July 6, 2020 6:00 am
It’s rare for me to not be able to summarize the description of a story in my own words but I’ve given it two days and just cannot do more justice to that provided with the book so here it is.
“In an Edenic future, a girl and her father live close to the land in the shadow of a lone mountain. They possess a few remnants of civilization: some books, a pane of glass, a set of flint and steel, a comb. The father teaches the girl how to fish and hunt, the secrets of the seasons and the stars. He is preparing her for an adulthood in harmony with nature, for they are the last of humankind. But when the girl finds herself alone in an unknown landscape, it is a bear that will lead her back home through a vast wilderness that offers the greatest lessons of all, if she can only learn to listen.”
I love fables, am mysteriously drawn to dystopian worlds and have a high appreciation of those that know how to survive using the earth’s natural resources. Even though this story seemed to have all of these elements based on its description, I almost gave it a pass and would have missed out on one of the most captivating short stories. The writing is elegant in its simplicity and the underlying messages resound throughout. I longed for more but found the ending to be perfection. The narrator’s performance was so subtle, never giving in to any need for dramatization because the writing didn’t need it. It’s a great story no matter if you read or listen but I highly recommend the audio version. This was just lovely.
(Thanks to the publisher and Libro.fm for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
Posted by Jonetta | Blue Mood Café
Categories: Audiobook, Dystopia, Literary Fiction, Magical Realism
Tags: 2020 Audiobook Challenge, Reviews
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[…] The Bear by Andrew Krivak […]
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By 2020 Audiobook Challenge – Blue Mood Café on July 6, 2020 at 6:23 am
Oh this sounds so good….Glad you enjoyed it, Jonetta! One to add to the list for me.
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By yayareadslotsofbooks on July 6, 2020 at 8:19 am
Thanks, Marialyce💜 This is one to savor.
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By Jonetta (Ejaygirl) | Blue Mood Café on July 6, 2020 at 9:48 am
This sounds like a quiet and revelatory story, Jonetta. Something I think I would enjoy too, with the elements you describe.
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By Alexandra on July 6, 2020 at 9:37 am
That’s a PERFECT description, Alexandra💜 Where were you when I was struggling for the right words😏
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By Jonetta (Ejaygirl) | Blue Mood Café on July 6, 2020 at 9:49 am
Ha! Ha! Sat at my desk, probably. 😉
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By Alex on July 6, 2020 at 2:25 pm
This sounds great! I will add it to my audible wishlist 😀
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By Jules_Writes on July 6, 2020 at 10:50 am
Hope you enjoy, Jules!
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By Jonetta (Ejaygirl) | Blue Mood Café on July 6, 2020 at 11:03 am
Wow, Jonetta. I think you did an amazing job describing this one. I read some GR friends’ reviews and added this to my wishlist, forgetting that I have the audio, so thank you for reminding me. Terrific review, my friend.
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By jennifertarheelreader on July 6, 2020 at 11:18 am
I have you to thank. This was one of the books I went back and downloaded after you encouraged me to get more from Libro.fm. Otherwise I would have let it go because I didn’t know if I could get to it timely.
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By Jonetta (Ejaygirl) | Blue Mood Café on July 6, 2020 at 1:40 pm
Wonderful review! x
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By Meggy | Chocolate'n'Waffles on July 7, 2020 at 1:53 am
Thank you, Meggy💜
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By Jonetta (Ejaygirl) | Blue Mood Café on July 8, 2020 at 3:55 pm
It sounds good! 🙌
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By Carol on July 7, 2020 at 3:17 am
That it is!
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By Jonetta (Ejaygirl) | Blue Mood Café on July 8, 2020 at 3:55 pm
This sounds very compelling with so many subtly hidden depths. Definitely one for the TBR Jonetta ☺️☺️☺️❤️💜
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By Emer @alittlehazebookblog on July 8, 2020 at 9:13 am
That’s great news, Emer💜
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By Jonetta (Ejaygirl) | Blue Mood Café on July 8, 2020 at 3:53 pm
Ohhh you have me fully intrigued! Wonderful review. xx
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By Yvonne (It's All About Books) on July 8, 2020 at 11:51 pm
Thank you, Yvo💜 Part fantasy, magical realism and fable, this is a gem.
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By Jonetta (Ejaygirl) | Blue Mood Café on July 9, 2020 at 7:08 am
[…] 6. The Bear by Andrew Krivak I took a chance on this gem of a story and couldn’t be more grateful for having taken the leap. It’s pretty short but extremely impactful. I loved it, especially on audio. […]
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By Best of 2020 – Top 12 Books – Blue Mood Café on December 29, 2020 at 7:45 am