Author: Mark Athitakis, Special to USA TODAY

Mary Miller’s “Biloxi” is an engrossing character study of a contemptuous old man who tries to find some meaning in life through a dog named Layla.

When one child goes missing, long-simmering resentments and fears come to the surface.

Anna Burns’ novel ‘Milkman,’ about the conflict in 1970s Northern Ireland, won this year’s Man Booker Prize. Now it is published here. A review.