Mila and the Bone Man

  3 Reviews

Mila's family hail from Northland, and with their happy home and their proximity to a nearby forest, she has an idyllic childhood. But for every idyll, there is its counterpart, and the grief and trauma that visit the family cause Mila to seek exile in Auckland. But the lure of the north eventually draws Mila back to accept the mantle of healer.

Compelling and emotionally engaging, this story considers the complex issues of guilt and grief, and the healing and peace available through the natural world.

This title is also offered as part of the Narrative Muse Book Club.

Reviews

AUCK 173

15-07-2024

We enjoyed this book, and especially liked the fact that the bush and nature were brought to life with very clear and evocative descriptions. However we also reflected on the idea that many N.Z. novels have quite dark themes.

WHANG 033

09-05-2024

This story resonated with everyone in the group in varying aspects - grief, guilt, justice, child protection. We saw the character development through the lens of the author's perspective and individual experience.

NORTH 003

01-05-2024

We were privileged to have the author join us for our club meeting where we discussed the book. She told us how she got the ideas for the book, how she wrote from experience. Some found the book deeply spiritual, and that family is at the heart of living, where we encounter grief, pain, guilt and hurt. Some found the violence upsetting but we enjoyed the N.Z. forest descriptions, and the Maori cultural references.