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maplessence 's review for:
The Bone People
by Keri Hulme
I read this book not long after it's release. I remembered it having a slow start and then building up to a shattering climax.
The scenes that had an impact for me still do. This book does a wonderful job of exploring a complex relationship that was both loving & violent. Some of the prose was quite beautiful & I didn't mind the liberties Hulme took with descriptive words.
There are also a few flaws.
Kerewin is at least partially autobiographical (the similar names are a little clue!) and I could just feel Hulme's smug approval of Kerewin's actions. Personally I found her insufferable at the start, although she did improve in the middle of the book & I liked the character's honesty about her part in the outcome for Simon.
I had forgotten the ending. Was a bit Mills & Boon for me. Thought Hulme wimped out a bit there.
Not a masterpiece (Mistresspiece?) but a very fine book & an important part of New Zealand's literary landscape.
The scenes that had an impact for me still do. This book does a wonderful job of exploring a complex relationship that was both loving & violent.
Spoiler
I wish I could say Joe's prison sentence was unrealistically short. But I can't.There are also a few flaws.
Kerewin is at least partially autobiographical (the similar names are a little clue!) and I could just feel Hulme's smug approval of Kerewin's actions. Personally I found her insufferable at the start, although she did improve in the middle of the book & I liked the character's honesty about her part in the outcome for Simon.
I had forgotten the ending. Was a bit Mills & Boon for me. Thought Hulme wimped out a bit there.
Not a masterpiece (Mistresspiece?) but a very fine book & an important part of New Zealand's literary landscape.