Introduction to Keri Hulme and The Bone People

Keri Hulme, a New Zealand author, is renowned for her debut novel The Bone People, published in 1983. Hulme was born on March 9, 1947, in Christchurch, New Zealand, and passed away on December 27, 2021, in Waimate. Although of mixed Orkney and English descent, she identified closely with the Maori culture, specifically the Kai Tahu tribe, of which she claimed one-eighth ancestry.

Hulme’s deep connection to her Maori heritage profoundly influenced her writing. Before her breakthrough as a novelist, she worked various jobs and attended Canterbury University in Christchurch. Hulme’s unique narrative style and her integration of Maori culture and language into her work distinguish her in the literary world.

Her poetry collection, The Silences Between: Moeraki Conversations (1982), first showcased her distinctive use of language, which she further developed in The Bone People.

This novel won the prestigious Booker Prize in 1985, cementing Hulme’s place in contemporary literature. Hulme’s other notable works include the short story collection Te Kaihau/The Windeater (1986) and the poetry collections Lost Possessions (1985) and Strands (1992).

The Bone People by Keri Hulme Summary

Keri Hulme’s The Bone People is set in New Zealand and focuses on the lives of three central characters: Kerewin Holmes, a reclusive artist; Simon P. Gillayley, a mute boy; and Joe Gillayley, Simon’s adoptive father. The novel explores themes of isolation, trauma, and the complex nature of human relationships, all set against a backdrop of Maori culture.

Kerewin Holmes

Kerewin Holmes is a solitary artist living in a tall, self-built tower by the sea. She is known for her reclusiveness and has distanced herself from the outside world. Kerewin is also struggling with a creative block; she can no longer paint with the same passion and confidence she once had. Her life is disrupted when she meets Simon, a mute boy who appears at her doorstep one day.

Simon P. Gillayley

Simon is a young boy who cannot speak but communicates through gestures and writing. He was found washed ashore after a shipwreck and taken in by Joe Gillayley. Despite his silence, Simon is deeply intelligent and has a mysterious past. He suffers from the trauma of abuse and has a rebellious streak. His silence is a shield that protects him from his painful memories and the world around him.

Joe Gillayley

Joe Gillayley, Simon’s adoptive father, is a Maori factory worker. He is a complex character, deeply affected by grief and loss. Joe lost his wife and son to illness and has struggled with his emotions ever since. His grief and anger often turn into violence, particularly towards Simon. Despite his abusive behavior, Joe genuinely loves Simon and wants to protect him, though his actions often contradict his intentions.

The Three Characters Meet

Kerewin’s isolated life changes dramatically when Simon, who is mute and has a troubled past, comes into her world. Simon’s presence at her tower disrupts her solitude, and she becomes curious about him. Despite her initial reluctance to engage, Kerewin feels a growing bond with Simon. She tries to understand his silent world and the pain he has endured.

Kerewin and Joe’s Relationship

Kerewin’s interactions with Joe are tense. Joe’s behavior towards Simon is harsh and abusive, and Kerewin is initially unsure how to address the situation. Joe’s violence is fueled by his own unresolved grief and trauma, which he has never properly dealt with. Despite this, Joe and Kerewin develop a complicated relationship. Joe tries to connect with Kerewin, but his violent tendencies and Kerewin’s emotional walls create frequent conflicts.

Simon’s Silent Struggle

Simon’s silence is not just a physical condition but a way for him to protect himself from further emotional pain. He suffers from the abuse inflicted by Joe and also grapples with the memories of his traumatic past. Simon’s silence is a barrier that prevents others from fully understanding him, but it is also his way of controlling how much he reveals to the world.

Kerewin’s Transformation

As Kerewin spends more time with Simon and Joe, she begins to confront her own issues. She has isolated herself for years, avoiding emotional connections and hiding from her past. However, her growing bond with Simon forces her to face her loneliness and the reasons behind her self-imposed isolation. Kerewin starts to break down the emotional barriers she has built around herself.

Joe’s Violent Behavior

Joe’s violence towards Simon escalates, creating a dangerous and unstable environment. Joe’s abusive behavior is driven by his grief and anger, but it also leads to significant harm to Simon. Joe’s actions cause tension between him and Kerewin, who becomes increasingly disturbed by the violence. Kerewin tries to intervene and protect Simon, which leads to intense confrontations with Joe.

Climactic Confrontation

The situation reaches a critical point when Joe’s abuse of Simon becomes more severe. During a particularly violent episode, Simon is severely injured. This traumatic event forces Kerewin to take a stand. She uses her skills and strength to confront Joe, leading to a dramatic and intense conflict. The confrontation reveals the deep pain and unresolved issues within each character.

Kerewin’s Illness and Reflection

Following the confrontation, Kerewin falls seriously ill. Her illness is symbolic of the internal struggles she has been facing. As she becomes more physically unwell, she reflects on her life and relationships. The pain she experiences is a manifestation of the emotional turmoil she has been avoiding. Kerewin’s illness prompts her to reassess her life and the connections she has with Simon and Joe.

Joe’s Attempt at Redemption

Joe’s abusive behavior and the resulting confrontation lead him to face the consequences of his actions. He begins to seek help for his anger and tries to make amends for his past mistakes. Joe realizes the impact of his violence on Simon and starts to work towards redemption. His journey involves confronting his grief and working towards healing both himself and his relationship with Simon.

Simon’s Healing Process

Simon’s recovery from his injuries is both physical and emotional. The trauma he has endured affects him deeply, but he starts to heal with the support of Kerewin and, eventually, Joe. Simon’s resilience and strength become apparent as he navigates his path towards recovery. His silent world starts to open up as he begins to express himself more freely and connect with others.

Resolution and New Beginnings

In the end, the novel offers a sense of hope and new beginnings for the characters. Kerewin’s health improves, and she begins to reconnect with her artistic passion and her family. Joe works on managing his emotions and making amends for his past actions. Simon, now more open and communicative, starts to build a more hopeful future. The novel concludes with the characters finding a way to move forward from their past pain and create new paths for themselves.

The Bone People is a story of healing and redemption, set against a backdrop of Maori culture and personal struggles. It highlights the power of human connection and the possibility of change, even in the face of deep trauma and pain.

The Bone People

Keri Hulme’s novel The Bone People is a complex narrative that weaves together themes of isolation, trauma, and redemption. Set in a small coastal town in New Zealand, the story centers on the lives of three main characters: Kerewin Holmes, Simon P. Gillayley, and Joe Gillayley. Through their interactions and struggles, the novel explores the impact of silence and emotional pain, the search for connection, and the process of healing.

Isolation and Silence

One of the novel’s central themes is isolation, depicted through the character of Kerewin Holmes. Kerewin lives alone in a tower by the sea, a physical and symbolic representation of her emotional detachment from the world. Her isolation is a way of protecting herself from past traumas and emotional pain. This solitude allows her to focus on her art but also prevents her from engaging with others on a deeper level.

Similarly, Simon, a mute boy, embodies isolation through his silence. His inability to speak is not just a physical condition but also a manifestation of his internal fears and traumas. Simon’s silence reflects his struggle to communicate his pain and his need for safety. It also highlights the difficulties of understanding and connecting with someone who cannot express themselves verbally.

Trauma and Abuse

The novel delves deeply into the theme of trauma, particularly through Simon’s experiences with Joe Gillayley. Joe’s abusive behavior towards Simon is a manifestation of his own unresolved emotional issues. Joe’s violence is both a way of exerting control and a response to his internal anguish. His abusive actions reflect the destructive impact of unresolved trauma and highlight the cyclical nature of violence.

Simon’s trauma is multifaceted. It includes the physical abuse he endures from Joe and the emotional scars from his mysterious past. His muteness serves as a defense mechanism against the pain he cannot fully articulate. The novel portrays trauma as a powerful force that shapes individuals’ behavior and relationships, influencing their interactions and their sense of self.

Search for Connection

Despite their isolation and trauma, the characters in The Bone People are in search of connection and understanding. Kerewin’s initial reluctance to become involved with Simon and Joe slowly gives way to a deeper engagement with their lives. Her growing concern for Simon leads her to confront Joe and challenge the status quo of their dysfunctional relationship.

Simon’s quest for connection is evident in his attempts to reach out despite his silence. He uses hand signals and written notes to communicate, striving to establish some form of understanding with those around him. His interactions with Kerewin and Joe reflect his desire for care and belonging, despite the challenges he faces in expressing himself.

Joe’s need for connection is also central to the story. His gregarious nature and ability to attract people to him stand in contrast to his inner isolation and emotional pain. Joe’s efforts to connect with others are often undermined by his inability to confront and express his own feelings. His relationships with Simon and Kerewin are fraught with conflict and misunderstanding, highlighting the difficulty of forming meaningful connections when one is burdened by unresolved issues.

Healing and Redemption

A significant aspect of the novel is the theme of healing and redemption. The characters’ journeys towards personal growth and reconciliation are central to the narrative. Kerewin’s illness and eventual recovery symbolize her emotional and psychological healing. Her confrontation with Joe and her subsequent introspection lead her to address her own emotional barriers and find a renewed sense of purpose in her art.

Joe’s journey towards redemption involves acknowledging his past mistakes and seeking forgiveness. His efforts to change his behavior and make amends for his actions reflect a desire to break free from the cycle of violence and pain. Joe’s growth is marked by his attempts to build a more positive and supportive relationship with Simon and Kerewin.

Simon’s healing is portrayed through his gradual recovery from his injuries and his increasing ability to communicate. His progress represents a hopeful future and the possibility of overcoming the trauma of his past. The novel suggests that healing is a process that involves not only physical recovery but also emotional and psychological growth.

Cultural and Symbolic Elements

The novel also incorporates cultural and symbolic elements that enrich its themes. The setting of the coastal town and Kerewin’s tower symbolize isolation and the struggle to connect with the outside world. The sea, in particular, represents both a barrier and a potential source of healing. It serves as a backdrop for the characters’ interactions and reflects their inner turmoil and desires.

The Maori cultural references in the novel add depth to the characters’ experiences and highlight the influence of cultural identity on their lives. Keri Hulme’s incorporation of Maori mysticism and traditions enriches the narrative and provides a unique perspective on the themes of isolation, trauma, and redemption.

In conclusion, The Bone People is a profound exploration of isolation, trauma, and the search for connection. Through the lives of Kerewin, Simon, and Joe, the novel portrays the impact of silence and emotional pain on individuals and their relationships. The characters’ journeys towards healing and redemption highlight the complexities of human experiences and the possibility of overcoming past traumas. Keri Hulme’s use of cultural and symbolic elements adds depth to the narrative, offering a rich and insightful portrayal of the human condition.