Bones and All Book
Paula McLain’s thriller, Bones and All, is as haunting as it is funny. The novel follows sixteen-year-old Maren Yearly who, in search of her father, embarks on a journey across America. What she finds instead is a dark secret about her identity.
Plot Summary
Maren grew up on the outskirts of a small town in the Midwest, surrounded by secrets and secrets of her own. On her sixteenth birthday, she finds out the truth – that her parents aren’t her real parents and that she has a father she knows nothing about. In search of him, Maren decides to set off on a journey across America. Along the way, she meets a colourful cast of characters – a drag queen, a sideshow performer, and the ghost of a dead soldier.
Characters
Maren Yearly: Maren is the story’s protagonist. Raised by foster parents, she is determined to find her real father. Along the way, she discovers a dark truth about her identity.
Walter Kincaid: Walter is an eccentric older man who loves his dog, Elvis, more than anything. He’s fond of Maren and helps her on her journey.
Henry: Henry is a mysterious stranger whom Maren meets on the road. He seems to know more about her than he should.
Themes
The themes of Bones and All include family, identity, and love. As Maren embarks on a quest to discover who she is and where she came from, she puts the pieces of her life together and finds a way to make sense of the world around her. The novel also delves into themes of love, as Maren struggles to find love in a hostile world.
Writing Style
McLain’s writing style is dark and funny, and she is adept at creating suspense and tension in each scene. Her vivid descriptions pull you into the story and keep you guessing.
Takeaway
Bones and All is an engrossing thriller that will take you on an emotional journey through family, identity and love. With its vivid descriptions and suspenseful plot twists, Paula McLain has created a captivating novel that will stay with you long after the last page.
