Questions About Milkman

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Answered Questions (19)

I haven't read it and am not sure that I will attempt it. What is the purpose, in the book of referencing characters by description instead of names? Sounds like it would be a difficult book to follow because of this tactic.

Zoe I am currently reading the book and so far, I am left with the impression that the deliberate omission of the names is a tool. Names are identifiers a…moreI am currently reading the book and so far, I am left with the impression that the deliberate omission of the names is a tool. Names are identifiers and turn a story from generic to extremely specific. They also make the relationship between character and reader more intimate. I find that this simple fact of being unaware of the protagonist's name has me less empathetic than I would usually be - and thus keeps me more grounded, like an observer, less likely to make moral judgements on what takes place. This refusal to name the characters aids to preserve a more generic viewpoint - it cannot be now just a story, it somehow is every story.

I cannot say that the source of difficulty of this book (if indeed, there is one) is the lack of names. I would urge you though, to give it a go. It's an intriguing book! =)

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I cannot find this book on audio in the US. Anyone know where I can find audio? I have severe daily migraines and cannot handle they eye movements it takes to read because of extreme pain in my eyes.

Hallgeir Olsen I got it on Audible, great reader also :)

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This question contains spoilers... (view spoiler)

Michael Chapman I grew up in Northern Ireland through the Troubles (though not in Belfast). Whilst I didn't live in a community with the intensity and oppression of t…moreI grew up in Northern Ireland through the Troubles (though not in Belfast). Whilst I didn't live in a community with the intensity and oppression of the one inhabited by middle daughter, one possible answer to your question is that peoples' lives were a mixture murder & atrocity, followed in equal measure by the banal & the normal. To me the final chapter reflects that dichotomy.

I find the final chapter to be one of hope - of normality trying to assert itself.(less)

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I've seen this book described as "humorous"...I'm not really looking for a funny read. Is it actually funny, or just clever?

Barbara Bowman It's funny in a dark and clever way. The way middle sister expresses things is often amusing - how about "wry" as a descriptor? But really, this book …moreIt's funny in a dark and clever way. The way middle sister expresses things is often amusing - how about "wry" as a descriptor? But really, this book is just remarkably (to me) original in both its perspective and its writing style. It's worth reading just for that experience, but also b/c it puts you in the head of someone living in Belfast during "the troubles," no mean feat.(less)

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I'm about thirty pages into the book and am tempted to abandon it...the writing style are content are obnoxious! Does the book get better? Should I persevere??

Michael Chapman If you're finding the writing style obnoxious (which is a strong word), I don't think it's going to get any better for you unfortunately.

To find the c…moreIf you're finding the writing style obnoxious (which is a strong word), I don't think it's going to get any better for you unfortunately.

To find the content obnoxious is a more curious statement. The book shows a deep understanding of a conflict zone within the UK, from which people are still recovering - that alone makes the content worthy.(less)

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