elliecaholic 's review for:

Milkman by Anna Burns
4.5
dark emotional tense slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: N/A
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

This book can be a bit of a tough read, with long sentences and quickly changing time- and viewpoints. However I think the author used this to effectively transmit the mental state of the main character amidst the turmoil of the Troubles, and does this particularly well for the relationship of this character with her mother.

I think the writing style also helps to depict the community where the character lives, and how their scrutiny of each others actions has such negative impacts on their relationships and happiness. It's incredibly challenging to read about a 40-something year old mans pursuit of a barely 18 year old woman being blindly accepted while there is clear homophobia and religious bias.

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