Hot Milk is a 2016 novel by British author Deborah Levy.[1] It follows the story of mother, Rose, and daughter, Sofia, who embark on a journey to a Spanish clinic in search of a medical cure for Rose's paralysis.

Hot Milk
First edition
AuthorDeborah Levy
LanguageEnglish
GenreFiction
PublisherHamish Hamilton
Publication date
2016
Publication placeUnited Kingdom

Plot

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Rose's paralysis confines her to a wheelchair and limits Sofia's freedoms.[2] The proprietor of the clinic, Gómez, is charismatic but may be of questionable skill. While Rose undergoes treatment, 25-year-old Sofia becomes obsessed with Ingrid, a seamstress. Later, Sofia visits her father in Athens, from whom she has been estranged, and spends time with his new wife and daughter. Athens seems to be in a state of collapse, and the novel pictures both Greece and Spain in the throes of economic and political turmoil. Sofia is an anthropologist by training, and this informs her perspective on events.

Critical reception

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The novel received generally positive reviews. In The New York Times, Sarah Lyall described Sofia, the main character as "interesting and surprising."[3]

Nominations

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Adaptations

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A film adaptation starring Emma Mackey, Vicky Krieps and Fiona Shaw and directed by Rebecca Lenkiewicz is in production.[5]

References

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  1. ^ "Man Booker prize 2016: the longlist – in pictures". The Guardian. 27 July 2016. Archived from the original on 13 February 2022. Retrieved 28 July 2016.
  2. ^ Shriver, Lionel (24 March 2016). "'Hot Milk', by Deborah Levy". Financial Times. Archived from the original on 23 October 2016. Retrieved 23 October 2016.
  3. ^ Lyall, Sarah (10 July 2016). "Review: In 'Hot Milk,' by Deborah Levy, a Broken Life and a Frayed Maternal Bond". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on 3 November 2019. Retrieved 31 January 2023.
  4. ^ "Man Booker Prize announces 2016 shortlist". Man Booker. 13 September 2016. Archived from the original on 29 June 2018. Retrieved 27 July 2016.
  5. ^ Ravindran, Manori (10 May 2023). "Emma Mackey Joins Vicky Krieps, Fiona Shaw in 'Hot Milk,' HanWay Films Selling in Cannes (EXCLUSIVE)". Archived from the original on 19 May 2023. Retrieved 20 January 2024.