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Cover of Milkman
Literary Fiction· United Kingdom

Milkman

by Anna Burns
Aggregate Editorial Score100/100
★Booker Prize★Women's Prize for Fiction
Published 2018408 pagesEnglish
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About This Book

Anna Burns's Milkman (2018) stands as one of the most significant works of literary fiction of its era. In an unnamed city during the Troubles, an eighteen-year-old woman is stalked by a powerful paramilitary figure known as the Milkman in Burns's dreamlike, elliptical Booker Prize winner. The novel captures the paranoia and dark humour of a community living under political violence. Themes of Troubles, women, power run through the work. The book has received recognition from Booker Prize 2018 and Women's Prize for Fiction 2018.

Book Details

AuthorAnna Burns
Published2018
Country of Origin🇬🇧 United Kingdom
LanguageEnglish
Pages408
Category📖 Literary Fiction
ISBN9780571338757
Editorial Score100/100
About the Category

📖 Literary Fiction

Character-driven fiction that prioritises style, theme, and psychological depth.

Explore all Literary Fiction books →
Country of Origin

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

This book is part of United Kingdom's rich literary tradition.

Explore books from United Kingdom →

Editorial Assessment

Anna Burns published Milkman in 2018, and it has since become one of the more widely recognised works of literary fiction from United Kingdom. The book's treatment of Troubles, women, power, Northern Ireland accounts for much of its enduring reputation. Critics and institutions have consistently placed Milkman among the notable works of its period. Among its recognitions: Booker Prize 2018; Women's Prize for Fiction 2018. Our aggregate score of 100/100 is compiled from 2 editorial sources that range from Nobel and Booker committees to leading literary journals. What distinguishes Milkman is how it handles its central concerns — Troubles, women, power, Northern Ireland — without reducing them to neat conclusions. The book invites close reading and holds up well to it. Within United Kingdom's literary landscape, Anna Burns occupies a significant position. Milkman is both a personal artistic statement and a contribution to a tradition shaped by the country's history and cultural concerns.
About this assessment: Editorial scores are aggregated from 2 independent sources including major literary prizes, critical surveys, and leading publications. Our editorial team reviews and contextualises this data. Rankings reflect critical consensus, not personal opinion or popularity metrics. Learn about our methodology.

Awards & Recognition

Booker Prize
winner · global
201892
Women's Prize for Fiction
winner · global
201892
✍️
About the Author
Anna Burns
United Kingdom
View Author →

Anna Burns is a celebrated author from United Kingdom known for influential works of literary fiction.

Designed to Feel
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Designed to Feel
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“The most eye-opening book on emotions I’ve ever read.”
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Milkman about?

In an unnamed city during the Troubles, an eighteen-year-old woman is stalked by a powerful paramilitary figure known as the Milkman in Burns's dreamlike, elliptical Booker Prize winner. The novel captures the paranoia and dark humour of a community living under political violence.

Who wrote Milkman?

Milkman was written by Anna Burns, from United Kingdom. First published in 2018.

What awards has Milkman won?

Milkman has received the following awards and honours: Booker Prize 2018; Women's Prize for Fiction 2018.

Is Milkman worth reading?

Milkman is one of the most critically acclaimed books ever written, with an aggregate editorial score of 100/100 on 50 Best Books, based on mentions across 2 editorial sources. It is particularly recommended for readers interested in Troubles, women, power.

Where can I buy Milkman?

You can buy Milkman on Amazon. Click the Buy on Amazon button above to find the best edition.

What category is Milkman?

Milkman is classified as Literary Fiction. Character-driven fiction that prioritises style, theme, and psychological depth.

What country is Milkman from?

Milkman originates from United Kingdom's literary tradition. Explore more books from United Kingdom on our country page.

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