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

Laura Ruby

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

title

content

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

chapter

chapterType

section

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

character

Character Analysis

Bone Gap Character Analysis

theme

Themes

Bone Gap Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Bone Gap Symbols & Motifs

quote

citation

Important Quotes

Bone Gap Important Quotes

primaryCharacter

Essay Topics

Bone Gap Essay Topics

Bone Gap

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Bone Gap?

Reading Age

Book Details