The Milkman

[IndigoSkye]

Has anyone read this, it's not my normal read but was recommended it by someone I worked with. I found it quite hard to read although found it really interesting to read about Northern Ireland in the 70s. I was a small child then and really had no idea what it was like. I'm not sure that I enjoyed it as such but the book has kept me thinking about even though I finished it a while ago. Just wondering if anyone else had read it and what your thoughts were?

I read it a while ago and sorry to say I couldn’t finish it. I seem to remember some bit where she was in a classroom describing the sky (or something) and after about 3 pages of it I remembered I had a tonne of other stuff on my reading list and quit.

Yes there was a lot of long convoluted descriptions and I hoped it would all come together more at the end I think!

I’ve just finished it and although I did enjoy it I was a bit disappointed by the ending. It didn’t seem to round up.
Interesting read though, if a little difficult sometimes

We read it for our book club and after a shaky start I loved it and felt totally for the main character and her sisters.

On discussion one of our members DH was serving in the forces in NI at the time and brought out a lot of things none of us knew from the troubles.

75% of the group loved it - and of the others several were going to try to finish it as they realised, after all the chat, it was worth persevering with.

It has a very fast rhythm that took a while to get used to but once I got into it found it very enjoyable, it reminded me of the small town (not N. Ireland though) I grew up in where everyone knows everyone else's business and that sensation of being watched and judged

I found the stream of consciousness style a tough read but ultimately worth persevering with.

I'm another one who started it due to a book club, but despite my best efforts didn't finish it. It was interesting enough, just didn't hold my concentration at all.

I felt similar to you OP. I'm glad I read it but it really was a slog at times. Deserves the accolades but I do agree with Bubblesbubbly about the ending.
I've been particularly enjoying documentaries in the troubles since reading it. Can't believe i didn't know about lots that has happened.