Bear.

"Bear" by Julia Phillips is a mesmerizing novel set on a rugged Pacific Northwest island off the coast of Washington, where two sisters, Sam and Elena, grapple with their constrained lives. Sam toils on the ferry transporting wealthy mainlanders, while Elena bartends at a local golf club, both struggling to make ends meet. Their dreams of escape are disrupted when Sam encounters a bear swimming in the channel, which later appears near their home. While Sam sees the bear as a sign to leave, Elena becomes enchanted by the creature, threatening their plans. This rich and mythical tale explores the bonds of sisterhood and the enigmatic presence of wild animals, painting a vivid picture of life in Washington's remote, hauntingly beautiful landscape.