Powerful and original

books:


	• The Bone People: A Novel Keri Hulme Penguin (Non-Classics), 1986 - 464 pages average customer review:based on 152 reviews view larger image
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highly recommended

Powerful stuff

I studied The Bone People in sixth form - eight years ago now, and I still remember this as being the most important and engaging book that I have ever been made to read. In truth, I probably never would have read past the first fifty pages if I hadn't been studying the book... the beginning is notoriously hard to get into, but there's a moment when you're reading it that you start to understand the way Hulme writes and you get lost in the undeniable magic of her words.

The Bone People is full of symbolism - apparent symbolism like the reference to Tarot cards, and subtle symbolism too (for example, the reference to Mâori mythology in dreams: look up the importance of moths in Mâori mythology to add another dimension to your understanding of one of the dreams). I found it exciting that I could read this book over and over and still find symbolism that I'd missed in earlier readings.

Similarly, the characters in The Bone People have evolved in stories outside of this novel. Hulme adds another dimension to the character of Haimona / Simon in her short story, A Drift in Dream (in her book Te Kaihau / The Windeater). Reading this short story added to my understanding of Simon and also increased my deep emotional attachment to the unfortunate boy.

It is important to remember when reading this book that it was written almost twenty years ago and that it is one woman's reflection on her place in the world as a NZer with mixed descent. An American reading this book today and saying it is irrelevant is like a NZer reading Toni Morrison or Alice Walker and claiming their works have nothing to say about the world - just because it isn't representative of the world you know doesn't mean that it is not an important work of literature.

Overall, The Bone People was a challenging read but also an amazing journey into the well-constructed world of three very different characters that experience the same events in three very different ways. In one word: Breath-taking.

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Powerful and original

If you enjoy writing that is thoroughly original, you will cherish this gem from Keri Hulme. It is the most powerful book I have ever read and is the book I most frequently recommend. Take your time to read and savor the language...it is pure poetry.

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new beginnings

To me, The Bone People is about new beginnings. It is not about resolution as much as it is about revolution. Some may consider unrealistic the fact that the trio gets back together. I do not. The author has created a completely different type of relationship, much different from the traditional family. I think the characters achieve this elevated level of relationship/communication through both internal and external exploration as the novel progresses. While the past cannot be forgotten, neither can the future. Their relationships emphasis on progressiveness characterizes their ability to adapt. This not only has profound implications for the charters, but also for the Maori culture. Although it's people have been exploited and disowned, as the kaumatua says, there is still a chance for new beginnings. I think in many society's people forget change, only focusing on the depressing situation they are in. The ability to accept a new beginning is a healthy attribute for any person or culture.

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Magical Realism

I picked up this book in a used book store because as I flipped through and read random passages, the writing enchanted me. Hulme writes exactly as her characters think and speak. She makes up words if necessary, and often uses Maori phrases that lend magic, mystery, and also authenticity to her writing. I used to read fantasy, and the magic in this book goes deeper than any fantasy novel ever could, since it stems from very real encounters and traditions. I loved this book, and I wish I could find more novels by Keri Hulme stashed in the corners of used bookstores...

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reviews: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, page 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15

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