The gorgeously funny, uplifting and entertaining new novel from Rachael Treasure, author of iconic, bestselling and much-loved stories of Australian rural life, including Jillaroo and The Farmer’s Wife.
Connie Mulligan, daughter of a fourth-generation Tasmanian dairy farmer, feels like she doesn’t belong – anywhere. She’s got big dreams and big ideas, but she made a mess of her university degree and has been sent home in disgrace. The man who was responsible for her failure won’t get out of her nightmares, her father won’t listen to any of her ideas on how to make environmentally positive changes to the way the dairy farm is being run, her mum thinks she should go on anti-depressants, and she keeps having what her psychologist calls ‘episodes’. Connie is stifled, frustrated, out of sorts and out of step – with her family, her town, her community and her time.
It’s not until an opportunity arises to travel to Ireland that a chance encounter with a wise old woman – and a knock on the head – sees Connie regain her confidence. And it is in Ireland that Connie realises that everything she wants back home – family, friends, community and a healthy, healing land – is within her grasp; she’s just got to reach out for what she wants and make it happen. The story of how Connie Mulligan uses all her wit, willpower and a community of strong women to seize the day, save her family farm and transform herself, her life and her small town will have you standing up and cheering. Earthy, funny, truthful and wise, this is Rachael Treasure at her emotional, heartfelt and feelgood best.
Rachael Treasure is renowned for her novels set in rural Australia, often revolving around themes of farming, love, and community. Treasure’s last book was her 2020 White Horses, where she made it clear that although her novels contained romance, what she was really writing about, and wanted to write about, was regenerative agriculture and healing. On her website, she states, “Two decades on mainstream media is at last seeing that the biggest ‘romance’ I want people to have is with our land and with our own selves.’ Then she refers to Kathy Lette’s term for older women’s fiction. “My latest novel Milking Time is ‘I don’t give a shit lit’ and I’m saying what I need to say. It’s set to challenge and surprise the reader and hopefully alter the status quo of farming.”
And she does. Milking Time puts social rebellion ahead of romance, without being preachy or losing the charm of the genre. It immerses readers into the world of Tasmanian dairy farming, painting a vivid portrait of the challenges and triumphs of small-town farming community. Then there’s Ireland, and who doesn’t love a good women’s story with an Irish setting?
Filled with authentic, gutsy characters – particularly Connie and her Uncle Larry – Milking Time is a brilliant return to writing for Treasure. Connie’s character arc, the connection between her own healing and that of the land, is powerful… and I want more. Fingers crossed we don’t have to wait too long for a follow-up. Rachael Treasure is back and better than ever.
“Milking Time” by Rachael Treasure is a delightful blend of humor, heart, and rural charm that captivates readers from start to finish. In this review, the journey of Connie Mulligan, a spirited Tasmanian dairy farmer’s daughter, is painted with vibrant strokes, showcasing her struggles, aspirations, and eventual triumphs.
Treasure’s knack for crafting authentic characters shines through, with Connie emerging as a relatable and resilient protagonist whose journey resonates deeply. As she navigates familial tensions, personal setbacks, and a longing for change, readers are drawn into her world, rooting for her every step of the way.
The novel’s exploration of themes like regenerative agriculture and social rebellion adds depth and relevance, without overshadowing the warmth and humor that define Treasure’s storytelling. From the picturesque landscapes of rural Australia to the enchanting backdrop of Ireland, the settings come alive, serving as the perfect backdrop for Connie’s transformative journey.
With its witty dialogue, heartfelt moments, and unapologetic portrayal of life’s complexities, “Milking Time” is a testament to Treasure’s storytelling prowess. As she challenges conventions and celebrates the resilience of the human spirit, readers are left eagerly anticipating what comes next.
Overall, on https://assignmentpay.com/literature-review-writing-service/ wrote that “Milking Time” is a must-read for anyone craving a heartfelt and uplifting tale that leaves a lasting impression. Rachael Treasure has once again proven herself as a master storyteller, and this latest offering is sure to delight both longtime fans and newcomers alike.