Pearly Everlasting: A Novel By Tammy Armstrong

Set against the haunting backdrop of New Brunswick during the Great Depression, Pearly Everlasting tells the poignant story of Pearly and her brother Bruno, an orphaned bear raised together in a remote logging camp. From the moment Bruno is rescued by the camp’s cook and lovingly nurtured alongside Pearly, their bond becomes unbreakable. Life in the camp is fraught with danger, but the tight-knit community embraces the gentle bear, celebrating their unique family.

Everything changes when a ruthless new supervisor arrives, exploiting the workers and cruelly mistreating Bruno. When the supervisor is found dead, suspicion falls on Bruno, leading to his kidnapping and sale to an animal trader. Determined to save her beloved brother, a now-teenage Pearly embarks on a treacherous journey through the wilderness—her first venture into “the Outside.”

As she navigates the harsh realities of ice and snow, eludes sinister spirits, and faces the brutality of unfamiliar villagers, Pearly uncovers a strength within herself that she never knew existed. Rich with rural folklore and steeped in superstition, Pearly Everlasting is a tale of resilience, the triumph of good over evil, and the unbreakable ties of family. As Pearly’s quest unfolds, she discovers not only the beauty of the natural world but also the depths of her own courage in the face of overwhelming odds.