Milking Time

by Rachael Treasure

Connie Mulligan, daughter of a fourth-generation Tasmanian dairy farmer, feels like she doesn't belong. She's out of sorts, and out of step - with her family, her community and her time, and it feels like nothing she does is right. But the story of how Connie Mulligan takes back control of her story and makes a life for herself will have you standing up and cheering. Earthy, funny, truthful and wise, this is Rachael Treasure at her emotional, heartfelt and feelgood best.

Genres: Fiction, Book Club

400 pages, Paperback

Published December 1, 2023

About the author

Rachael Treasure lives in southern rural Tasmania with her two young children. She is passionate about encouraging non-readers to read, inspiring farmers to consider regenerative agricultural practices and animal handlers to better understand their dogs and livestock. She is a graduate of Orange Agricultural College and has a Bachelor of Arts (Communication) from Charles Sturt University, Bathurst. She has worked as a jillaroo, rural journalist, ABC radio broadcaster, professional woolclasser, part-time vet nurse, family farm manager, drover and stock camp cook. She has written 4 novels and a short story collection, all bestsellers.
Follow her on facebook:
www.facebook.com/rach.treasure

Reviews

[Sharon · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5★

Milking Time by Aussie author Rachael Treasure is a thought-provoking story. I found it took me a little bit to get into and there were a few times it seemed to drag on, but in saying that I did enjoy the story and for the most part it held my interest. An enjoyable story and I love the cover. Recommended.

[Craig and Phil · Rating 5 out of 5]

A species needs to adapt and embrace change to survive and humans more so now than ever are in need of this awakening.
The way we farm, what we eat and the empowerment of women are stridently connected.
I think it’s apt that the pioneer of modern day rural romance takes the charge and elevates a rural inspired story that embodies and captures these elements.
Connie Mulligan has passion and ideas, they are sadly falling on deaf ears in a family where she is virtually invisible.
A vain mother and a narcissistic father keep her suppressed in more ways than one.
University ended in disaster and the nightmare continually haunts.
A trip to Ireland offers an opportunity to endorse her beliefs and open her mind to new horizons.
A family estrangement, a bevy of secrets and a dose of personal enlightenment and enrichment collide as she finds herself and her direction.
Like a box of chocolates you will get a good selection of themes and interesting facts and in turn it will hopefully educate and create change.
Connie’s story is powerful, insightful and inspiring as it shows change can equate to hope.
Like a double curled Samboy BBQ chip this read was immensely enjoyable.

[Donna · Rating 1 out of 5]

I must say I started reading this book and thought I would like it but it took me so long to get into it that I ended up being quite bored and disappointed with it.

I found the story dragged on, I didn't like the characters and I felt it never really went anywhere. I got half way through it (yes I kept trying to give it a go) before I put it down and gave up reading. I couldn't finish it I'm afraid.

Milking Time
Rachael Treasure
HarperCollins Publishers Ltd.

[Jacm · Rating 3 out of 5]

A thought provoking novel about the wider implications of farming practices and the fight to be heard in an industry dominated by the chase for the almighty dollar above the welfare of the people and environment around you.

It took a little while to get into, with the main character starting out a quite a low point but this set the scene beautifully for her transformation and liberation from her old way of seeing herself.

Living in a farming district there are parts that I am sure others around me would not agree with but overall the message is valid and strong for both metro & rural readers - stop and think about where your food comes from and the whole chain from paddock to your plate.

[Julie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have been a very big fan of Rachael Treasure's rural romance and was hoping for the same.
I really didn't enjoy this book as it was quite slow and boring with a lot of technical terms for modern-day farming and her point of view of this.
I continued to read it as I was hoping it would get better, and I am sorry to say it didn't.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

Rachael Treasure is such a unique storyteller!

Milking Time, told from Connie Mulligan’s point of view, is about finding who you are at your core and staying true to yourself no matter how much external forces try dominate you and tell you who you should be. Connie uses all of her wit, willpower and a community of strong women (with a sprinkling of men too) to seize the day, save her family farm and transform herself, her life and her small Tasmanian town.

It has you considering the importance of who you surround yourself with, your people, your tribe if you will, and whose values align with your own.

It gets you thinking about the way humans dominate the land and the animals. It questions and tackles the idea of doing things differently to better listen to and preserve Mother Nature. It reminds you to connect back to the land.

There are three different narratives happening in the start of this book which made to storyline a little choppy but it evens out and becomes an enjoyable rural read.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins for a copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Laurelle Moxey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn't sure of this book in the first 2 chapters. But I read on, and absolutely loved it and thoroughly enjoyed reading it. The main character Connie is put down all her life, especially by her parents. Life turns around for her when she gets the opportunity to go to Ireland where her ancestors are from. She is coerced to come home to Tasmania and actually finds her courage and voice, never to be put down again. Very funny in parts and also some sad bits.

[Kerry Jones · Rating 1 out of 5]

I have read other books by Rachael Treasure but this one was a huge disappointment. The main character was totally unrelatable. There was too much boring jargon about farming techniques and some of the activities of the characters were far fetched and stupid.
If this is any indication, I doubt that I will read any more of her books in the future.

[Susan Mackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing! Could not put it down! Adore Connie and her posse. As a dairy farmer's daughter (Victoria) this really resonated with me. Bless the divine feminine.

[Amelia O'Reilly · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I set myself the challenge of reading every book of the month suggested by The Sunday Book Club I knew I would sometimes be pushed out of my reading preferences but that's what I wanted.

After coming home from university traumatised and disgraced Connie is back at work on the family dairy farm where she is reminded every day that she is the cause of all of the family's problems. Unexpectedly Connie has the chance to visit Ireland where she tries to be brave and confident and instead gets a knock on the head. But a new Connie emerges and when she gets back to Tasmania she is determined to protect her farm, her community and the world.

Milking Time could easily be classed as a romance novel and I do not read romance novels. It is also a story about women's empowerment, the corruption of nature and development changing society for the worse. It is about learning that you have power. It is about forgiveness and acceptance. It is funny. And although not at all a fantasy novel it took me on a magical journey from Tasmania to Ireland and back again with Connie gathering her own band of 'witches' along the way.

The pre Ireland part of the story took me a while to settle into, Connie made her own life so much harder than it needed to be and it wasn't enjoyable to read. But as we met more and more vibrant, good humoured characters I became invested in the story. The Irish op shop scene was a particular highlight.

In a Facebook book group I'm a member of I saw someone note that their octogenarian mother is very fond of Rachael Treasure's books and I can see why (that isn't meant to be an insult). There are great lessons about sustainability, acceptance, diversity, technology, family and so many other things without being 'too much'. I am definitely not the demographic for Connie's story but I can see why people who read this genre would love it.

It's kind of women's empowerment packaged up in an old worldey vibe that might make it more palatable to a more conservative audience? But it was a bit of fun for sure.

[Annmarie Bright · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was hard to read until the last few chapters. Too much in the first half was about ‘green peace’ agriculture and using big scientific words which took away from the story. The issue that happened to Connie at University was overlooked to push the agenda of chemicals used in farming, milking etc. yes it is important but to start a book about something as serious as what occurred to her at University then to use it sporadically to show the change in her as she goes to Ireland, her growth etc and people actually start to believes d listen to what she is saying is left far too late in the story. The last half of the book was a better read. If it’s Rachel’s agenda about chemicals etc in farming than yes touch on it but don’t start on one tangent then switch to this for half a book than bring the original story line back in. It makes for a hard read and people I know who have bought this book have all said the same - it’s a hard read. Books are supposed to draw readers in and make them feel a part of a story, to picture the story in their head (in head movie view). This book did none of that for me. Sorry Rachel it’s a one star from me and I hope the others I have of yours don’t disappoint me too.

[Xavier Smith · Rating 1 out of 5]

three reasons i hated this book
1. incredibly boring
2. lackluster love story
3. she didn’t tell him she was pregnant for no reason

[Lynda · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book really doesn’t know what it wants to be. It is part preaching/proselytising - all about sustainable ethical farming in Tasmania, which is VERY detailed and technical and often plain tedious. It is part mythical, magical realism with medieval witches and trances and flashbacks to previous lives. It is part a women’s rights treatise, feeling very ‘70s, and part Me Too. (Connie’s University professor) It is part a romance. And there are dysfunctional families and secrets and tragedies all mixed in. There are plenty of interesting characters thrown on top - I lost track of many of them. As a basic story of trying to change attitudes towards the land and life, it sort of works and as a reader I was definitely barracking for the women and their supporters. I quite enjoyed parts of it but won’t read any more of her novels.

[Heather Craven · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn’t sure at first if I would be able to get into this story… BUT it was so worth continuing. I realised that at first it felt disconnected because that was how Connie was experiencing the world. Connie trying to manage trauma without appropriate support. A wonderful story of women supporting women- exploring ancient belief systems- working in harmony with the natural environment to heal rather than poison it. The fact that is set in my favourite state of Australia and in a region I have loved for over 30 years was also a huge plus. It explores too how Tasmanian’s view themselves and often clash with mainlanders- but it explores that it is possible to work together . Recommended.

[Wendy Kendall · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really thought I was going to enjoy this book, and indeed had a few starts & breaks along the way. Unfortunately it wasn’t for me. I just couldn’t warm to it, despite the wish too. It may have been just the wrong time. I can say that I did read the whole book & also listen to i

This is a 2 stars 🌟 for me.

[Sharon J · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found Milking Time by Rachael Treasure to be strangely disturbing. The main character, Connie, is totally downtrodden and the story is very slow moving and very depressing. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to keep reading but I persevered and I’m glad I did because it definitely improved.

Set in a small coastal Tasmanian town in a dairy farm district, the small town and country attitudes prevailed. Things changed when Connie goes to visit Ireland where she has a epiphany that chanced her attitude an approach to her life but also that of Mother Earth. Back to basics farming and environmentally friendly approach to the production of food and the milking of cows. It was a bit like Silent Spring set in a farm environment with major concerns about chemical poisoning of the soil and water ways.

The story moved from being depressing to top of the world happy and positive.

Unfortunately due to eye surgery I wasn’t able to complete reading before publication date but I got back to it eventually. I’ve always enjoyed Rachael Treasure’s novels and even though this one was a bit quirky I did enjoy it.


This review is based on a complimentary copy from HarperCollins Australia via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

#MilkingTime #NetGalley

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not sure I should be reviewing this. While I liked and agree with the extremes that frame her story of Connie Mulligan’s awakening from a nerdy farm girl who annoys everyone with her preaching about unsustainable farming methods to a powerful force for ecologically sustainable farming, especially dairy farming. She makes a thought provoking point about genetically engineering animals from a restricted thoroughbred gene pool is the equivalent of naturally occurring extinction through massive inbreeding. Her father (along with current practice) uses chemicals that destroy biomass in the soil and slowly poisons animals and humans. Connie’s rebirth occurs in Ireland where she sees how truly sustainable farming can work, and also where she bathes in Irish magic and feminist mythology driven by the ancient Sheela Na Gig, a small statue of womanhood with massive vulvae. She returns back to her dysfunctional family, but is able to rustle up an army of women helpers who like her are determined to rid the country of cruel male corporate domination of nature. They succeed in a dramatic but highly unlikely way. Treasure obviously loved writing this book, using her knowledge of farming, the ecology and love of animals all bathed in feminine mysticism. This is what I called “writer-based” writing; the reader doesn’t get much a look in, especially nonTasmanians who wouldn’t have clue that “Ulvie” is Ulverstone and “Lonnie” is Launceston. Some minor points: Connie has some sort of fainting illness depicted in horrifically violent italicised episodes during her ‘absence’. This is never explained and seems quite superfluous. A minor point: I was put off by the title and the cover design which features a conventionally attractive middle class female, which Connie was definitely not. There is obviously a lot of research that has gone into the story and there is some great writing. However, as a male reader – and an aged Greenie at that – I couldn’t relate to the magic, the mythology and sheer unlikelihood of the plot and many of the characters, including Connie herself. But girls, go for it: you’ll likely love it.

[Leanne Webster · Rating 3 out of 5]

Milking Time is a book selected as one of the Rachael John’s Online Book Club monthly reads. I probably wouldn’t have picked it up otherwise.

WOW I have never been so surprised by a read. Don’t judge a book by its cover! I really thought it was going to be a light love story based in dairy country in Tasmania however, the book had a lot more depth and covers a lot more relevant issues.

The main character is Connie Mulligan, born and raised on a dairy farm, as per her parent’s request heads off to uni to become a teacher however, she secretly studies ethical and sustainable farming. Unfortunately she finds herself in a sexual abuse situation with a dodgie professor. After losing the court case she drags herself back to the family farm wherein she is constantly belittled by her parents, continually reminded of her failings and if that isn’t bad enough she has to watch her father and brother drive their dairy farm into the ground with their old styles of farming with little regard for animal welfare or land sustainability.

It’s a well researched and educational read with great characters and some good plot twists.

Really enjoyed it, especially the staunch female characters who “raise their skirts” to show off their “maps of Tazzie” 😂

[Lisa Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Milking Time" by Rachael Treasure provides a compelling glimpse into the intricacies of the dairy industry through a captivating narrative. Treasure's portrayal of farm life and the challenges faced by dairy farmers is both authentic and insightful.

The book delves into the daily routines, joys, and hardships of those who work the land, offering a rich tapestry of characters and their interconnected lives. Treasure's writing style is engaging, making it easy to empathize with the characters and their struggles.

As someone who appreciates a well-researched depiction of agriculture, I found "Milking Time" to be particularly commendable for its attention to detail and the way it sheds light on the lesser-known aspects of dairy farming. Whether you're familiar with the industry or not, Treasure's narrative draws you in and leaves you with a deeper appreciation for the hard work and dedication required in farming.

Overall, "Milking Time" is a great read that not only entertains but also educates, making it a must-read for anyone interested in rural life and the complexities of agricultural practices.

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Any book where the opening line of the first chapter is “Dad is doing my head in with his rigid ideas about tits” immediately has my attention! Here’s what I thought this book was about, judging by the title and cover- I thought it was going to be a rural romance set on a farm. Yeah, not exactly. It was so much more.
.
Milking time for cows, yes. But more-so ‘milking the time of your life’. Connie lives on her family dairy farm in Tasmania, with her disjointed family and a lifetime of trauma. As circumstances transpire, Connie takes a journey of self discovery, healing, spiritual awakening and ultimately takes her life into her own hands and changes its course. There is definitely a feminist uprising and building of community.
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There is education about agricultural science and practices, and I’ve never read a book with so much Aussie slang and so many sayings, thankfully this lessened throughout the book (very heavy at the beginning).
If you enjoyed ‘The Angry Women’s Choir’ then you will enjoy this.

[Shelagh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Milking Time is one of those books that has you sitting up and really thinking about the world we live in. Heroine Connie Mulligan has returned to her family dairy farm in Tasmania, where she seems to be at odds with everything. Her father is busily putting every chemical known to man into the soil, purportedly to improve the health of his cows and increase milk yields. Connie disagrees with him about everything he’s doing but her concerns fall on deaf ears. I loved watching her progress from feeling like a complete failure to succeeding and changing things on her own terms. It’s clear that author Rachael Treasure knows about environmentally friendly and healthy dairy practices and by the time I’d finished reading this book I felt as though I also knew a fair bit. I loved the supporting characters that Connie got to know along the way though I think my favourite would have to be Mrs McBee, who Connie friends during a trip to Ireland. This book has been both fun and informative to read.

[Bec · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars
I found Milking Time slow to get into and considered giving up, but I'm glad I persisted as I found the second half much more interesting - starting from around when Connie went to Ireland. The story makes you think about the food we eat, chemicals and consequences and safe and ethical farming methods. I enjoyed the focus on the earth and animals.
There was a lot going on with Connie with her family and Uncle Larry. I loved Uncle Larry and the friends Connie made, both in Tasmania and Ireland. They really formed a community and proved you could farm in ethical ways. They had each other's backs which really made the story.

[Melissa Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this story we meet Connie who is living with her parents and brother, they are a family of dairy farmers in TAS. Connie had a terrible experience at University with her lecturer and is ‘shamed’. Returning home, she is lost and still suffering from the trauma of it all. She doesn’t get on with her parents, has different ideas on the future of the farm which is met with opposition and she feels she is ‘different’ and doesn’t fit in. A trip to Ireland and a major twist, starts to see Connie’s life heading for change and she finds her ‘people’, and becomes inspired to create a new way forward and challenge the ‘status quo’. Overall enjoyable, with themes of farming and agriculture methods really making you think twice about chemicals used to produce food and the effect on our health, this book is literally ‘food for thought’.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley, Harper Collins Australia, and the author for the chance to read this book.

I wasn't sure what to expect after seeing some mixed reviews for this book, and although at times I had to really focus to keep track of what was happening, I absolutely loved Connie's story. Connie has such a tough life with her communication struggles and the way she is constantly manipulated, bullied, and abused by family and others. I loved it when she discovered her people and found the strength to bring forward her inner voice.

This story has many deep undercurrents, and there are a lot of positive things the reader could learn from it. It certainly got me thinking.

[Staci · Rating 1 out of 5]

Bleck... Maybe I should label it as a DNF? There was a large chunk through the middle that I just skimmed as I jumped to the end to see what would happen. What's odd is that I appreciate so much of the message of the book - healthy farming practices, frowning on foreign purchases of local industries, warning about all the chemicals used in our food cycles, etc.. but, it felt like too much of a bashing: bashing corporations (that might be fair, but probably a little simplistic), bashing anyone who didn't listen to her enlightened ideas, and bashing men and 'the patriarchy'. As soon she started on about the divine feminine and Mother Earth, I was done.

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I struggled at the beginning of this book and became quite frustrated with the characters.
The entire book changed for me once Connie arrived in Ireland. From that point on I couldn’t put it down. I just loved the positiveness and empowerment of the characters.
At times my eyes glazed over as details about milking etc were given. I understand the need for this in the context of the story.
I loved the ending of a really well crafted story by Rachael Treasure.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was intrigued by the story. This book is so different to her previous, but it was a pleasant surprise. It was a great story about a woman coming to terms with her upbringing and relationships within the farming community Lots of talk about ethical farming which is our future. It was emotional as well as educational. A book that makes you think about the future as far as food sources are concerned.

[Joanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wasn’t sure at first—Milking Time took a little while to draw me in—but I’m glad I persisted. Connie’s story is heartbreaking yet inspiring, as she faces manipulation and cruelty but slowly finds her strength, her community, and her voice. The book raises thought-provoking themes around ethical farming, food, and the environment, while also highlighting the power of friendship, kindness, and resilience.

[Lynne Prentice · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Yes it did take a bit of getting into but once Connie made it to Ireland it’s a rollicking read I couldn’t put down. Actually it was the audiobook I couldn’t stop listening to. So many issues identified and many practical solutions proposed. A must read for the small farmer feeling pressured by Big Farmer corporations. In the early chapters Connie is despondent and almost gives up but the power of a group of likeminded people reminded her to find her tribe and persevere.

[Carol Slade · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's an enjoyable read.
Connie has been brought up on a toxic dairy farm in Tasmania by toxic parents. It initially looks like she is going to descend into psychosis with her beliefs in chemical free farming not shared by her family. However, it becomes a journey of her finding herself and like-minded people to achieve her goals with some delightful diversions on the way.