Laura Ruby's novel Bone Gap is celebrated for its lyrical prose and imaginative storytelling, blending elements of magical realism and mystery. Critics praise its unique characters and the exploration of perception and identity. However, some find the narrative pacing uneven and the conclusion somewhat ambiguous. Overall, it’s an enriching, thought-provoking read.

Readers who relish the magical realism of The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman or the intricate character dynamics of Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell will find much to admire in Laura Ruby's Bone Gap. Ideal for lovers of lyrical prose and enigmatic storytelling, this novel captures the intersection of myth, mystery, and teen romance.

In Bone Gap by Laura Ruby, the story unfolds in rural Bone Gap, Illinois, where an 18-year-old named Finn witnesses the abduction of a young Polish woman named Roza. Due to his face blindness, he can't identify the kidnapper, leading to skepticism from the townspeople. Supported by Petey, the beekeeper’s daughter, Finn investigates the mysterious disappearance while uncovering fantastical elements tied to Roza’s captivity and striving to prove his innocence. This novel contains mentions of parental absence, sexual content, sexual assault, domestic violence, murder, suicidal ideation, loss of a parent, parental neglect, kidnapping, parental death, and vulgar language.

Mysterious / Fantastical / Melancholic / Emotional / Nostalgic

- Bone Gap won the prestigious 2016 Michael L. Printz Award for excellence in literature written for young adults.
- The novel was a finalist for the National Book Award in the Young People's Literature category in 2015, highlighting its critical acclaim.
- Author Laura Ruby extensively explored themes of perception and identity in Bone Gap, often using the mythical and mysterious elements within the story.

**Finn O'Sullivan**  
A teenage boy who is Sean’s brother and Petey’s boyfriend, Finn has face blindness, which affects how he perceives and interacts with the world around him.

**Roza**  
A beautiful 20-year-old botanist from Poland who came to America to study botany. Her looks have defined her life in ways she resents.

**Sean O’Sullivan**  
An ambitious EMT with dreams of becoming a doctor, Sean is Finn's older brother who took on responsibility for his sibling after their mother left.

**Priscilla Willis (Petey)**  
A fierce young beekeeper’s daughter, Petey guards her feelings due to her past experiences but shares a soft side with her close friends.

**Charlie Valentine**  
An enigmatic old man who lives near the O’Sullivans and embodies magic realism with his colorful chickens and mysterious past.

**Miguel Cordero**  
Finn’s best friend, identifiable by his large arms, who discusses life and future aspirations with Finn.

**Scare Crow**  
The story's antagonist, a mysterious and ominous figure with the power to manipulate time and reality, fixating on Roza.

**Honorata**  
Roza’s college roommate from Poland, who struggles with jealousy and low self-esteem, affecting her interactions with others.

**Jonas Apple**  
The town sheriff, who reflects the local community's opinions and assumptions, including those about Finn's uniqueness.

Laura Ruby

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Guide

Study Guide

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Overview

Get ready to explore Bone Gap and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Bone Gap Summary and Study Guide

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “May: Milk Moon”

Prologue and Part 1, Chapters 1-5

Bone Gap Prologue and Part 1, Chapters 1-5 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 6-9

Bone Gap Part 1, Chapters 6-9 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “June: Strawberry Moon” 

Part 2, Chapters 10-14

Bone Gap Part 2, Chapters 10-14 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 15-19

Bone Gap Part 2, Chapters 15-19 Summary & Analysis

Part 3: “July: Thunder Moon” - Part 4: “August: Green Corn Moon”

Parts 3-4

Bone Gap Parts 3-4 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

Bone Gap Character Analysis

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Themes

Bone Gap Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Bone Gap Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

Bone Gap Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

Bone Gap Essay Topics

Bone Gap

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Bone Gap?

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