I found this book intriguing, but lacking some in execution. Since this is set in a school and I have always worked in a school, there were many emotions that resonated for me. I also think for me, what was missing, and this isn't a criticism, it is just a shortcoming on my part, is an understanding of what it means to be a young person in South Africa post apartheid. Also, I am so amazed that authors can have other completely immersing professions and still write good novels. Matlwa's main job seems to be as a physician. How to people do that?!?!

The first 2/3 and last 1/3 of this novel are so completely different in tone that it feels like a very weird story. The ending is out of proportion compared to the rest of the book and that does not make it into a sad, good novel, just a so-so one.

It feels strange to give this book only three stars, because I want you to read it. The author captures and creates emotions so effectively-even in such a short space I care about each of them. But it is also somehow uneven as a story - I wanted more from the ending. Maybe from all of it. So it’s not the best of her stories but it’s still worth a read.

I loved Kopano Matlwa's debut Coconut - though it could have been better in execution, it's content was superb, provocative, and exactly the kind of novel one wanted to be published in the new South Africa. I read Spilt Milk in one sitting, not because it was engrossing, but I couldn't bear to drag the novel out over several days. Exhausting in it's cliches, Matlwa's ability to produce a digestible second novel will remain spilt milk. But let's not spend our time crying over it - third time lucky, right?

Note to reader this review of is for me so might be useless to you.

An entertaining book. It explores themes of racial hatred, African desire for equality of status with Europeans, Love, Redemption, broken homes and justice.

There is also a strange love story layered in there which doesn’t quite come together for me.

The more interesting story is that of the children but it isn’t explored in any detail for me. Their home lives are meaty topics which are glossed over.

"The perilous thing about being the victim is that you are never forced to hold the mirror up to yourself. No one ever asks you to evaluate you actions, your motives, your intent, and so you continue on with no points checked and no questions asked."

Two unlikely lovers reunited in the most unlikely circumstances. I did not enjoy it as much as Coconut, but a good book nonetheless.

I gave this book 3.5. Stars.

It was a page turner, but I was still floored about the ending it seemed so colossal for a storyline that was so minimal in plot.

I will give a full review soon.