The Milk Job is a contemporary poetic retelling of the biblical Book of Job, inspired by the author’s own struggle to cope with personal tragedy and suffering – a struggle that is shared by all of humanity.
Using the literary device of the allegory and following the tradition of classical narrative poetry, Samuel Kilroy tells the tale of a hapless modern day Job, a tenant dairy farmer who overnight loses all he owns and loves in this world – his farm, his cows, and his milk. Like the biblical Job he endeavors to make sense of the calamity that befalls him as he goes through the emotional turmoil that is common to all humans who experience great loss. He seeks an explanation for his misfortunes from his landlord (“His Lordship,” as he refers to him), and ultimately finds a way to move on when an answer, which at first seems illusory, is provided.
This carefully crafted, concise retelling of the Book of Job provides a fresh take on the meaning of Job’s suffering. It will appeal to those who value biblical contemplation and to those who enjoy storytelling through poetry, but, above all, it is shared in the hope that this version of Job’s travails and fortitude will provide meaningful comfort and guidance to those suffering through their own personal trials.
