Bone People, The
Hulme, KeriA provocative and poetic novel set in a remote South Island beach community. Hulme casts her magic on three fiercely unique characters who remind us that we, like them, are "nothing more than people". Bound in Maori mythology and Christian symbolism. NZ Interest. Booker Prize Winner, 1985. [Small font]
This title is also offered as part of the Narrative Muse Book Club. View this title on the Narrative Muse website
Comments from Groups
Mixed reaction but most enjoyed the book and had a good discussion. Aria 001 Loved it - a lot going on. Rated 8 and a half out of 10. Everyone has ghosts in their closets. Tehoro 001 Difficult to read but all pleased to have read it. Lots of discussion about the ending - very sudden and almost too 'happy ever after'. Dunedin 064 Most people who managed to finish the book found it incredible and rated it highly. Nelson 020 Best book yet. Whole group discussion went very well. A wide variety of reactions to this book - from not managing to get into it, to not being able to leave it alone. Katikati 003 We all enjoyed the book - very thought provoking. Many felt they needed to read it again to uncover more themes, ideas etc. Christchurch 088
Pages
445
445
Year
1984
1984
Reviews
22-06-2023
An interesting read.
20-07-2022
Only half the group finished the book - some were put off by the format and style. The presentation and content appealed to some, and the uniqueness of voice and use of Te Reo were universally liked. Most did not like the ending.
20-07-2022
Very much enjoyed by all. Most were surprised by how much they did enjoy it, as had a preconception that it would be a "difficult" book!
20-07-2022
People thought it was a very good book - liked the fact that it was a N.Z. book and could relate to it because of this.
20-07-2022
Those who read it really enjoyed it.
20-07-2022
Everybody enjoyed the book, although found the writing style unusual and the spirituality a bit challenging. The ending was seen as a little "abrupt", and "too good to be true".
20-07-2022
We enjoyed the language. Had a thoughtful discussion on changes in attitude to abuse since the book was written.
20-07-2022
Most of our group were glad to read this iconic N.Z. book - we liked the poetic nature and the stream of consciousness style. Some could not get into it, so three did not actually read it.
20-07-2022
We had a wide spread of scores for this book. There was general appreciation for the ideas expressed and the language but the plot development was protracted and disparate. Several in our group found clear parallels with 'The Luminaries'.
16-04-2019
Those who could get into the book found it very addictive. Some parts are a little hard to follow but the language and use of words is very clever. The author gives beautiful descriptions of NZ nature the plants, locations, fish and other. The Maori language throughout was novel for the times. There is violence and a lot of alcohol. The depth of the book was noted by all, with many layers of themes. This all led to deep conversation within the group.