Bear by Marian Engel. There is really no way to describe this novel without sounding crazy, so I'll start with the good bits. The writing is amazingly vivid and beautiful. Engel has a talent that I have yet to see in classic/Canadian writers. It won the Governor General's Award for the year it was published (1976). It is stated to be the most important book in Canadian history, but it takes some bravery. Deep down it is a novel chronicling the growth of a woman understanding her full sexuality. It speaks to what it means to be Canadian with our spiritual connection with nature. On the face of it, and here it comes, it is a relationship between a young woman and a bear. But even that provides the required satirical nature of the novel. It's takes some bravery, but it was truly very good!
I should note that it takes place in the Algoma District of Northern Ontario, where my hometown is located. It also mentions my hometown, Sault Ste. Marie numerous times throughout the novel.
I should note that it takes place in the Algoma District of Northern Ontario, where my hometown is located. It also mentions my hometown, Sault Ste. Marie numerous times throughout the novel.