Professor's Debut Novel Hits Summer Reading List

John Van Rys, a retired English professor with decades of experience teaching Canadian literature, has now contributed to the field with his debut novel, Milksop. This coming-of-age story is set in the London area and rural Huron County in 1979, centering on 17-year-old Evan Mulder.

Evan is sent to work on a dairy farm for the summer after a difficult academic term. The narrative draws heavily on Van Rys's own youthful experiences working on a farm, exploring themes of self-discovery and resilience. The novel aims to offer encouragement, with Van Rys stating, "Life is not easy, but it can be good."

Milksop has garnered attention by being included on the Giller Prize's Craving CanLit summer reading list. Van Rys, who began seriously writing fiction later in life, described the novel-writing process as a "marvellous experience" and the most creative of his professional career.

The novel is also noted for its comedic elements, stemming from Evan's "fish out of water" experience as a city kid navigating rural farm life. Van Rys views Milksop as an antidote to difficult times, offering a hopeful perspective on human resilience and community.

Van Rys's journey to publishing his first novel in his sixties, after a distinguished academic career, culminated in a "deeply gratifying" moment when he held the finished book.