Pearly Everlasting by Tammy Armstrong is a captivating coming-of-age tale set in the rugged wilderness of a New Brunswick logging camp during the Depression era. As someone who has lived in the suburbs all my life, I was surprised to learn that bears are a common sight in this region. It reminded me of the time a small black bear munched loudly on a tomato under my bedroom window one summer night, waking me up with a start. While I’ve never encountered a bear quite like Bruno, the novel’s portrayal of the bond between Pearly and her bear companion resonated deeply with me.
Disclaimer: Some links found on this page might be affiliate links. If you click an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
The story revolves around Pearly, a young girl whose father works at the logging camp, and her brother, Bruno, a bear she has raised as a family member. When a ruthless tyrant of a camp supervisor arrives, demanding extra hard work from everyone and hating the idea of a tame bear, he threatens to sell Bruno. After the supervisor is found dead under mysterious circumstances, many at the camp suspect that Bruno is responsible. The supervisor’s son then sells the bear, setting Pearly on a perilous journey to find him and bring him home.
Armstrong’s prose is both evocative and poignant, painting vivid pictures of the rugged wilderness and the harsh realities of the time. Her characters are deeply relatable, and Pearly and Bruno’s bond is heartwarming and inspiring. The novel explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and the power of human resilience in the face of adversity.
One of the most striking aspects of Pearly Everlasting is the unique relationship between Pearly and Bruno. Their bond defies expectations, as Pearly treats Bruno not as a pet but as a family member. Their adventures together are filled with both danger and joy, as they navigate the treacherous terrain of the wilderness and face the challenges posed by the adults around them.
The novel’s setting is also a significant character in its own right. The harsh beauty of the New Brunswick wilderness is captured in vivid detail, and the logging camps provide a backdrop of economic hardship and social inequality. Armstrong’s portrayal of the Depression era is both accurate and empathetic, highlighting the struggles faced by ordinary people during this difficult time.
Pearly Everlasting by Tammy Armstrong is a must-read for fans of coming-of-age stories, historical fiction and animal tales. It is a heartwarming and inspiring novel that will stay with readers long after the final page. Armstrong’s debut is a promising start to what is sure to be a successful writing career. Check this one out!
Thanks to Harper Collins for this book for this review.
