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The Bone People
450 pages, 1986
fiction
1382 booksThe Bone People is a work of unfettered wordplay and mesmerizing emotional complexity. Winner of both a Booker Prize and Pegasus Prize for Literature, The Bone People is a unique novel that transports us to the heart of New Zealand's Pacific Island communities. The main character, Kerewin Holmes, is a woman in exile from her family who lives on an isolated island in New Zealand. One night, her solitude is disrupted by a visitor—a speechless, mercurial boy named Simon, who tries to steal from her and then repays her with his most precious possession—a pigeon's egg. As Holmes succumbs to Simon's feral charm, she also falls under the spell of his Maori foster father Joe—who rescued the boy from a shipwreck and now treats him with an unsettling mixture of tenderness and brutality.
The Bone People by Keri Hulme is a deep exploration of Maori culture and identity. It's a great read if you're interested in learning about New Zealand's indigenous people and their traditions. Hulme's book is a rich tapestry of cultural references that will make you feel like you're part of the story.
One of the key themes in The Bone People is the complexity of human relationships. The book explores the bond between a mute boy, his adoptive father, and a reclusive artist. It's a fascinating look into how people connect and interact with each other, even in the most challenging circumstances.
Hulme's book is a powerful tale of redemption. It shows that no matter how far we fall, there's always a chance to rise again. The characters in the book face numerous struggles, but they never give up. It's a great reminder that we all have the power to change and grow.
The Bone People takes a deep look into the effects of isolation on the human psyche. The main characters live in isolation, both physically and emotionally, and the book explores how this impacts their lives. It's a thought-provoking read that will make you see the world in a new light.
Keri Hulme's writing style is unique and beautiful. She blends English with Maori language and uses poetic and symbolic language to tell her story. If you're a fan of beautifully written books, you'll definitely want to check out The Bone People.
