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Mine
On stage, Fin is Thor. Angry and invincible. Yet for all his potential, people always leave him. Kayla is the only girl he's ever met who’s worth loving. The only one he's ever wanted to be worth something for.
Kayla knows she's weird and unlovable. But she wants to believe there is no reason to be sad anymore.
In each other Fin and Kayla find the only place they've ever belonged. Until the ghosts from the past come to break them apart.
Kayla knows she's weird and unlovable. But she wants to believe there is no reason to be sad anymore.
In each other Fin and Kayla find the only place they've ever belonged. Until the ghosts from the past come to break them apart.
240 pages, Paperback
Published February 11, 2018
2 people are currently reading
51 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
February 14, 2018
This book is something else!
I could tell you that Mine by Sally Partridge is one of the best YA novels I have read this year. Or I could explain (at length) how she has captured the very essence of young love and toxic high school relationships.
Maybe I could try to convince you that this book will resonate with anyone who has been, or is, in love and will recognise the feelings of desire, insecurity and fear that well up as we try to second-guess what the object of affection is thinking or feeling at any given time.
I could, but I won’t – instead I will just say that this book should be an essential part of any YA selection in libraries or in private ownership! Buy it, read it and share it – you will, laugh, you will cry, you will get angry and at the end you will say “Jesus I did not see that coming!” (well that is what I said anyway), I am still not over it – thanks Sally!
Told from the point of view of Fin and Kayla in alternating chapters their passion for each other is so raw and real that it almost hurts to read their story. It is testament to Sally’s skill as a writer that even when our main characters are portrayed at their worst and most unlikable that we never lose the feelings of sympathy and hope for their future.
Mine is a beautiful, broken love story that will remain with you long after you have finished reading.
I could tell you that Mine by Sally Partridge is one of the best YA novels I have read this year. Or I could explain (at length) how she has captured the very essence of young love and toxic high school relationships.
Maybe I could try to convince you that this book will resonate with anyone who has been, or is, in love and will recognise the feelings of desire, insecurity and fear that well up as we try to second-guess what the object of affection is thinking or feeling at any given time.
I could, but I won’t – instead I will just say that this book should be an essential part of any YA selection in libraries or in private ownership! Buy it, read it and share it – you will, laugh, you will cry, you will get angry and at the end you will say “Jesus I did not see that coming!” (well that is what I said anyway), I am still not over it – thanks Sally!
Told from the point of view of Fin and Kayla in alternating chapters their passion for each other is so raw and real that it almost hurts to read their story. It is testament to Sally’s skill as a writer that even when our main characters are portrayed at their worst and most unlikable that we never lose the feelings of sympathy and hope for their future.
Mine is a beautiful, broken love story that will remain with you long after you have finished reading.
July 25, 2019
One of my favourite books in the world! Hearing South African phrases and familiar places in Cape Town was so refreshing, and the storyline was tragically true and we'll written. I loved this book so much, but the cliff hanger at the end is still etching at me!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 24, 2018
Ms Partridge in Mine manages to convey the full scope of an epic love with a keen sense of tragic realism.
In Fin and Kayla we have people who are trapped in the spiral of a complicated love that is their solace from the chaos thrust into their lives by school, family and so-called friends.
The novel wraps itself in the trappings of pop culture and music, Fin is rapper, Kay is a pink haired skater girl and comic book reader, Fin is THOR when he's on stage (The God of Thunder and Verse) and Kay feels she has more in common with Galactus than Spider-man (Miles Morales Forever) - both characters are vivid and real.
Those wonderful words:
The words flowing from Fin and Kay have an astounding resonance. They are words that fall out of the mouth of all the doomed lovers I ever knew (The true walking dead), these words were uttered in school stairways while I watched with stomach twisting dread, the same mistake being made again and again with the conviction that this time - this time it would be different. I've heard these words in my own head, finding the same emotional echo chamber that defines and twists Kayla's sense of self worth.
The words are sublime.
A Sense of place
Mine offers a South African awareness of space that isn't too constricting or laden with historical detail. The pitfall about setting a story in South Africa, is the context of the history that goes with a locale - and South Africa has history aplenty. Ms Patridge offers a sense of place without the millstone of this history - it is a sense of place that is constructed and conveyed with brevity but filled with a personal context for Fin and Kayla from dirty broken Lansdowne to the privilege of Newlands.
In Fin and Kayla we have people who are trapped in the spiral of a complicated love that is their solace from the chaos thrust into their lives by school, family and so-called friends.
The novel wraps itself in the trappings of pop culture and music, Fin is rapper, Kay is a pink haired skater girl and comic book reader, Fin is THOR when he's on stage (The God of Thunder and Verse) and Kay feels she has more in common with Galactus than Spider-man (Miles Morales Forever) - both characters are vivid and real.
Those wonderful words:
The words flowing from Fin and Kay have an astounding resonance. They are words that fall out of the mouth of all the doomed lovers I ever knew (The true walking dead), these words were uttered in school stairways while I watched with stomach twisting dread, the same mistake being made again and again with the conviction that this time - this time it would be different. I've heard these words in my own head, finding the same emotional echo chamber that defines and twists Kayla's sense of self worth.
The words are sublime.
A Sense of place
Mine offers a South African awareness of space that isn't too constricting or laden with historical detail. The pitfall about setting a story in South Africa, is the context of the history that goes with a locale - and South Africa has history aplenty. Ms Patridge offers a sense of place without the millstone of this history - it is a sense of place that is constructed and conveyed with brevity but filled with a personal context for Fin and Kayla from dirty broken Lansdowne to the privilege of Newlands.
February 23, 2018
I would have read this in one sitting if it weren't for the pesky sleep thing. This book reminds me of its own music - a hard duet, where the emotions of the two main character harmonise in interesting ways. The characters are flawed and don't always make good decisions, but they are written in a way that I understand why they make the wrong choices. Lots to feel in this book. I enjoyed how my own sense of them developed as it moved to the conclusion. Loved it.
February 26, 2018
I loved MINE. It contains so much emotional truth that it hurts. It is a story about growing up and love and insecurity and figuring out how to survive all the ups and downs of navigating the deep waters of being a teenager. Kayla and Fin are amazing. They will stay with me for a long time to come. One of those novels you will want to read in one go, so don't plan anything else for a few hours after opening the book...
February 17, 2019
This was beautiful story of love and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The ending was so unexpected and made me cry so much! Such an amazing book and a must read for all teens and young adults. I can’t wait to see Sally Partridge’s next book and I hope it will turn out as great as this one did.
March 1, 2018
Sally Partridge’s YA novel, Mine hits harder than Thor’s hammer, Mjölnir. Reading Mine feels like you’re on a runaway train that is threatening to derail at any moment. By the end, you need to catch your breath and check for any injuries that you might have sustained. Yes, it’s that good. Mine is the story of two Capetonian teenagers, Kayla and Fin struggling to make sense of life and love. It’s a story that’s as tragic as it’s beautiful. The story’s gritty and doesn’t treat difficult issues like sex and alcohol with kid gloves. If you live in Cape Town and are familiar with the surrounding areas you’re sure to get even more of a kick out of this novel because the manner in which Sally Partridge writes about the city is like it’s also a character in the story. You’re also in for some great music and comic book references. Music and pop culture play a huge part in the life of most teenagers and Mine is told through that lens.
Kayla Murphy is 16 and totally cool but she doesn’t know it. She doesn’t believe in love because she has been hurt too many times. She has learned time and time again that guys are asshats and only want you for one thing. What she doesn’t realise is that although she might feel broken she is beautiful, with her blue hair, ripped jeans, Vans sneakers and Led Zeppelin t-shirts. She is also an amazing skater, knows more about comic books than most guys and she is a total classical music nerd, with the flute being her instrument of choice. Finlay September is enthralled with her from the first day he sees her zooming by on her skateboard and giving him the finger. He is 19 and has a host of his own issues. He is repeating matric and it looks like he is well on his way to failing again. His situation at home is quite bad, what with his dad who beats him when he is not neglecting him. He has his music going for him, though. He is the frontman of a popular band on the Cape Town circuit, Dark Father. When he gets on stage and spits his hard-hitting lyrics he transforms from Fin to Thor and he is a god. These two characters collide and a love affair like no other ensues. Their love affair is beautiful, intense and tragic because of meddling from outside, miscommunication and trust issues. Both these characters are emotionally intense and have deep-seated issues with loving and being loved.
Sally Partridge excels at portraying characters that you can relate to and whose emotional state mirrors that of many teenagers. Navigating love is difficult and Kayla and Fin deal with many obstacles as they try to stay together and be each other’s mine. Kayla’s character is the most complex and intriguing. She has to deal with bullying, slut-shaming and not knowing when to say no when guys are just using her for sex. Mine takes you on an emotionally intense ride but tells an important story of how difficult life and love is for teenagers these days. Some people might be put off by the swearing, alcohol and sex in a YA novel but the reality is that this is what teenagers are dealing with and shying away from those themes doesn’t help anyone. Kayla and Fin’s story is worth the bumpy ride.
Kayla Murphy is 16 and totally cool but she doesn’t know it. She doesn’t believe in love because she has been hurt too many times. She has learned time and time again that guys are asshats and only want you for one thing. What she doesn’t realise is that although she might feel broken she is beautiful, with her blue hair, ripped jeans, Vans sneakers and Led Zeppelin t-shirts. She is also an amazing skater, knows more about comic books than most guys and she is a total classical music nerd, with the flute being her instrument of choice. Finlay September is enthralled with her from the first day he sees her zooming by on her skateboard and giving him the finger. He is 19 and has a host of his own issues. He is repeating matric and it looks like he is well on his way to failing again. His situation at home is quite bad, what with his dad who beats him when he is not neglecting him. He has his music going for him, though. He is the frontman of a popular band on the Cape Town circuit, Dark Father. When he gets on stage and spits his hard-hitting lyrics he transforms from Fin to Thor and he is a god. These two characters collide and a love affair like no other ensues. Their love affair is beautiful, intense and tragic because of meddling from outside, miscommunication and trust issues. Both these characters are emotionally intense and have deep-seated issues with loving and being loved.
Sally Partridge excels at portraying characters that you can relate to and whose emotional state mirrors that of many teenagers. Navigating love is difficult and Kayla and Fin deal with many obstacles as they try to stay together and be each other’s mine. Kayla’s character is the most complex and intriguing. She has to deal with bullying, slut-shaming and not knowing when to say no when guys are just using her for sex. Mine takes you on an emotionally intense ride but tells an important story of how difficult life and love is for teenagers these days. Some people might be put off by the swearing, alcohol and sex in a YA novel but the reality is that this is what teenagers are dealing with and shying away from those themes doesn’t help anyone. Kayla and Fin’s story is worth the bumpy ride.
August 7, 2018
I actually rate this book -157. This is possibly the most dreadful, book I have ever read. The most careless story my mind has even consumed. I wouldn’t have picked this book up, if I wasn’t taking part in the Knysna literary festival. Sally Partridge was a speaker at the award ceremony, giving the contestants a “workshop” - she actually just spent the entire hour talking about how lucky she was to be published, that is something I find to be absolutely befuddling, that someone thought this story was good enough to be published. I knew from the cover of the book, that I wouldn’t like it. I knew from the first sentence that I’d hate it. And I knew from reading the last sentence that I’ve never wanted to burn a book, until now. The book is undeveloped. The characters are as deep as a droplet of saliva. The story as original and interesting as dust.
I normally just give the books I didn’t enjoy to my younger sister, a friend, or donate it to a second hand store. The thing is, with this book I feel as if I’m committing some unlawful sin, if I give this to anyone. I wouldn’t even give this to my enemies. I don’t think anyone else should read this book, and I really hope no one does. I don’t want it to be my fault to pass this munted book onto anyone else. At the prize giving I saw children no older than 11 buying this book. This book is promoting the most unhealthy relationship ever created. The writing was something out of a watt pad novel written by a 11 year old.
The only thing I can say that is somewhat good about this novel is that Sally Partridge must have done some research. She’s probably watched a ton of American teen dramas. Done some research on the Urban Dictionary seeing what a “lit” vocabulary the youth of today have.
I am the same age as the female character in this book, and while reading certain scenes where she’d shag an array of different men, I felt degraded as a teenage girl. I felt unworthy. I felt that, that was what I was supposed to be doing with my time.
Since this book is so relatable, to the mass, am I supposed to be sleeping with nearly every male I see(it’s a wonder she didn’t go after the bloody dog.), am I supposed to hate my parents, am I supposed to rely everything I am and have,on a boy? Am I supposed to change myself for a boy? Ruin relationships for a boy? Not have any other social interactions, because of a boy?
In the end, I hope that Fin does die. I hope that Louis killed him. I also hope that Kayla gets a reality check, gets a hold of her life and changes her personality. Also she should get rid of the hair dye, it’s a very tacky way of making the female protagonist seem “unique”. And most of all, I hope that Sally Partridge is never allowed to publish another piece of work, ever again.
-Mood while reading this book: Devastated that such drivel could be inflicted onto a page and read by so many young minds.
I normally just give the books I didn’t enjoy to my younger sister, a friend, or donate it to a second hand store. The thing is, with this book I feel as if I’m committing some unlawful sin, if I give this to anyone. I wouldn’t even give this to my enemies. I don’t think anyone else should read this book, and I really hope no one does. I don’t want it to be my fault to pass this munted book onto anyone else. At the prize giving I saw children no older than 11 buying this book. This book is promoting the most unhealthy relationship ever created. The writing was something out of a watt pad novel written by a 11 year old.
The only thing I can say that is somewhat good about this novel is that Sally Partridge must have done some research. She’s probably watched a ton of American teen dramas. Done some research on the Urban Dictionary seeing what a “lit” vocabulary the youth of today have.
I am the same age as the female character in this book, and while reading certain scenes where she’d shag an array of different men, I felt degraded as a teenage girl. I felt unworthy. I felt that, that was what I was supposed to be doing with my time.
Since this book is so relatable, to the mass, am I supposed to be sleeping with nearly every male I see(it’s a wonder she didn’t go after the bloody dog.), am I supposed to hate my parents, am I supposed to rely everything I am and have,on a boy? Am I supposed to change myself for a boy? Ruin relationships for a boy? Not have any other social interactions, because of a boy?
In the end, I hope that Fin does die. I hope that Louis killed him. I also hope that Kayla gets a reality check, gets a hold of her life and changes her personality. Also she should get rid of the hair dye, it’s a very tacky way of making the female protagonist seem “unique”. And most of all, I hope that Sally Partridge is never allowed to publish another piece of work, ever again.
-Mood while reading this book: Devastated that such drivel could be inflicted onto a page and read by so many young minds.
May 3, 2018
She makes me want to believe I can be the good guy for once.
Contemporary urban YA. Fin September and Kayla Murphy are wounded people, and they recognise this in each other which they meet. Do they have a chance?
It has been a while since the author’s last book, but Mine is worth the wait. Those who have followed her career will know that she gets better with every publication, leaving you wondering to what heights she might eventually soar. Mine once again underlines her trademark flair for writing about disaffected youth.
The setting for this novel is Cape Town, its places and people integral to the story – the familiar landmarks, the clubs and scenesters, the skaters, above all the music.
It brilliantly captures the intensity, the desperation, of teen relationships – the incredible highs and hopeless lows, the insecurity and need for constant affirmations/proofs of love.
Fin is a superbly developed character, damaged and sometimes self-destructive, but tough and resilient too. Prickly, vulnerable Kayla is the beautiful skater-girl geek, simultaneously lonely and yearning for someone close, to fit in, to find friends, and yet fiercely her own person, contemptuous of the crowd mentality. Together this pair make for a fraught, fevered relationship when they fall in love. In a sense their relationship renders them even more vulnerable than they were before, now that they have something worth losing; Kayla’s neediness is intensified, and her self-loathing is dangerously exacerbated by events brought about by precisely her vulnerability.
Emotionally involving, with a couple who are up there with my favourites, Eleanor and Park, and Indigo and Bailey in Indigo Donut, another dual POV YA that I recently read. Five stars, and hoping we don’t have to wait so long for the next Partridge novel.
Contemporary urban YA. Fin September and Kayla Murphy are wounded people, and they recognise this in each other which they meet. Do they have a chance?
It has been a while since the author’s last book, but Mine is worth the wait. Those who have followed her career will know that she gets better with every publication, leaving you wondering to what heights she might eventually soar. Mine once again underlines her trademark flair for writing about disaffected youth.
The setting for this novel is Cape Town, its places and people integral to the story – the familiar landmarks, the clubs and scenesters, the skaters, above all the music.
It brilliantly captures the intensity, the desperation, of teen relationships – the incredible highs and hopeless lows, the insecurity and need for constant affirmations/proofs of love.
Fin is a superbly developed character, damaged and sometimes self-destructive, but tough and resilient too. Prickly, vulnerable Kayla is the beautiful skater-girl geek, simultaneously lonely and yearning for someone close, to fit in, to find friends, and yet fiercely her own person, contemptuous of the crowd mentality. Together this pair make for a fraught, fevered relationship when they fall in love. In a sense their relationship renders them even more vulnerable than they were before, now that they have something worth losing; Kayla’s neediness is intensified, and her self-loathing is dangerously exacerbated by events brought about by precisely her vulnerability.
Emotionally involving, with a couple who are up there with my favourites, Eleanor and Park, and Indigo and Bailey in Indigo Donut, another dual POV YA that I recently read. Five stars, and hoping we don’t have to wait so long for the next Partridge novel.
November 12, 2018
Review also appears on W24.co.za
“Sometimes I think I like you more than you like yourself.”
This quote, in a nutshell, sums up the experience of two broken teens with self-destructive tendencies whose paths collide in Sally Partridge’s latest Young Adult novel, Mine.
One of SA’s best voices in teen and young adult fiction, Sally delivers another stellar and heartbreaking book which kept me reading well into the wee hours of the morning.
Fin and Kayla are two characters who both seek escape from a world that’s never been kind to them.
But can two characters who are broken beyond repair find common ground and heal each other? Or will the obstacles they face only serve to remind them that sometimes, happily-ever-afters are only for the self-possessed and confident?
Never scared to delve into topics that asks difficult questions, Mine explores issues around consent, bullying, abuse, imposter syndrome and asks what happens when love isn’t enough to save you. It’s not an easy ready, but it’s an important one.
“Sometimes I think I like you more than you like yourself.”
This quote, in a nutshell, sums up the experience of two broken teens with self-destructive tendencies whose paths collide in Sally Partridge’s latest Young Adult novel, Mine.
One of SA’s best voices in teen and young adult fiction, Sally delivers another stellar and heartbreaking book which kept me reading well into the wee hours of the morning.
Fin and Kayla are two characters who both seek escape from a world that’s never been kind to them.
But can two characters who are broken beyond repair find common ground and heal each other? Or will the obstacles they face only serve to remind them that sometimes, happily-ever-afters are only for the self-possessed and confident?
Never scared to delve into topics that asks difficult questions, Mine explores issues around consent, bullying, abuse, imposter syndrome and asks what happens when love isn’t enough to save you. It’s not an easy ready, but it’s an important one.
February 22, 2025
My gosh, this book was, sjoe! I have no words. I don't know anything about the different suburbs enough to have an opinion. I know some of Cape Town, enough to just sjoe. The themes of the book made me feel seen as teenage me, going through school bullies and toxic (I didn't know it back then) on-off relationships. And that ending, it wasn't one anyone saw coming. I'm not one for cliffhangers. Miss Partridge, you have some explaining to do🫠
May 18, 2023
Even though this isn't usually a genre I read much of, or would choose first tbh, I am a fan of this multi-genre author and I would probably read everything she writes.
Mine is a story about a tragic love between two high school students who each believe themselves to be broken beyond repair. It's a story that highlights how toxic habits/traits can cloud a person's judgment because these habits/traits are accepted as the norm; we choose them out of comfort even when we know we are doing the wrong thing.
The characters are well-written; I connected with Kayla through her dislike of One Direction, lol, and with Fin through his dislike of tomatoes. These were things, by the way, that made me feel seen.
I loved how the author brought a little of the landscape from the Southern Suburbs and the Cape Flats to life in this book not only allowing the reader a closer glimpse at the place and the people but also making me feel like I'm running around in my backyard.
This story also reminds us that a person's circumstances aren't what defines them.
Also, I don't think anyone saw that ending coming...
I have a couple of videos up on my channel where I talk about this book and, if you're interested, you can find the first one here.
Mine is a story about a tragic love between two high school students who each believe themselves to be broken beyond repair. It's a story that highlights how toxic habits/traits can cloud a person's judgment because these habits/traits are accepted as the norm; we choose them out of comfort even when we know we are doing the wrong thing.
The characters are well-written; I connected with Kayla through her dislike of One Direction, lol, and with Fin through his dislike of tomatoes. These were things, by the way, that made me feel seen.
I loved how the author brought a little of the landscape from the Southern Suburbs and the Cape Flats to life in this book not only allowing the reader a closer glimpse at the place and the people but also making me feel like I'm running around in my backyard.
This story also reminds us that a person's circumstances aren't what defines them.
Also, I don't think anyone saw that ending coming...
I have a couple of videos up on my channel where I talk about this book and, if you're interested, you can find the first one here.
August 25, 2023
You're a wonderful woman Ms. Sally but I cannot lie and say that I enjoyed this novel...
Read
April 23, 2018~There are a couple of red-winged starlings playing outside...I wonder if anyone else has noticed how starling are always in pairs...If only people were that loyal.
I can't believe I'm reduced to watching birds with a better love life than mine.~
~Superheroes are the misunderstood losers too, until the world needs them. The difference is I wouldn't consider helping any of these guys if they got into trouble. People suck. I'd rather fly off to another planet and leave them all behind.~
~I look at other girls my age and can't really understand how they get to be so happy. It's like there's some karma scale where all the bad things in life only happen to me.~
~Chicks? You do know the difference between the females of your own species and livestock, right?~
~I'm not like other girls. I'm not all sweet and perfect. It's just not me. I'm bad at it. And I'm into things I'm not supposed to like, like skating and geeky stuff.~
I can't believe I'm reduced to watching birds with a better love life than mine.~
~Superheroes are the misunderstood losers too, until the world needs them. The difference is I wouldn't consider helping any of these guys if they got into trouble. People suck. I'd rather fly off to another planet and leave them all behind.~
~I look at other girls my age and can't really understand how they get to be so happy. It's like there's some karma scale where all the bad things in life only happen to me.~
~Chicks? You do know the difference between the females of your own species and livestock, right?~
~I'm not like other girls. I'm not all sweet and perfect. It's just not me. I'm bad at it. And I'm into things I'm not supposed to like, like skating and geeky stuff.~
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews