In the world of audiobooks, a unique voice is key to a captivating listening experience. Anna Burns’ Milkman has both the author’s distinct voice and the excellent narration of Bríd Brennan. The story follows an unnamed young woman living in Northern Ireland during the era of “The Troubles,” a time of political unrest and violence. The audiobook is a coming-of-age tale, with the protagonist navigating her world in a way that is both relatable and unforgettable. In this review, we’ll explore the world of Milkman, its audiobook version, and why it’s a must-listen for fans of literary fiction.
Where to Listen to Milkman Audiobook?
Milkman Audiobook, narrated by Bríd Brennan, is available for purchase on several audiobook platforms, including Audible, Google Play Books, and Apple Books. Listeners can also borrow it from their local libraries using apps like Libby and Overdrive.
Milkman Audiobook Summary
The protagonist of Milkman is an 18-year-old woman living in an unnamed town during The Troubles. The young woman is an avid reader, known for walking while reading her books, and her unusual behavior sets her apart from the rest of her community. She becomes the subject of gossip when she is pursued by a middle-aged paramilitary figure known as the milkman. The protagonist must navigate the political and personal pressures of her community while attempting to maintain her independence and identity.
The story is both a coming-of-age tale and a commentary on the difficulties of life in a politically divided society. It explores the themes of individuality, the role of women in society, and the power of language. The audiobook version of Milkman is narrated by Bríd Brennan, who delivers the story with an authentic Northern Irish accent, adding an extra layer of depth to the already rich storytelling.
List of chapters and a brief description of Milkman Audiobook
| Chapter | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | “The Morning” | The narrator is introduced as a young woman who is being watched by a man known as “Milkman.” |
| 2 | “The Walk and Talk” | The narrator goes on a walk with her friend, explaining the rumors that are circulating about her and Milkman. |
| 3 | “The Bridge” | The narrator talks about the significance of the bridge in her town and the political climate of Northern Ireland during “The Troubles.” |
| 4 | “The Third Brother” | The narrator meets with her maybe-boyfriend, who introduces her to his eccentric brother. |
| 5 | “The Lunch” | The narrator attends a lunch with her mother, who questions her about Milkman. |
| 6 | “The First Brother-in-Law” | The narrator discusses her family and their interactions with her boyfriend’s family. |
| 7 | “The Mechanics” | The narrator goes to see her car mechanic, who becomes a confidant of sorts. |
| 8 | “The End State Army Concept” | The narrator reflects on the military and its role in Northern Ireland during “The Troubles.” |
| 9 | “The Derelict” | The narrator meets with her boyfriend’s sister, who takes her to a derelict building where they talk about their lives. |
| 10 | “The Letter” | The narrator receives a threatening letter and starts to feel like she is in danger. |
| 11 | “The Photograph” | The narrator finds a photograph of herself and Milkman in a magazine and starts to worry about the implications. |
| 12 | “The Electricians” | The narrator meets two electricians who are doing work in her home, and they become friendly with her. |
| 13 | “The House-to-House” | The narrator discusses the house-to-house searches that are happening in her town as a result of “The Troubles.” |
| 14 | “The Caul” | The narrator’s mother convinces her to see a traditional healer, who performs a cauling ritual on her. |
| 15 | “The Bags of Yarn” | The narrator goes to see her maybe-boyfriend’s mother, who is knitting bags of yarn for soldiers. |
| 16 | “The Burn” | The narrator witnesses a woman being burned as a suspected informant, and she starts to fear for her own safety. |
| 17 | “The Tunnels” | The narrator meets with her boyfriend’s brother, who takes her to see a series of tunnels beneath the city. |
| 18 | “The Nineteenth Minute” | The narrator reflects on the importance of the “nineteenth minute” in her town, when the violence seems to stop for a brief moment. |
| 19 | “The Dead” | The narrator attends the funeral of the woman who was burned and reflects on her own mortality. |
| 20 | “The Final Walk” | The narrator takes a final walk with her maybe-boyfriend and decides to leave her town. |
Note: The chapter titles may differ depending on the edition of the audiobook.
Milkman Audiobook Review
Milkman is a critically acclaimed novel that has been praised for its unique voice and perspective. The audiobook version is no different. Bríd Brennan’s narration is a perfect match for the story, and her authentic accent adds an extra layer of authenticity to the setting. The story itself is beautifully written, with a poetic quality that is rare in modern literature.
The unnamed protagonist’s voice is unforgettable, as she navigates the complexities of her world with wit and insight. Her experiences and struggles are relatable, even to listeners who have never lived through a period of political unrest. The story is both specific to its time and place, yet universal in its exploration of identity and individuality.
Brennan’s narration is engaging and immersive, bringing the story to life in a way that will keep listeners engaged from start to finish. Her delivery is nuanced, capturing the subtleties of Burns’ writing and the complexities of the characters.
Overall, Milkman Audiobook is a must-listen for fans of literary fiction. The combination of Burns’ unique voice and Brennan’s excellent narration creates a listening experience that is both captivating and unforgettable. It’s a story that will stay with listeners long after they’ve finished listening.
Things to learn from Milkman Audiobook
| S.No. | Learning Points |
|---|---|
| 1. | The impact of political conflict on ordinary lives |
| 2. | The power dynamics of patriarchy and how it affects women |
| 3. | The importance of community and solidarity in difficult times |
| 4. | The complexities of identity and the struggle to form one’s own identity |
| 5. | The danger of conforming to societal norms and expectations |
| 6. | The impact of gossip and rumors on individuals and society |
| 7. | The importance of communication and understanding in relationships |
| 8. | The psychological toll of living in a society with high levels of violence and tension |
| 9. | The resilience and strength of individuals in the face of adversity |
| 10. | The beauty and power of language in storytelling and conveying emotion. |
Conclusion
Milkman is an exceptional audiobook that is both timely and timeless. It’s a story that captures the complexities of life in a divided society and the power of individuality and language in the face of political turmoil. The combination of Burns’ writing and Brennan’s narration creates a listening experience that is truly unforgettable. Listeners can find Milkman Audiobook on popular audiobook platforms like Audible, Google Play Books, and Apple Books, or borrow it from their local libraries using apps like Libby and Overdrive. Give this audiobook a listen and discover why it’s a must-listen for any fan of literary fiction.
FAQs
Q: Where can I listen to the Milkman audiobook?
A: The Milkman audiobook can be found on several audiobook platforms such as Audible, Google Play, and Apple Books.
Q: Who narrates the Milkman audiobook?
A: The Milkman audiobook is narrated by Bríd Brennan.
Q: What is the duration of the Milkman audiobook?
A: The Milkman audiobook has a duration of 14 hours and 11 minutes.
Q: What is the Milkman audiobook about?
A: The Milkman audiobook is a coming-of-age tale centered around an unnamed young woman living in Northern Ireland during “The Troubles.” It provides an insightful look into the complexities of political conflicts and their effects on individuals and society.
Q: Is the Milkman audiobook a good listen?
A: Yes, the Milkman audiobook is a critically acclaimed listen, with the unique voice of the author and narrator, providing an unforgettable experience. It won the Booker Prize in 2018.
Q: What is the writing style of the Milkman audiobook?
A: The Milkman audiobook is written in a stream of consciousness style, with the narrator’s thoughts and experiences presented in a fragmented and nonlinear way. This unique style contributes to the overall immersive experience of the audiobook.
Q: Can I listen to the Milkman audiobook for free?
A: While some audiobook platforms may offer a free trial period, the Milkman audiobook usually requires a purchase or subscription to access. However, some public libraries may offer the audiobook for borrowing.
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