45 pages 1 hour read

Keri Hulme

The Bone People

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1984

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Before You Read

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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.

Reviews & Readership

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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.

RecommendedReading Age

18+years

Book Details

Genre

Magical Realism

Modern Classic Fiction

Historical Fiction

Period

Colonialism / Postcolonialism

Themes

Emotions/Behavior: Love

Identity: Gender

Society: Colonialism

Topics

History: World