The Summer of the Bear by Bella Pollen is set in 1979 and follows the Fleming family who make their way from Bonn, Germany to the Outer Hebrides. Letitia or Letty to her friends takes a three-day journey with her bickering children Georgie (18), Alba (16) and Jamie (8) after she is forced to relocate. All of this happens after her British diplomat husband and the children’s father Nicky mysteriously falls from the consulate’s roof. Meanwhile a wrestler’s bear has escaped on the Scottish island they’re heading for.
Secrets, Grief and the Cold War
The Summer of the Bear is a beautifully told story of miscommunication, profound loss, overwhelming grief, teenage angst and neurodivergence. As the novel unfolds, each member of the Fleming family struggles to find their way and make sense of the world that’s been upended. And all set against the backdrop of the Cold War.
An Atmospheric Island Setting
Bella Pollen’s storytelling flows effortlessly, easily transporting me to a small crofting community on the Western Isles. The island setting is wonderfully evocative and provides the perfect backdrop for a story centred on grief, secrets and belonging.
A Family Adrift
Letty, Georgie, Alba and Jamie each take centre stage, as does the bear. And these shifting viewpoints allows the reader to experience the family’s grief, struggles, anger, loyalty and love from different angles. Each character has their distinctive voice. And even Jamie, the youngest member of the family, is fully realised. The bear could have slipped into becoming a quirky subplot, instead he becomes a key thread running through the novel. And underpinning everything is the mystery of Nicky’s death and goings on at the MOD.
Final Thoughts
The Summer of the Bear is a gorgeous novel about family, grief and finding a way forward after loss. Rich in atmosphere and full of memorable characters. I absolutely loved this story from the moment I started it in Newcastle airport, to sitting on the plane and then relaxing in the shade by the pool. It’s ideal for those who love stories focusing on family drama with a strong sense of place. Highly recommended. Five stars.