The Bone People

by Keri Hulme
The Bone People cover
Good Books rating 4.12
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Waterstones
Paperback • £12.99
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  • ID: 2207
  • Added: 2025-10-13
  • Updated: 2025-10-13
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 4
Reviews
reddit.com · Unknown · 2025-10-15
haunting 4.00

The Bone People is a powerful and haunting novel that explores themes of identity, trauma, and redemption. The writing is poetic and evocative, though the plot can be challenging to follow at times.

The Bone People is a deeply moving and complex novel that delves into the lives of its characters with a raw and poetic intensity. The story is set in New Zealand and revolves around a fractured family, dealing with themes of identity, trauma, and the search for belonging. The writing is beautifully crafted, with a lyrical quality that immerses the reader in the characters' experiences. However, the plot can be somewhat disjointed and challenging to follow, which might be a hurdle for some readers. Despite this, the novel's emotional depth and the richness of its characters make it a compelling read. The exploration of Maori culture and the blending of myth and reality add layers of intrigue and depth to the narrative.

Quick quotes

    The writing is poetic and evocative

    The plot can be challenging to follow at times

    The novel's emotional depth and the richness of its characters make it a compelling read

goodreads.com · Unknown · 2025-10-15
intriguing 3.50

The Bone People is a novel that explores themes of violence, love, and identity, but its Maori elements are questioned for authenticity. The book's success is attributed more to external factors than its literary quality.

The Bone People by Keri Hulme is a novel that delves into complex themes of violence, love, and identity. The reviewer questions the authenticity of the Maori elements in the book, suggesting that they seem willed and self-conscious rather than natural. The novel's success is seen as more a product of external factors, such as the current focus on racism and sexism, rather than its intrinsic literary merit. The reviewer also critiques the Pegasus award, which was intended for a Maori writer, arguing that the criteria were confused and patronizing. Despite these criticisms, the novel's exploration of deep emotional and cultural issues remains compelling.

Quick quotes

    The novel touches a number of currently, or fashionably, sensitive nerves.

    It is, however, the quality of the work that will determine what future the book is to have.

    Her uses of Maori language and mythology strike me as willed, self-conscious, not inevitable, not entirely authentic.

goodreads.com · Unknown · 2025-10-15
haunting 4.50

The Bone People is a powerful and haunting novel that delves deep into the complexities of human relationships and the scars of the past. The writing is poetic and evocative, though the plot can be challenging to follow at times.

The Bone People is a novel that lingers in the mind long after the last page is turned. The characters are deeply flawed and deeply human, and their interactions are both beautiful and painful to witness. The prose is lyrical and often breathtaking, but the nonlinear narrative and dense writing style may not be for everyone. The themes of trauma, redemption, and the search for identity are explored with a raw honesty that is both compelling and unsettling. While the story can be difficult to follow at times, the emotional depth and poetic language make it a rewarding read for those willing to invest the time and effort.

Quick quotes

    The writing is poetic and evocative

    The characters are deeply flawed and deeply human

    The themes of trauma, redemption, and the search for identity are explored with a raw honesty

lrb.co.uk · Unknown · 2025-10-15
profound 4.50

The Bone People is a powerful and haunting novel that explores themes of trauma, healing, and connection. The writing is poetic and immersive, though the plot can be challenging to follow at times.

The Bone People is a deeply moving and poetic novel that delves into the complexities of human relationships and the lingering effects of trauma. The characters are richly drawn, and the prose is both beautiful and unsettling, creating a haunting atmosphere that lingers long after the last page. While the plot can be fragmented and difficult to follow at times, the emotional depth and thematic richness make it a rewarding read. The novel's exploration of identity, family, and resilience is both profound and thought-provoking, offering a unique and unforgettable reading experience.

Quick quotes

    The writing is poetic and immersive

    The plot can be challenging to follow at times

    The novel's exploration of identity, family, and resilience is both profound and thought-provoking

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