‘Milkman’ by Anna Burns

'Milkman' by Anna Burns is set in a world in the 1970s where two religions are fighting each other. Although the setting is discernible at some point, the story could be set anywhere where religious groups clash.

The first-person narrator, an 18-year-old young woman, leads a rather uneventful life and has regular dates with maybe-boyfriend until Milkman (with a capital M) starts stalking her.

This book is a brilliant social analysis of the events and society depicted, based on historical events. Not a single person is referred to by their actual name, instead using descriptors such as 'maybe-boyfriend,' 'third-brother-in-law,' or 'nuclear boy'—all used without the article.

And although the writing style fits the plot and characters perfectly, it is sometimes difficult to read, with awfully long sentences and paragraphs that go on for several pages.

Plus: queer side plot!

CW: sexual assault, rape, stalking, suicide, graphic violence