45 pages • 1 hour read
The Bone People
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Book Brief
450
Novel • Fiction
New Zealand • 1980s
1984
Adult
18+ years
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
23,387 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
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 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.
23,387 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Joseph/Hohepa Ngakaukawa Gillayley
Joseph/Hohepa Ngakaukawa Gillayley
A Maori man working in a factory, dealing with loneliness and grief after personal loss, who cares for Simon but battles with his own troubled past and emotions.
Simon Peter/Haimona/Claro or Clare
Simon Peter/Haimona/Claro or Clare
A mysterious young, wild child with a non-verbal history of trauma, found on a beach and adopted by Joe, whose presence draws out the vulnerabilities and complexities in those around him.
450
Novel • Fiction
New Zealand • 1980s
1984
Adult
18+ years
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