From the Bookshelf of Book Riot's Read Harder Challenge…

The Bone People

Keri Hulme

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What Members Thought

Jun 19, 2007 Kristen rated it liked it

While I was reading "The Bone People," two of my colleagues saw I had it and asked what I thought so far -- apparently both of them couldn't finish it. I can see why. It's a challenging book, slow in parts, and the subject matter (child abuse, overtones of sexual abuse from a community member) can make it hard to read. Just at the turning point in the novel (around page 300) I almost put the book down, but figured that I've already put the time in to read 300 pages, what's 150 more? I'm glad I d ...more

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Sep 14, 2015 Kecia rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: book-riot-2015, topshelf, booker-prize, new_zealand

It might sound trite to say this one of the best books I have ever read, but this is one of the best books I have ever read. Period.

The Bone People almost defies description. It is its own unique story told in its own unique voice.

It took me almost two months to finish it...and only because I did not want it to end. I wanted to stay with these characters. I wanted to savor each and every sentence. Everything about this novel was new and fresh and exciting and horrible and beautiful. The characte ...more

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Jan 28, 2023 Adriel rated it really liked it

Shelves: classic-literature

Well. I loved it. I hated it. I had to take some time away for a bit. 100% glad i did it in a book club.

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Mar 10, 2012 mehg-hen rated it did not like it

I read this because once upon a time someone, whose taste made me feel insecure, told me this book was amazing and really steeped in Maori culture. Then it turns out it's a lot about child abuse. Like vicious abuse where bones get broken and people threaten to call the authorities and don't. And very few jokes. And ambiguous questions like "oh did that old drunk make that 8 year old touch his junk?" And uncomfortable feelings like "uh, did that vicious, horrific beating just function as a plot d ...more

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Jul 14, 2009 Loretta rated it really liked it · review of another edition

I mostly loved that book. It is beautifully written and conceived, but it also has some dark, deeply disturbing moments that for me, almost overwhelm the beauty of it. Almost.

People do ugly things, but there is a kind of redemption, and Holmes does do a masterful job of capturing the ugliness, the self-loathing, the despair, but also the hope and the love.

Well worth reading.

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