The Whiteness of Bones

By Susanna Moore

Book Overview

In her ravishing and moving second novel, the bestselling author of In the Cut tells the story of Mamie Clarke, who sets out to lose herself in New York City. Having only previously known the fragile, magical world of her childhood on the lush Hawaiian island of Kaua'i, Mamie leaves college to visit her sophisticated aunt in New York. With her beautiful and self-destructive younger sister Claire in tow, Mamie must learn to make her way in a world of money, power, sex, and drugs. Moore's sharp and witty book captures an unforgettable time and place--the Manhattan of the early 80s-- and the powerful feelings engendered there.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1400075041
• ISBN13: 9781400075041
• Release Date: September 2003
• Publisher: Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group
• Length: 277 Pages
• Weight: 0.70 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.3" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

One annoying distraction

I agree with the other readers, with one caveat: an annoying distraction for me while reading this otherwise excellent book was the author's chronic use of incorrect terminology when referring to female genitalia. There are at least 5 or 6 points in the book where she refers to a woman's vagina, when what she clearly means is vulva. It's just irritating when female writers, especially, don't know the parts of the female body.

This is a truly engaging book

I have to agree with the other readers, this book is a gem. You will feel like you're right there with the characters! A must read.

A literary gem

One of the best contemporary novels I have read. The scene from which the title comes offers a BEAUTIFUL, original and mouth watering image that will stick with the reader forever.

Lush, beautifully written, heartbreaking

I read this book 7 years ago in college and still think of it frequently. Moore's lush settings and precise literary technique underscore the personal, deeply held pain of Mamie and Claire's past. I have read all of Moore's books and this one is the best.