The Bone People is an extraordinary presentation of human relations and self discovery by Keri Hulme (in pic), a self claimed aromantic and asexual Newzealand writer. The entwining of three characters Kerewin, Joe and Simon pulls your heart with relationships,violence and hope in that order. Really the story can be narrated in less than 10 minutes.However the beauty lies in Keri's handpicked Mauri phrases dropping them like little precious stones on a carefully crafted jewel.The jewel in this case is the novel itself carrying you through originally coined English words and the beaches of Newzealand. The novel can create emotional tides and frustrate you with expectations.But one realises a great book doesnt necessarily involve spoon feeding to readers. This one is a brain teaser,yet sensitive drawing you closer to the female protogonist, making you want her, respect her, hate her..all at once. On the other hand Simon/Sim/Himu/Himona makes you want to protect all the abused children you see in your life.His muteness and forgiveness make you want to create him and raise him as your own kid to make things a lot better for him to live in. Joseph is raw, human,loving and abusive-alcoholic caught in his own web of grief, Nevertheless in his true senses he is a rational and caring person. I am discounting the religious symbolism in this novel knowing very well it has been used to create drama around the story, for the author herself believes in God as much as I do.
Recommendation: For only those who have read authentic writing.Not for the weak hearted and English-Grammer zealots.
Watching milk white fog Painted across the hills Tried to find a bridge Crossing a needy heart Squinted eyes hurt In search of water Gushing down far away Like tears of forlorn soldier The kind Sun stepped Bore the misty clouds Quenching his thirst He smiled upon the old man Diamonds drifted Like near heavens Of a love spectrum Bowing to ‘Pa His three telescopes Were no companions Two were dead sons But this one fed him
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