Milkman

Eighteen-year-old middle sister, who lives in Northern Ireland during the time of Irish-British conflict, is accused of flirting with the milkman, a member of a paramilitary group opposing the government. Her family believes the rumour and middle sister must try to avoid the milkman while she determines if her relationship with her maybe-boyfriend will become a more permanent, all while the troubles around her affect all aspects of her life. This coming-of-age story, the 2018 Man Booker prize winner, can be used for independent reading in grade 12 and explores the many levels of conflict in life, identity, rumours, how fear influences a person’s choices in life, and the Irish/British conflict. Social considerations noted.