Bear Woman Rising

Staley’s assured debut follows two women who take solace in their friendship while living in remote Nuvuk, Alaska, in 1976. Jesse Bookman is a lab aide at the Arctic Research Camp studying extreme cold on mammals. She’s also just gotten pregnant by a predatory mentor. Kara Björnson, who is married to a delusional and volatile gold miner, raises their toddler Kalina in their small cabin, where she goes stir crazy. Both are pulled between the desire for personal fulfillment and the demands of motherhood, but otherwise their sensibilities are opposed. For instance, when the two women visit a cabin that once belonged to Jack London, Kara’s ability to spiritually sense London’s presence contrasts with Jesse’s dependence on scientific evidence. Still, they bond over their discussions about motherhood, as Jesse, who grew up with a schizophrenic mother, wonders what kind of mother she will be and how a baby will affect her career. The story builds to a crisis after Jesse considers a job in Washington, D.C., which would separate her from Kara. Staley convincingly portrays her protagonists as hearty and introspective women concerned for their futures. Readers will admire this mature tale. (Self-published)