"The Bear Came over the Mountain" is a short story by Canadian author Alice Munro, originally published in The New Yorker in 1999. The story follows the relationship between an aging couple, Grant and Fiona, as they confront the challenges of old age and memory loss.
After Fiona develops Alzheimer's disease, Grant struggles to come to terms with her deteriorating mental state and the impact it has on their relationship. As Fiona's condition worsens, Grant is forced to confront his own past infidelities and regrets, and must make difficult decisions about their future together.
Munro's writing style is characterized by its subtle and nuanced approach to character development, and the story is a masterful exploration of the themes of love, aging, and memory. She offers a poignant and sensitive portrayal of the impact of Alzheimer's disease on individuals and relationships, and her prose is both elegant and emotionally resonant.
Overall, "The Bear Came over the Mountain" is a powerful and affecting story that offers a searing commentary on the complexities of human relationships and the challenges of aging. It is a masterful work of short fiction that showcases Munro's talent as one of the most important writers of her generation.