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Stonefish

keri hulme

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Stonefish is a collection of short stories and poems by the only New Zealand writer to win the Pegasus Prize for Mäori Literature and the Booker Prize. '⦠The scallops arranged in the spider lambis were succulently decadent. A bottle of rare wine had been reduced to its essence and sprinkled over the raw bodies, and rough salt, and finely-chopped redware. The flush of the shell echoed visually the wine and the seaweed, and although there were but five scallops, they were truly sweet meat. The slices of mild green pepper were almost transparent, and they tangled artfully with shreds of young daikon, and pressure-steamed fragments of ti. Hot and crisp and oily-melting, a challenging blend. And the tea, as always, was Black Dragon tea, a hint of smoky coolness in the steam, and a consummation in the mouth. People died just to get it to these islands she had learned. She could think of many worse reasons to dieâ¦.'

239 pages, Paperback

First published January 1,2004

This edition

Format
239 pages, Paperback
Published
January 1, 2007 by HUIA PUBLISHERS
ISBN
9781869690885
ASIN
1869690885
Language
English

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About the author

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keri hulme

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Hulme, Keri (1947–2021), novelist, short story writer and poet, gained international recognition with her award-winning The Bone People. Within New Zealand she has held writing fellowships at several universities, served on the Literary Fund Advisory Committee (1985–89) and the Indecent Publications Tribunal (1985–90), and in 1986–88 was appointed ‘cultural ambassador' while travelling in connection with The Bone People.

Born and raised in Otautahi, Christchurch, Hulme is the eldest of six children. Her father, a carpenter and first-generation New Zealander whose parents came from Lancashire, died when Hulme was 11. Her mother came from Oamaru, of Orkney Scots and Maori descent (Käi Tahu, Käti Mämoe). Hulme was schooled at North New Brighton Primary School and Aranui HS (Christchurch). Her holidays were spent with her mother's extended family at Moeraki, on the Otago East Coast, a landscape filled with the residue of its Maori past, which remains important for linking Hulme with her Maori ancestors: ‘I love it better than any place on Earth. It is my turangawaewae-ngakau, the standing-place of my heart.'

The Bone People (Spiral Collective, 1984) won the 1984 New Zealand Book Award for Fiction, and the prestigious international Booker Prize in 1985. 'Set on the harsh South Island beaches of New Zealand, bound in Maori myth and entwined with Christian symbols, Miss Hulme's provocative novel summons power with words, as a conjuror's spell. She casts her magic on three fiercely unique characters, but reminds us that we, like them, are 'nothing more than people', and that, in a sense, we are all cannibals, compelled to consume the gift of love with demands for perfection' (New York Times Book Review).

Source: Read NZ https://www.read-nz.org/writer/hulme-....

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Community Reviews

Rating(4.1 / 5.0, 17 votes)
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17 reviews All reviews
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Spectral_Soul
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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Stonefish by Keri Hulme is a remarkable collection that delves into a plethora of themes. The stories are set in Aotearoa and touch on ancestral legacy, indigenous sovereignty, and the effects of colonialism. The author's unique writing style makes for a captivating read, although it may require some effort to navigate. The collection features a diverse range of characters and settings, from mushroom pickers to fish-processing factory workers. Hulme's use of vivid descriptions and powerful imagery brings the stories to life, making the reader feel as if they are a part of the action. Overall, Stonefish is a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the rich and complex world of indigenous literature.


“‘Is - this - real?’ I ask the tūrehu.
‘As real as your life,’ it answers, ‘and as real as whatever you call reality. It is just that your kind can't stand very much reality. You much prefer your patterns and your stories and your noisy dirty tramplings over everything. However, you don't last forever and we almost do. We are going now. I would go quite soon too, if I were you,’ and it gives a small smile and, horrifyingly, winks. And the mist and Others weren't there any more.”
— from ‘Getting It’



The collection also explores themes such as climate change, post-apocalyptic worlds, and the importance of living in the present moment. Hulme's writing is both thought-provoking and emotionally engaging, leaving the reader with much to ponder long after they have finished reading. Whether you are a fan of poetry, short fiction, or speculative fiction, Stonefish has something to offer. It is a beautiful and powerful collection that showcases Hulme's talent as a writer and her deep understanding of the human experience.
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Meziu
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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Surreal and extremely poetic, this collection of stories is truly a gem.

With each tale, I had the distinct sensation of piecing together a complex puzzle. The narratives were so intricately woven that it required careful attention and a willingness to engage with the material on a deeper level.

However, the effort was more than worthwhile. The beauty and depth of the stories emerged gradually, revealing a world of imagination and emotion that was both captivating and thought-provoking.

It was as if I was being invited into a secret garden, filled with strange and wonderful flowers that demanded to be explored.

Overall, this was an experience that I will not soon forget, and I look forward to delving into more works by this talented author.
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NFMaster
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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Two or three gems among these postmodern short stories truly stand out.

These particular pieces possess a unique charm and depth that set them apart from the rest. The first gem is a story that masterfully weaves together complex themes and experimental narrative techniques. It challenges the reader's perception of reality and takes them on a mind-bending journey.

The second gem is characterized by its vivid and evocative language. The author uses words with such precision and artistry that the story comes alive on the page, painting a vivid picture in the reader's mind.

The third gem is a short story that combines humor and tragedy in a seamless and unexpected way. It manages to make the reader laugh out loud one moment and then tug at their heartstrings the next.

Overall, these three postmodern short stories are like precious jewels, shining bright in the literary landscape and offering readers a truly unforgettable reading experience.
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elanime99
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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If I had to choose one set of words to describe this book, it would be, "neo-literary."

This is not an easy read, and the faint of heart or casual reader should not pick up this book. If the constant use of Maori words does not get you, (she does have a useful glossary in the back), then be prepared for Hulme's esoteric style of leaving things half-said, using dashes, inserting poetry, and only sketching the scene. Reading Hulme is like looking at a Franz Kline painting.

This is the most difficult piece of literature I have read since college. It was exhilarating. Her prose contains poetry and self-reference and those beautiful ah-ha moments where the story and the meaning come together. This did not happen for all of the stories, in part because I got lazy and didn't want to continue all that research, and in part because some stories were too esoteric. (With all the Maori, I spent a fair amount of time translating, which took me down the rabbit hole of learning about New Zealand.) My favorites included "Some Foods You Should Try Not to Encounter," "Hinekaro Goes on a Picnic and Blows up Another Obelisk," "The Eyes of the Moonfish," and "Getting It."

This is a book I will come back to -- probably sooner than I should. It challenges the reader's intellect and imagination, making it a truly unique and rewarding literary experience. I look forward to exploring its depths again and uncovering new meanings and interpretations.
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purpleIris
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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Surreal, fractured, and often fantastic, this collection of shorts (along with the odd poem) is like a set of little puzzles carefully placed within their environment.

Each piece is unique and engaging, making it a truly interesting read. In some cases, it even rises to the level of fascinating.

However, as with any short story collection, not all the tales are equally strong. Some shine brighter than others.

My personal favorites were the truly excellent "Floating Words" and "The Eyes of the Moonfish". These stories stood out for their creativity, depth, and ability to transport the reader to another world.

Overall, this collection offers a diverse range of stories that will appeal to a wide variety of readers. Whether you're a fan of the surreal, the fantastic, or just enjoy a good puzzle, there's something here for you.
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nekonome
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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Maori culture in New Zealand is rich and diverse, and it is filled with fascinating elements that have been passed down through generations. One of the most captivating aspects of Maori culture is its wonderful collection of short stories that incorporate magic elements. These stories are not only entertaining but also offer a unique insight into the Maori way of thinking and their beliefs about the world around them.


The magic elements in these short stories add an extra layer of excitement and mystery. They range from supernatural beings and powers to magical objects and spells. Through these elements, the Maori people were able to explain the unexplainable and make sense of the forces that governed their lives.


Some of the most well-known Maori short stories with magic elements include "The Legend of Maui" and "The Story of Hinemoa and Tutanekai". These stories have been told and retold countless times, and they continue to capture the imagination of people of all ages. Whether you are interested in Maori culture or simply enjoy a good story, these short stories are sure to delight and inspire you.

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melodicrain
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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Keri Hulme's writing is truly a unique and wonderful experience. It is delightfully weird, irreverent, and perfect in its own way. After attempting to find additional works by her beyond The Bone People, but having no success at all, I decided to take the Interlibrary Loan (ILL) route. And let me tell you, this book was absolutely worth all the effort and the wait.

Hulme explores a wide range of important themes such as climate change, race, identity, and nature. She does this through a fascinating combination of short stories and poetry. What's more, she employs a variety of genres, from historical fiction to horror, which keeps the reader engaged and on their toes. Through her masterful use of imagery, she creates vivid and lasting impressions in the minds of the readers.

If anyone happens to be traveling to New Zealand in the near future and has the opportunity to get their hands on a copy of this book, I highly urge you to do so. Sadly, it is currently out-of-print, and it makes me really sad to think that works as brilliant as Hulme's may be lost to the sands of time simply because of a lack of interest. We should do everything we can to preserve and appreciate such wonderful literary works.
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Lairy
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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This is a lovely (if not a bit confusing) read.

I wholeheartedly agree with another review that each piece within this work feels like a puzzle.

However, it doesn't really matter if one manages to solve these puzzles or not.

The beauty of the writing is more than sufficient to carry the reader through.

The author has a remarkable way with words, painting vivid pictures and evoking strong emotions.

Even when the meaning might seem a bit elusive at times, the sheer elegance and charm of the prose make it a joy to read.

It's the kind of book that you can pick up and lose yourself in, regardless of whether you fully understand every single detail.

The overall experience is one of delight and wonder, as you explore the unique world that the author has created.

So, if you're looking for a book that offers both beautiful writing and a touch of mystery, this one is definitely worth checking out.

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