When I started reading this book I will admit that it took me a minute to grow accustomed to Burns’ style. Burns writes in a stream of consciousness similar to Woolf and somewhat comparably to Joyce but more accessible, in my opinion. It reminds me in part of the mantra of the modernists to not write for the people. To almost not really write to be understood, but it is then infused with true, honest accounts of human life. From the way we come up with descriptive titles for people to the way in which communities are formed and ruled with a list of unwritten rules everyone simply abides by.

It’s a story of tangents. In @readingwithwine’s review on her instagram page she quotes the line, ‘“I’m confused… is that passage about the sky? If it is… then why doesn’t the writer just say so? Why is he complicating things with fancy footwork when all he need say is that the sky is blue?” commenting that she felt the same way when reading this book. There are many passages where you are searching for the point, searching to know what the colour of the sky is, and Burns’ takes several pages to tell you. She is self-aware of this, and that is part of what makes this novel brilliant.

‘“I’m confused… is that passage about the sky? If it is… then why doesn’t the writer just say so? Why is he complicating things with fancy footwork when all he need say is that the sky is blue?”

If you need a straightforward story with a clear timeline, stay away. If, like me, you’re a person who can appreciate how in telling a story you can often say a word that reminds you of another story that you have to insert into the first story before you can continue, then this book is for you.

Milkman requires patience. It is by no means a quick read. I’ve heard from many people that it might be better listened to if you have the opportunity, or you can do what I did and just hear the Northern Irish accent in your head. Take your time with it. Reread passages. It’s a read that requires an investment but in my opinion, it’s worth it.