45 pages • 1 hour read
Keri HulmeThe Bone People
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1984A 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
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
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.