The reason I love joining book clubs is that they encourage me to read books that don’t usually cross my path.
I’ve loved getting back into reading this year and, after previous years of a conveyor belt of crime thrillers – it’s been refreshing to read a mind-opening semi-autobiographical novel of a black, gay British man.
Rainbow Milk is written by Paul Mendez and is a fascinating story of diversity; tackling some difficult themes but accomplishing their purpose by exposing them to the reader – providing pivotal points for reflection and discussion.
“We leave the Garden of Eden for the Land of Milk and Honey and find Sodom and Gomorrah.”
– Paul Mendez, Rainbow Milk
Beginning with the 1950’s Windrush generation; Norman and Claudette Alonso leave Jamaica with dreams of a new life in England – which are heart achingly dampened by racism on their arrival.
Fast-forward five decades to the story of millennial Jesse and his Jehovahs Witness upbringing; which is interwoven with sexual identity, prostitution and the continuing racism now encountered by his generation.
The frank, yet beautifully written, narrative vividly brings those experiences to life. You not only visualise, you feel and empathise too.
“I think I know what you mean about borrowed nostalgia. I definitely experienced it really strongly when we were listening to Joy Division earlier.”
– Paul Mendez, Rainbow Milk
As someone who also associates music with nostalgia, I loved Mendez use of music throughout the book. I love it even more that I’ve found the Rainbow Milk playlist on Spotify.
I’m a similar age to the protagonist Jesse, so I enjoyed the memories conjured up of my youth by the music used in Jesse’s story. It was also an opportunity to contemplate the stark contrast in our lives, both then and now.
A wonderful combination of music, writing, art and gardening references provide the soft undertones to the difficult themes throughout the book; all equally contributing to a thought-provoking and enjoyable read.
“It’s nothing special. I just write to remember things and explain things to myself.”
– Paul Mendez, Rainbow Milk
Writing to remember things and to explain things, not only to oneself – but to the world, is what makes writing one of the most special and cathartic skills in the world.
And the semi-autobiographical Rainbow Milk is a well-explained cathartic piece of literature.
Missuswolf 