The Grimm Brothers have collected some of the most famous fairy tales known. Among these are the stories of Hansel and Gretel, Rumpelstiltskin, and the sisters Snow White and Rose Red.
Fairy tales are meant to tell the value of choosing virtuously or being justly punished for acting evilly. They are powerful tools to instruct children in right living. Any attempt, as is often done in current times, to excuse selfish or hateful actions is antithetical to the motif underlying fairy tales. They are meant to teach virtue based on universal ideas. The famous fairy tale of Snow White and Rose Red is an example of this. Regina Doman has written a powerful retelling of this fairy tale in modern-day New York City. She has entitled the book, "The Shadow of the Bear: A Fairy Tale Retold."
Blanche and Rose Brier have resettled in New York City shortly after the death of their father. Blanche has creamy white skin and is quiet and dark-haired.Reflective to a fault, Blanche rarely does anything spontaneously.
Rose is quite different. Red-haired and vivacious, with a beautiful flushed complexion, Rose acts impetuously at times. On a snowy, bitterly cold night, their mother comes home after working as a nurse in a local hospital. A car narrowly misses running over Mrs. Brier in front of her house. She is saved when a powerfully built young man pushes her out of the way of the careening car. Mrs. Brier invites her young rescuer into their apartment. When asked his name, the young man responds that his name is Bear. There is an air of mystery about Bear, because though he seems kind, he appears to be hiding some deep and painful secret.
At the Catholic high school the girls attend, they hear of a horrible tale in which a priest was murdered in the old church next to the school. A holy, old nun at the high school confirms this story to Blanche. Days later, Bear takes Blanche to the old, decrepit church. The church had once been majestic, but has fallen into ruin. Bear is stricken with a painful agony as he nears the sanctuary. Blanche looks down and sees what appear to be blood stains in front of the altar rail. A great evil begins to surround them, and Blanche senses that some terrible act has happened in the church.
What would make anyone want to kill a priest? What has happened to the valuable ornaments and decorations in the church? How do Blanche and Rose become involved in this deadly contest?
Who is Bear? Why do the girls keep getting protected in times of danger? What does the killer really want? How do faith, courage and a willingness to sacrifice your life for your neighbor enable good to triumph over evil? To find out the answers to these questions, go to the library and check out this compelling novel, "The Shadow of the Bear" by Regina Doman.
This is one of the finest Catholic novels I have read in a long time. The plot will grip readers. However, there are several chilling, frightening scenes at the climax that require a certain maturity. For this reason, I don’t think the book is appropriate for students not yet in high school.
But the faith of the Brier sisters, and the strength, love and courage of Bear are deeply edifying. They are committed to their Catholic Faith. Their heroic choices made in moments of starkest vulnerability will bring fire into your heart and tears to your eyes. Doman’s writing makes you want to hurl yourself into the arms of Christ.
Simply a religious tour de force, Doman has created a great work. I hope you take the time to read this powerful, modern day fairy tale of good triumphing over evil.
