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The Bone People by Keri Hulme
May. 26th, 2022 10:52 pmThe Blurb On The Back:
There is no blurb on the back. Instead there are the following quotes:
”Set on the harsh South Island beaches of New Zealand, bound in Maori myth and entwined with Christian symbols, Miss Hulme’s provocative novel summons power with words, as a conjurer’s spell. She casts her magic on three fiercely unique character, but reminds us that we, like them, are “nothing more than people”, and that, in a sense, we are all cannibals, compelled to consume the gift of love with demands for perfection.”
New York Times Book Review
“This novel from a New Zealand writer radiates vitality. Seizing on material that might seem outlandish, she transforms it into a table that’s as persuasive as it’s haunting. In this novel, New Zealand’s people, its heritage and landscape are conjured up with uncanny poetry and perceptiveness.”
Sunday Times
“Clearly it was written with passion and it has inspired passions … Rich, varied and flexible, the story becomes utterly compelling.”
New Society
“Keri Hulme is a poet. The power and feeling for nature and the more mystical sides of a dwindling people, the Maoris, will make it a gem providing a whole new range of experience.”
Daily Telegraph
( The Review (Cut For Spoilers): )
The Verdict:
Keri Hulme’s debut literary novel won the Booker Prize in 1985 and it’s easy to see why, given the fluid, lyrical writing that draws on Māori beliefs. However, this story of three deeply broken people is not easy to read, especially the scenes of child abuse, and it’s a book that leaves open a number of questions, including Simon’s background and Kerewin’s break with her family, while driving towards a happy-ish ending that didn’t feel deserved.
There is no blurb on the back. Instead there are the following quotes:
New York Times Book Review
“This novel from a New Zealand writer radiates vitality. Seizing on material that might seem outlandish, she transforms it into a table that’s as persuasive as it’s haunting. In this novel, New Zealand’s people, its heritage and landscape are conjured up with uncanny poetry and perceptiveness.”
Sunday Times
“Clearly it was written with passion and it has inspired passions … Rich, varied and flexible, the story becomes utterly compelling.”
New Society
“Keri Hulme is a poet. The power and feeling for nature and the more mystical sides of a dwindling people, the Maoris, will make it a gem providing a whole new range of experience.”
Daily Telegraph
( The Review (Cut For Spoilers): )
The Verdict:
Keri Hulme’s debut literary novel won the Booker Prize in 1985 and it’s easy to see why, given the fluid, lyrical writing that draws on Māori beliefs. However, this story of three deeply broken people is not easy to read, especially the scenes of child abuse, and it’s a book that leaves open a number of questions, including Simon’s background and Kerewin’s break with her family, while driving towards a happy-ish ending that didn’t feel deserved.
