45 pages • 1 hour read
Keri HulmeA modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
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.
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.
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.
Magical Realism
Modern Classic Fiction
Historical Fiction
Colonialism / Postcolonialism
Emotions/Behavior: Love
Identity: Gender
Society: Colonialism
History: World