49 pages • 1 hour read
Russell BanksRule of the Bone
Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 1995A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Rule of the Bone by Russell Banks is a 1995 bildungsroman that follows the journey of Chapman “Chappie” Dorset, also known as Bone, a troubled teen who becomes homeless after being kicked out by his mother and abusive stepfather. His adventures lead him to squat with a biker gang, save a young girl named Rose, and live with a Jamaican migrant farmer, I-Man, before ultimately traveling to Jamaica and grappling with his familial ties and personal growth. The book includes themes of drug use and homelessness.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Russell Banks' Rule of the Bone garners praise for its raw, authentic narrative and compelling protagonist. Readers appreciate the novel's exploration of adolescent angst and the search for identity. However, some critique its gritty, sometimes bleak subject matter as overly harsh. Overall, the novel's vivid storytelling and emotional depth resonate well with audiences.
Who Should Read Rule of the Bone?
A reader who appreciates Rule of the Bone by Russell Banks is likely captivated by coming-of-age tales marked by gritty realism. Enthusiasts of J.D. Salinger's The Catcher in the Rye or Mark Twain's The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn would be drawn to this novel's exploration of youth, identity, and rebellion.
RecommendedReading Age
16-18yearsLexile Level
1530L