The Milkman is an immersion into a society which demands taking sides, loyalty to one’s “ tribe” and especially for “ middle sisters” staying below the radar. Dreaming of a future free of these ties, reading while walking are all as noticeably so odd as to cause comment and
…more negativity. Even a Middle Sister can be caught up in false rumors and facing the unwanted attentions of a local, powerful thug. The author, using dialogue, interior monologue and simple actions, creates the pervasive and claustrophobic sense of everything being political and potentially violent. There can be no bystanders , no escaping, even if you walk with your eyes literally down, stuck in a book. There is also humor — engine repair parts as a political stance . The reader experiences the reality of living in the midst of domestic terrorism. And isn’t that an astonishing achievement?!
I think, based upon other negative reviews about the confusions some found reading, that perhaps this text works better as an audiobook. I did not find it confusing or difficult with the audio narration. Don’t expect the traditional, but don’t dismiss this book so quickly. (less)
