The discussion of this novel, which all the organisers thoroughly enjoyed, began with a reference to the particular context addressed in Milkman, namely the ‘Troubles’ in Northern Ireland in the 1970s. The short biography of the author presented in the introduction raised the question of social support, as it was only thanks to this support that the author was able to write this novel, which became an international bestseller (Man Booker Prize). However, the discussion quickly centred on the novel's protagonist, who is never mentioned by name, and the highly idiosyncratic writing style, which is both distanced and empathetic. The paramilitary and state violence is not really shown, but it runs throughout the narrative and the participants were very receptive to it. The burden of community is omnipresent, everyone is constantly judged. The word that kept coming up in the discussions was ‘unheimlich', but also ‘paranoia’. Many emphasised the appeal of such a narrative, which draws the reader into a partial picture of reality.

The moderation of this session was very fluid and interesting as everyone liked the book and commented on the form and perspective as well as the situation of a young girl trying to break out of an oppressive community. The story of a young woman trying to escape a pervasive patriarchy, both in the ranks of the external enemy and in her own community, is set in a very specific historical context, but it reflects a much more generalised experience and allowes participants to identify with her.

There is a related (excellent!) series set in Belfast at the same time, Say Nothing. The series is about a young woman who joins the IRA, transgressing the boundaries imposed by gender roles. While the commitment is not romanticised, the series unfolds in a much more predictable way, as female emancipation seems relatively straightforward and the sometimes ruthless community is primarily perceived as a source of solidarity rather than a threat.