This is the first book I have read of Martin Millar's. Originally published in 1987 in Britain, it was just published this past year in the U.S. In Milk, Sulphate and Alby Starvation, the main character Alby Starvation is dogged by a perpetual sickness that he is convinced modern medicine should be able to solve. Unfortunately for Alby, his doctors "hate him" and think that he just needs to "relax". On top of his illness, Alby is faced with a Milk Marketing Board that wants his blood.
The only respite Alby gets is when he is producing new beats on his drum machine or getting high on speed, even then there is always the possibility of some thugs breaking through the ceiling of his flat in Brixton. Alby is truly downtrodden. Did I mention he is also surrounded by cronies he is highly suspicious of?
Considering its contemporary topics and the fact it was written in the 1980's, that the larger themes still relate very closely to the human condition today is remarkable. Most notably, individual paranoia. Whether it is drug induced or not, it is clear that along with the increase in global terrorism has come an increased sense that someone is always out there trying to get us at every turn. Afterall the terror level can change at any moment and without warning. Like Alby Starvation, many of us are made to live in a fearful state awaiting imminent disaster.
In his own unique style Millar (for a sample just read a few of his recent posts on his blog) takes his time hopping all over the place giving only bits and pieces of what the characters are feeling and thinking. Just when you start digging how things are unfolding for one character Millar quickly shifts gears to focus on another character that you had not even been thinking about. While this sort of thing can be somewhat irritating at times, it keeps you turning the page. So in the end this book is something to check out if you are looking for a quick entertaining read.
The only respite Alby gets is when he is producing new beats on his drum machine or getting high on speed, even then there is always the possibility of some thugs breaking through the ceiling of his flat in Brixton. Alby is truly downtrodden. Did I mention he is also surrounded by cronies he is highly suspicious of?
Considering its contemporary topics and the fact it was written in the 1980's, that the larger themes still relate very closely to the human condition today is remarkable. Most notably, individual paranoia. Whether it is drug induced or not, it is clear that along with the increase in global terrorism has come an increased sense that someone is always out there trying to get us at every turn. Afterall the terror level can change at any moment and without warning. Like Alby Starvation, many of us are made to live in a fearful state awaiting imminent disaster.
In his own unique style Millar (for a sample just read a few of his recent posts on his blog) takes his time hopping all over the place giving only bits and pieces of what the characters are feeling and thinking. Just when you start digging how things are unfolding for one character Millar quickly shifts gears to focus on another character that you had not even been thinking about. While this sort of thing can be somewhat irritating at times, it keeps you turning the page. So in the end this book is something to check out if you are looking for a quick entertaining read.
