What is the theme in The Bone People by Keri Hulme?

Family is another theme in the book. The family element of the novel is crucial as it is a binding force for Joe, Kerewin, and Simon. Both Joe and Simon see Kerewin as a replacement mother and strive to keep her as a member of their family. Joe’s behavior towards Simon causes terrible arguments between him and his own family. Simon has no blood family, and Kerewin tries unsuccessfully to find his family so he can have a sense of identity.