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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Utterly bonkers!

This phrase perfectly describes the wild and crazy nature of my dreams.

Dreams have always been a mysterious and fascinating part of my life. They take me to places I've never been before, introduce me to people I've never met, and allow me to experience things that are completely out of the ordinary.

Sometimes my dreams are so vivid and real that I wake up feeling as if I've actually been through those experiences.

They can be filled with joy, excitement, fear, or even confusion.

But one thing is for sure, they are always utterly bonkers, just like my imagination running wild.

I love exploring the strange and wonderful world of my dreams, and I can't wait to see what crazy adventures await me in the next one.

Five stars!

Even though it took me a long time to finish reading (but not as long as it took me to get three-quarters through "The Bone People", which has been two years).

The stories in this book are strange, savory, and briny, constantly shifting. Some are more affecting than others, and some are more full-bodied. But regardless, they are all very, very good.

The book is a bit rough around the edges, and that makes it even better.

Also, there are really delicious food descriptions on every page. I wish I could have fish and chips with Keri Hulme.

Overall, this is a great read that I would highly recommend to anyone looking for something unique and engaging.

Honestly, the so-called "exploratory writing style" is truly not to my liking. I really had a hard time getting through this book. I felt that it was very jumpy and abstract, constantly leaping from one idea to another without a clear and smooth transition. Maybe it is just a bit too artsy and avant-garde for my relatively conservative taste. However, I still recommend that you give it a try. After all, everyone has different preferences and literary sensibilities. Maybe it will speak to you in a way that it didn't for me. It reminds me of "Bones & Murder" by Margaret Atwood, which was also not one of my favorites. But I know that some people absolutely loved it, finding its unique narrative and complex characters deeply engaging. So, don't be afraid to explore and see if this book or any other work of literature can touch your heart and stimulate your imagination.

Stonefish is often regarded as an instance of "exploratory writing," and to a large extent, this is true. Many of the short stories in it explore different states of dream, which is quite distinct from what we commonly consider as "typical" writing. However, it's important to note that many of these experiments are rich in Maori tradition, culture, and oral stories. This makes them worthy of being read multiple times as one attempts to uncover the essence of each story.

The title itself is quite revealing. The stonefish (synanceia) is the world's most poisonous fish. It poses a significant danger, even being potentially deadly to humans who might accidentally step on it and absorb poison from its needle-like dorsal fins, which flare up when it feels scared or threatened. They are commonly known as stonefish because they can camouflage themselves and resemble large stones on the bottom of the Indo-Pacific floor in coastal areas. Keep this literal fish in mind while reading.

"Floating Worlds" offers some excellent examples of TEK or traditional ecological knowledge, mainly through the example of what individuals know about mushrooms in their community. There is also some valuable information here about storytellers: "Storytellers never stay in one place for long."

"The Eyes of the Moonfish See Moonfish Pain" is another interesting intersection that showcases the dichotomies and parallels between traditional Maori lifestyles and contemporary ones. This can be seen as a woman cleans fish - something that was once done with more respect as fish were culturally significant. But it appears that commercial fisheries are more concerned with profits than the fish themselves. At the end, it seems that some people are better at separating their traditions from their jobs, but this isn't the case for everyone. Nor should it be (in my humble opinion). This is later picked up in "Midden Mine," which also reveals some of the negative consequences of the commercialization of the fishing industry. The example of packages of fish sticks is quite comical, yet also somewhat saddening due to its truth. The fish have "happyhappy smiles" on their faces even though we are going to eat them - how does that seem right?

If you're interested in reading about colonization, I recommend "Storehouse for the Hungry Ghosts." In the section "Midden Mine," you also gain some insights into the way academia and treasure hunters have changed the way we view communities. Academia often prefers to study dead communities - even though they might not actually be dead. Part of this involves sifting through their materials (sacred or otherwise) to catalogue, preserve, and keep them.

Overall, the writing is indeed somewhat experimental. But Hulme is guiding readers in various directions. You don't have to be a scholar to appreciate the novel, but looking up a few Maori facts here and there wouldn't do you any harm either.