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Cover of The Bone People
Literary Fiction· New Zealand

The Bone People

by Keri Hulme
Aggregate Editorial Score60/100
★Booker Prize
Published 1984English
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About This Book

The Bone People by Keri Hulme is a landmark work of literary fiction, first published in 1984. The Bone People is a unique and powerful novel that explores the complex relationships between three isolated individuals in New Zealand. Keri Hulme's debut novel combines elements of Maori culture and mythology with a deeply personal narrative. The book won the Booker Prize in 1985, making it the first New Zealand novel to receive this prestigious award. Its innovative structure and lyrical prose have made it a seminal work in New Zealand literature. Themes of isolation, cultural identity, redemption run through the work. The book has received recognition from Booker Prize 1985.

Book Details

AuthorKeri Hulme
Published1984
Country of Origin🇳🇿 New Zealand
LanguageEnglish
Category📖 Literary Fiction
ISBN9780143116455
Editorial Score60/100
About the Category

📖 Literary Fiction

Character-driven fiction that prioritises style, theme, and psychological depth.

Explore all Literary Fiction books →
Country of Origin

🇳🇿 New Zealand

This book is part of New Zealand's rich literary tradition.

Explore books from New Zealand →

Editorial Assessment

The Bone People by Keri Hulme sits within the tradition of literary fiction that treats language as seriously as plot. Published in 1984 in New Zealand, it engages with isolation, cultural identity, redemption, family in ways that have earned it lasting critical attention. Among its recognitions: Booker Prize 1985. With an editorial score of 60/100 drawn from 1 independent sources, the book occupies a well-documented position in the critical literature. Its recognition spans international prizes, "best of" lists, and academic surveys. What distinguishes The Bone People is how it handles its central concerns — isolation, cultural identity, redemption, family — without reducing them to neat conclusions. The book invites close reading and holds up well to it. The Bone People reflects Keri Hulme's place in a wider literary tradition. The book's concerns resonate with New Zealand's broader cultural preoccupations, even as they reach beyond any single national context.
About this assessment: Editorial scores are aggregated from 1 independent sources including major literary prizes, critical surveys, and leading publications. Our editorial team reviews and contextualises this data. Rankings reflect critical consensus, not personal opinion or popularity metrics. Learn about our methodology.

Awards & Recognition

Booker Prize
winner · global
19850
✍️
About the Author
Keri Hulme
New Zealand
View Author →

Keri Hulme is a New Zealand author whose work in literary fiction has earned recognition from readers and critics alike.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Bone People about?

The Bone People is a unique and powerful novel that explores the complex relationships between three isolated individuals in New Zealand. Keri Hulme's debut novel combines elements of Maori culture and mythology with a deeply personal narrative. The book won the Booker Prize in 1985, making it the first New Zealand novel to receive this prestigious award. Its innovative structure and lyrical prose have made it a seminal work in New Zealand literature.

Who wrote The Bone People?

The Bone People was written by Keri Hulme, from New Zealand. First published in 1984.

What awards has The Bone People won?

The Bone People has received the following recognition: Booker Prize 1985.

Is The Bone People worth reading?

The Bone People is a well-regarded book with an aggregate editorial score of 60/100 on 50 Best Books. It is particularly recommended for readers interested in isolation, cultural identity, redemption.

Where can I buy The Bone People?

You can buy The Bone People on Amazon. Click the Buy on Amazon button above to find the best edition.

What category is The Bone People?

The Bone People is classified as Literary Fiction. Character-driven fiction that prioritises style, theme, and psychological depth.

What country is The Bone People from?

The Bone People originates from New Zealand's literary tradition. Explore more books from New Zealand on our country page.

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