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45 pages 1 hour read

The Bone People

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1984

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Book Brief

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Keri Hulme

The Bone People

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1984
Book Details
Pages

450

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

New Zealand • 1980s

Publication Year

1984

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

The Bone People by Keri Hulme is a modernist novel depicting the lives of three outcasts—Kerewin, Joe, and Simon—who form an unconventional family. Following individual and shared trials, they bond, reflecting the broader quest for cohesion in New Zealand's multicultural society. The story addresses issues like domestic violence, abuse, alcoholism, social isolation, sexism, and racism.

Mysterious

Dark

Contemplative

Emotional

Bittersweet

Reviews & Readership

4.2

23,387 ratings

74%

Loved it

17%

Mixed feelings

9%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Keri Hulme's The Bone People captivates with its unique narrative style and deep exploration of complex themes such as identity and trauma. Praised for its evocative prose and rich character development, the novel can be challenging due to its unconventional structure and dense language. Some readers find the story's pacing uneven, but its emotional depth and originality resonate powerfully.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Bone People?

Readers who would enjoy The Bone People by Keri Hulme are typically fans of literary fiction that explores complex human relationships, cultural identity, and emotional healing. Comparable works include Barbara Kingsolver’s The Poisonwood Bible and Toni Morrison’s Beloved for their deep character insights and rich, evocative prose.

4.2

23,387 ratings

74%

Loved it

17%

Mixed feelings

9%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

450

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

New Zealand • 1980s

Publication Year

1984

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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