Author: Anna Burns (b. 1962)

Publisher: Graywolf (Minneapolis). 360 pp.

Type of work: Novel

Milkman weaves the tale of a young woman navigating a society burdened by ethnic and religious strife. The novel, Anna Burns's third major publication, is both experimental and provocative.

Principal Characters

Middle Sister: An eighteen-year-old woman living in a society rife with surveillance and control.

Milkman: A forty-one-year-old figure in a paramilitary group who begins to shadow Middle Sister.

Maybe-boyfriend: A mechanic who is romantically linked to Middle Sister.

Third Brother-in-law: A fitness enthusiast who frequently runs with Middle Sister.

Somebody McSomebody: A rejected suitor of Middle Sister.

A New Trend in Literature

Milkman, published in 2018, signifies a shift in the landscape of Man Booker Prize winners. Like its predecessor, George Saunders’s Lincoln in the Bardo (2017), it embraces experimental fiction. Both novels defy conventional narrative forms, with Lincoln in the Bardo using spectral dialogues, while Milkman opts for dense prose and unnamed characters, creating an atmosphere soaked in tension and fear.

Challenges and Rewards

Despite its accolades, Milkman's unconventional style may challenge readers. Yet, Anna Burns’s meticulous storytelling ensures a rewarding experience, offering profound insights into a young woman's life unraveling amidst a violent, paranoid society.

The Narrative and Its Characters

Through the eyes of Middle Sister, Burns crafts a narrative set against a backdrop of threat and coercion. The titular milkman, a threatening paramilitary figure, fixates on Middle Sister, unraveling her life with rumors. Her resistance is overshadowed by the pervasive fear and distrust that even taint her family's perception of her, prompting Middle Sister to question her own reality.

Stylistic Choices

Burns’s choice to use descriptive nicknames instead of traditional names adds a layer of intrigue. Characters like "Somebody McSomebody" and "Third Brother-in-law" contribute to a unique narrative world where relationships and roles become clearer with context, drawing readers deeply into Middle Sister's environment.

Setting and Historical Context

Although Burns does not specify the setting, clues suggest a resemblance to Northern Ireland during the Troubles of the 1970s and 1980s. The narrative is peppered with references to cultural artifacts and language reminiscent of that era. This period of intense conflict between Catholic nationalists and Protestant loyalists mirrors the novel's pervasive atmosphere of suspicion and division.

Universal Themes

Burns deliberately keeps the setting ambiguous, allowing readers to draw parallels with other totalitarian societies. This vagueness enhances the novel's timelessness and universal relevance, inviting reflection on contemporary societal divides, much like those present in post-Brexit Britain.

Contemporary Resonance

The narrative of Middle Sister and the milkman touches on issues of sexual harassment that resonate with current "Me Too" dialogues. The power imbalance and societal judgment she faces echo the experiences of many women, emphasizing the persistent undervaluation of women’s voices.

Solidarity and Resistance

The tension between Middle Sister and Somebody McSomebody underscores themes of rejection and aggression. In a pivotal scene, Middle Sister is cornered by him, only to be saved by the immediate and unquestioning support of surrounding women. This moment of solidarity illustrates the enduring strength found in communal resilience.

Burns's Narrative Style

Burns’s narrative voice is distinctive, characterized by stream-of-consciousness prose that oscillates between digressions and vivid descriptions. This style, although challenging, enriches the reading experience by immersing the audience in Middle Sister’s nuanced world.

Critical Reception

While Milkman has garnered substantial praise for its unique storytelling and thematic depth, it has also faced criticism. Some, like the New York Times , found it impenetrable and lacking in emotional connection. Others, however, have lauded its capacity to capture the resilience of the human spirit...