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. ( )

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. ( )

At the beginning it was interesting, but after page after page nothing seemed to happen (except being privy to the protagonist's soul-searching) I began to tire.

It could have been a good adventure book with some more action, or a good introspective book without it, but it fails on both accounts.

Nice place and primitive behaviour descriptions reflecting an excellent groundwork but lacking soul (IMHO), thus the rating. ( )

This is an epic. It is visionary. Many times throughout reading it I am reminded of Neil Gaiman's writing style. And at the end Berman explains the path she takes to find her story. It leaves you thinking. ( )

Cloud goes to sleep a bear and awakes to discover she has transformed into a human girl. A sweet children's fairytale you might think, well you could not be more wrong. She has to flee from the town ruled by her human mothers husband fearing for her life. So begins a journey through spirit worlds full of mythical creatures animal and human, as she bravely battles to survive.
Be warned there is also graphic violence.
I will be honest I cannot say I understood all the nuances of the story, but nevertheless thoroughly enjoyed it. This book is very well written descriptive, engaging imaginative, intriguing and very entertaining, and I very much recommend it. ( )