by the wilderness and the animals (specifically bears) that inhabit this land. The author touches a cord…one that if all of us are honest feel vibrating deep within our core. Nature reminds us of the Creator, the fragile nature of life and makes us feel alive. I enjoyed reading of the author’s experiences with brown bears paralleled with experiences of those in the past including Meriwether Lewis, “Grizzly Adams” and Theodore Roosevelt. If you’re looking for a book to take you on an adventure through the wild places of Alaska, this book is for you.

[Fritzov · Rating 4 out of 5]

Most bear accounts in this book are really scary.

[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

Written well, fascinating stories of bears and history of how they have been viewed, but with a mix of pretty weird ideologies, evolution, etc.

[Emily Bettin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. Loved learning about bears and I loved the personal memoir insights, too. Would love to read more from this author.

[Kimberley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this delightful little book about brown bears and the author's interactions with them in Alaska.

[Mortisha Cassavetes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book about the Brown Bears! The book goes into everything about bears, and I loved all the stories about the attacks throughout history. If you love bears, I Highly Recommend It!

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting view of how bear live. Just a little too anthropomorphic.

[David Manzolillo · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lot of great stories in this book. Definitely gave me a better appreciation for bears.

[Beans · Rating 3 out of 5]

As when a guide chats to you along the trail

[Sadie Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’d love to see a well produced documentary following the stories shared in this book

[Alice · Rating 5 out of 5]

I randomly found this book and I loved it! It's a braid of history, memoir, and adventure/survival. Bears are amazing. I hope to see a grizzly someday!

[Emily Mackinnon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bears!!!

[James Davies · Rating 4 out of 5]

Riveting. Gripping (literally), wise and kinda informative/insightful (if pretty specific, geographically, as you might imagine).

[Justine Shaw · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't know if I'm more fascinated by brown bears and grizzlies or people who choose to hike, fish, hunt, observe, live, etc. near them. The author of this book recounts his own experiences with the brown bears of Alaska as well as the historical relationship between man and bear. I know that the author respects bears and understands the danger of being around them. However, I still have to wonder about the dichotomy of outdoorsmen who understand this danger, yet purposely put themselves into close proximity to bears. Having said that, maybe I do get it. I've seen grizzlies in Denali and Yellowstone and they were quite far away. I do understand the desire to see these animals up close and remember the disappointment of not being able to get a better look. Still, every time I read about grizzlies, I think how fortunate I wasn't closer. I'm content to be an armchair observer.

[Christina · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had the good fortune of visiting bears in the wilderness of Katmai last year. I also have the habit of picking up books by local authors wherever I travel. 'A Shape in the Dark' is more than a book about bears. It's an authentic and original look into one man's intimate relationship with an extremely challenging and humbling wilderness filled with bears. The author weaves in history of our relationship with bears and wilderness and then brings that history forward in how it permeates various attitudes and relationships today. This is a beautiful read.