Judith Berman (1) (1958–)

This was an idiosyncratic book, with a slow start and an ending that I'm not quite sure about, but I wholly recommend it to fans of mythic fiction. It's a beautiful evocation of the textures, scents, and daily rhythms of its folkloric Pacific Northwest setting, exploring through fine details what it means to be a living being in a world of birth and death and struggle.

While the book dragged for me at first, readerly patience is rewarded with a tense, high stakes coming of age–quest story. Cloud is a wonderful, slightly unusual character, a clueless mortal girl with immortal bear parentage who struggles to identify her desires and emotions. The text makes wise observations about trauma and family, and it's refreshing to encounter a female protagonist with low emotional intelligence.

Finally, Judith Berman is an anthropologist, and this is a respectful and nuanced adaptation of Native source material by a non-Native author. This is her only novel, although I think I've read a short story or two of hers. Alas, it seems she's wholly out of print, so I will be on the lookout for new publications.… (meer)

Bear Daughter is an inspiring Fantasy novel, which follows a young bear cub turned girl named Cloud. Now a human child, Cloud must learn human manners and avoid the wrath of her mother's husband, Rumble. I did love the various character names and how they all tied in with the theme of nature.

Aged thirteen and threatened with imminent death, Cloud is chased from the home she came to know, to seek a better life for herself elsewhere. As she travels, she finds herself plagued by dark dreams that will lead her to fulfill her long awaited destiny.

I loved the comparison between mortal and immortal people in this world. The juxtaposition of flawless creatures of surreal beauty with dark intentions had me hooked and unable to put the book down. Strong themes included those of identity, loss of self and others, in addition to mortality.

The plot was fast moving, with great structure to the author's writing. Cloud's emotional state was well explored and helped me to better identify with her character. This magical world was one that I instantly felt a pull toward. So many mysteries await the read in its pages.

The one small issue I had with the book was the ending of part four, where we are introduced to a character at random after a major time leap. This was initially confusing, but by the end of the section, all of my confusion was put to rest. I just wish the sudden change in scenario had been made clear from the start of that particular segment.

Many elements of Bear Daughter are drawn from rich indigenous oral literature of the North American Northwest Coast. The events of the novel stem from a group of traditions from the aforementioned area, that are collectively known as the Bear Mother Story. Author Judith Berman found themselves greatly affected by learning of such traditions and responded by writing this masterpiece.

I loved this book and would happily recommend it to everyone I know. I shall be buying my partner their own copy. 5/5 stars.… (meer)