A review by taranim
Milkman by Anna Burns

dark emotional sad slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

‘People always said you'd better be careful. Though how, when things are out of your hands, when things were never really in your hands, when things are stacked against you, does a person - the little person down here on the earth - be that?’

Milkman is a novel in which our narrator (as an adult) describes a period in her life as a teenager in an unnamed city during a time of political instability (most likely based Northern Ireland during the Troubles). The narrative follows her as she becomes the subject of a suspected paramilitary’s attention. As a result, she also becomes the subject of local gossip and suspicion - a dangerous position that she never wanted. So unfolds a coming-of-age story filled with commentary on gender, class and the lengths people will go to protect themselves in a war zone. 

As a writer, I’m in awe of the way that Burns wrote this book and the creativity on display. Themes and commentary are woven in cleanly, if not always discreetly. It was an insight into what living during wartime could be like, which is why I think this book is very important. 

However as a reader, I found this book taxing to read. The chapters were long, with a stream-of-consciousness style of narration that was difficult to get through at times. It was one of those books where the reading experience wasn’t great, but the contemplation of the novel afterward was. It has given me many things to think about. 

All in all, a mixed review. 
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