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Agua pasada
Cuando eran adolescentes, Mohumagadi y Bill tuvieron una historia de amor que terminó de forma abrupta y traumática. Han pasado quince años, y todo aquello es agua pasada. Ella, Mohumagadi, dirige una escuela de élite para niños con altas capacidades, desde donde contribuye a transformar su amado país –que reconocemos como la Sudáfrica posterior al apartheid– aplicando un método pedagógico eficaz y moderno, que atrae a la nueva clase dirigente y adinerada: la generación born free que ha amasado fortuna, de cuyos hijos se espera que sean los líderes del mundo del futuro.
Un día, sin darse cuenta de que se trata de su amor de juventud, Mohumagadi se ve obligada a contratar a Bill, convertido en sacerdote y enviado a la escuela para expiar una culpa sobre la que se guarda silencio. Cuando finalmente se reencuentran y se reconocen, el pasado emerge de manera torrencial, enturbiando la atmósfera ideal de la escuela y cambiando el rumbo de dos personas que creían haber reconducido sus vidas por el camino recto.
En su segunda novela, ganadora del prestigioso premio Wole Soyinka de literatura africana, Kopano Matlwa explora algunos de los temas cruciales de la Sudáfrica post-apartheid que son una constante en su obra: la desigualdad y el odio racial, la rápida y desequilibrada modernización del país y el ápice de esperanza que no cesa de latir en una sociedad que, al igual que los protagonistas de esta historia, lucha por liberarse de los estigmas del pasado.
Un día, sin darse cuenta de que se trata de su amor de juventud, Mohumagadi se ve obligada a contratar a Bill, convertido en sacerdote y enviado a la escuela para expiar una culpa sobre la que se guarda silencio. Cuando finalmente se reencuentran y se reconocen, el pasado emerge de manera torrencial, enturbiando la atmósfera ideal de la escuela y cambiando el rumbo de dos personas que creían haber reconducido sus vidas por el camino recto.
En su segunda novela, ganadora del prestigioso premio Wole Soyinka de literatura africana, Kopano Matlwa explora algunos de los temas cruciales de la Sudáfrica post-apartheid que son una constante en su obra: la desigualdad y el odio racial, la rápida y desequilibrada modernización del país y el ápice de esperanza que no cesa de latir en una sociedad que, al igual que los protagonistas de esta historia, lucha por liberarse de los estigmas del pasado.
176 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2010
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836 people want to read
About the author
Kopano Matlwa
5 books262 followersPodcast with Kopano Matlwa by Victor Dlamini (May 5th, 2008)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
March 23, 2021
«Pero tal vez por eso se fijaron en ella, porque nadie en sus cabales soñaría con hacer algo parecido, y lo irracional siempre nos ha hecho gracia».
Kopano Matlwa me hace recordar de dónde surgió el amor y la necesidad de escribir sobre lo que otras escriben. La conocí por 'Florescencia', su novela más personal y realista, que me abrió un mundo que desconocía. Me enseñó sobre ser mujer, sobre ser africana, sobre a dónde podíamos llegar y sobre el sentido del dolor. Que es ninguno.
Y luego, con 'Nuez de coco', se abría la puerta a una Matlwa cruda que trataba temas tan recurrentes como la infancia, el crecer y la soledad.
En su narrativa encontramos un poderoso componente racial que está en el núcleo. Y lo mismo ocurre en 'Agua pasada' su última obra. Y la cual las muchachas de Alpha Decay han tenido a bien hacerme llegar.
«Ella dijo que sería un colegio donde las circunstancias no nos dividirían y la pobreza se quedaría fuera de las puertas. Un lugar donde los ancianos escuchan a los jóvenes, y los jóvenes tomarían la palabra y se pondrían al frente. Un lugar del que sentirse orgulloso. Un lugar de la verdad».
Matlwa se alza como una conocedora del mundo palpable. Sigue escribiendo con cierto enfado, pero parece haber alcanzado la estabilidad emocional y la conciencia. Es belleza sencilla, es mujeres y es crecimiento. Pulsa las teclas como si fueran las de un piano que emprende la más hermosa melodía.
Se trata de una novela de ficción al uso, con temas tan recurrentes como la superación personal, la educación de los jóvenes, el amor y la religión. De este último punto, recuerdo, que Matlwa se mostraba como firme defensora de su Dios en anteriores creaciones. Ahora nos encontramos una visión más irascible, más escéptica. Quizás más justa también.
«Dios no estuvo allí durante todos esos siglos en que nos encadenaron, nos violaron, nos engañaron y nos golpearon. ¿Por qué quiere involucrarse justo ahora que parece que estamos ganando?».
Kopano Matlwa me hace recordar de dónde surgió el amor y la necesidad de escribir sobre lo que otras escriben. La conocí por 'Florescencia', su novela más personal y realista, que me abrió un mundo que desconocía. Me enseñó sobre ser mujer, sobre ser africana, sobre a dónde podíamos llegar y sobre el sentido del dolor. Que es ninguno.
Y luego, con 'Nuez de coco', se abría la puerta a una Matlwa cruda que trataba temas tan recurrentes como la infancia, el crecer y la soledad.
En su narrativa encontramos un poderoso componente racial que está en el núcleo. Y lo mismo ocurre en 'Agua pasada' su última obra. Y la cual las muchachas de Alpha Decay han tenido a bien hacerme llegar.
«Ella dijo que sería un colegio donde las circunstancias no nos dividirían y la pobreza se quedaría fuera de las puertas. Un lugar donde los ancianos escuchan a los jóvenes, y los jóvenes tomarían la palabra y se pondrían al frente. Un lugar del que sentirse orgulloso. Un lugar de la verdad».
Matlwa se alza como una conocedora del mundo palpable. Sigue escribiendo con cierto enfado, pero parece haber alcanzado la estabilidad emocional y la conciencia. Es belleza sencilla, es mujeres y es crecimiento. Pulsa las teclas como si fueran las de un piano que emprende la más hermosa melodía.
Se trata de una novela de ficción al uso, con temas tan recurrentes como la superación personal, la educación de los jóvenes, el amor y la religión. De este último punto, recuerdo, que Matlwa se mostraba como firme defensora de su Dios en anteriores creaciones. Ahora nos encontramos una visión más irascible, más escéptica. Quizás más justa también.
«Dios no estuvo allí durante todos esos siglos en que nos encadenaron, nos violaron, nos engañaron y nos golpearon. ¿Por qué quiere involucrarse justo ahora que parece que estamos ganando?».
December 11, 2021
In the name of all other Spilt Milk reviewers: Coconut was better ;)
#Facts, it was.
However, unlike Coconut that was authentically mirroring the identity crisis of post-apartheid South African youth, Spilt Milk was a lot more fiction-y in the real sense of the word. From the concept to the setting, all the way to the characters.
Narrating the every day will (unfortunately?) always perform better than creating the fictional, and thus, if the book was longer, Kopano might have been able to develop the concept and its themes more.
I was especially intrigued by the relationship dynamics of headmistress Mohumagadhi and Father Bill. And even though their relationship served as the base for Kopanos’ social commentary, there is so much more that could have been drawn out of it.
All in all, Spilt Milk would be an excellent long novel.
That being said, it is a brilliant “in between” book. An amazing starter-book for all the times one falls of the reading track. A quick read in between two longer ones, without compromising the substance or validity.
#Facts, it was.
However, unlike Coconut that was authentically mirroring the identity crisis of post-apartheid South African youth, Spilt Milk was a lot more fiction-y in the real sense of the word. From the concept to the setting, all the way to the characters.
Narrating the every day will (unfortunately?) always perform better than creating the fictional, and thus, if the book was longer, Kopano might have been able to develop the concept and its themes more.
I was especially intrigued by the relationship dynamics of headmistress Mohumagadhi and Father Bill. And even though their relationship served as the base for Kopanos’ social commentary, there is so much more that could have been drawn out of it.
All in all, Spilt Milk would be an excellent long novel.
That being said, it is a brilliant “in between” book. An amazing starter-book for all the times one falls of the reading track. A quick read in between two longer ones, without compromising the substance or validity.
May 2, 2021
Sekolo sa Ditlhora és una escola d'excel·lència per a canalla negra de barris benestants que la directora Mohumagadi va fundar des de zero. Seguint uns principis estrictes, es proposa forjar una generació de joves que puguin liderar Sud-Àfrica. Però un incident en el que es veuen involucrats quatre alumnes posa l'escola en el punt de mira i les autoritats li envien un capellà blanc per a que ensenyi moral als díscols. La Mohumagadi no vol que la religió entri a la seva escola, i encara menys la religió dels blancs. Però quan el pare Bill arriba, pràcticament també com a càstig per a ell, la directora s'adona que els dos tenen un passat en comú que encara complicarà més les coses.
El meu regal de Sant Jordi em va agafar a contrapeu, no me l'esperava pas! Però m'he endut una molt bona sorpresa. Aquest llibre, el primer que llegeixo de la Kopano Matlwa, però probablement no l'últim, és una petita joia que explica una història interessant i atractiva per ella mateixa, però que en realitat és una al·legoria sobre la situació encara tensa i difícil que es viu a la Sud-Àfrica post-Apartheid. Neix de la decepció de l'autora perquè els objectius esperats no s'estan complint i el passat feridor encara és molt present. La trama es va desgranant des de la perspectiva alternada dels dos protagonistes que es reconeixen però no s'ho diuen. Les seves postures semblen irreconciliables. Escriptura intensa, sentiments a flor de pell i un goig poder aprendre sobre conflictes que ens queden tan lluny i coneixem tan poc.
(SERGI)
El meu regal de Sant Jordi em va agafar a contrapeu, no me l'esperava pas! Però m'he endut una molt bona sorpresa. Aquest llibre, el primer que llegeixo de la Kopano Matlwa, però probablement no l'últim, és una petita joia que explica una història interessant i atractiva per ella mateixa, però que en realitat és una al·legoria sobre la situació encara tensa i difícil que es viu a la Sud-Àfrica post-Apartheid. Neix de la decepció de l'autora perquè els objectius esperats no s'estan complint i el passat feridor encara és molt present. La trama es va desgranant des de la perspectiva alternada dels dos protagonistes que es reconeixen però no s'ho diuen. Les seves postures semblen irreconciliables. Escriptura intensa, sentiments a flor de pell i un goig poder aprendre sobre conflictes que ens queden tan lluny i coneixem tan poc.
(SERGI)
January 10, 2021
I really wanted to like this, it was my first South African fiction and the setting was very promising. Set in post-apartheid South Africa in a school for talented black children, led by a badass female principal. I liked the kids a lot, 10 years old but all witty, smart and woke, supposably the generation of change and progress.
I got disappointed towards the end, since the conclusions derived as out of nowhere and the ending itself felt very random.
The story was catchy and intriguing, though lacking some in execution.
I got disappointed towards the end, since the conclusions derived as out of nowhere and the ending itself felt very random.
The story was catchy and intriguing, though lacking some in execution.
May 16, 2013
The title drew me in because it seemed to carry a lot of meaning behind it. I was so excited to delve into this story and there was quite a lot to the title. However, I was disappointed with the ending and it just didn't blow me away as much as 'Coconut', her debut novel, did. It is still a good read though.
February 6, 2023
The only positive thing about this book is that it’s short.
I wanted to enjoy it, especially after reading Coconut last year. But this book seemed like the author was on some sort of psychedelics while writing.
As a teacher, I didn’t understand why an unqualified and inexperienced ex priest would be allowed to enter a secular, prestigious school and supervise young children unchaperoned. This is highly unbelievable and I felt that the author may have spent no time working in an actual school environment.
The characters were ridiculous and the story made no sense whatsoever. It showed a lot of promise in the beginning (hence the two stars) but the end was so delusional and rushed that I was left utterly confused.
I wanted to enjoy it, especially after reading Coconut last year. But this book seemed like the author was on some sort of psychedelics while writing.
As a teacher, I didn’t understand why an unqualified and inexperienced ex priest would be allowed to enter a secular, prestigious school and supervise young children unchaperoned. This is highly unbelievable and I felt that the author may have spent no time working in an actual school environment.
The characters were ridiculous and the story made no sense whatsoever. It showed a lot of promise in the beginning (hence the two stars) but the end was so delusional and rushed that I was left utterly confused.
September 19, 2023
Un "sí però no". El plantejament em va semblar interessant i la "resolució" del conflicte amb els alumnes em va sorprendre, però no vaig trobar realistes els personatges de la professora i el capellà i les seves reaccions al llarg de la novel·la. Potser l'autora ho fa expressament per posar èmfasi en la manca de comunicació entre ells, però uf. I la desgràcia final una mica gratuïta, a parer meu.
November 29, 2020
I haven't read Kopano's debut novel 'Coconut', but this one was dissapointing. I've started reading with high expectations, but the ending didn't blow me away. In fact, I felt that the end had nothing much to do with all the rest. It was a story of a priest and a head mistress, who had a history together 15 years ago, but also a story about race and what happened in the country. The school that the head mistress created wanted to make a new start for the children, the brighter ones, but one 'scandal' lead to other things, what lead to the tragic ending. The past and the present meeting each other, to create something different in the future. I think that's what I'll remember from this book.
August 1, 2015
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?
April 10, 2022
Tot i que el llibre està molt ben escrit, m'han agradat molt més Coconut i Florescencia. La història parla sobre la societat africana actual marcada encara pel passat que encara hi és molt present.
March 15, 2021
Este libro está ambientado en la Sudáfrica posterior al apartheid en un colegio de élite para niños negros talentosos dirigido por Mahumagadi, una directora muy estricta.
Cuatro alumnos de 10 años infringen una norma del colegio y
su castigo será acudir a unas clases para reflexionar y serán atendidos por un sacerdote blanco caído en desgracia, el padre Bill, el único blanco del colegio.
El padre Bill y Mahumagadi tuvieron una relación hace 15 años que terminó de manera traumática. Al reencontrarse, el pasado y el problema de los niños enturbia la paz del colegio.
Me ha gustado mucho como está escrito porque de una manera muy sencilla y muy sincera nos habla de las desigualdad social, del odio racial y de la esperanza de superar el pasado.
Cuatro alumnos de 10 años infringen una norma del colegio y
su castigo será acudir a unas clases para reflexionar y serán atendidos por un sacerdote blanco caído en desgracia, el padre Bill, el único blanco del colegio.
El padre Bill y Mahumagadi tuvieron una relación hace 15 años que terminó de manera traumática. Al reencontrarse, el pasado y el problema de los niños enturbia la paz del colegio.
Me ha gustado mucho como está escrito porque de una manera muy sencilla y muy sincera nos habla de las desigualdad social, del odio racial y de la esperanza de superar el pasado.
January 18, 2020
Contrary to common opinion, I do occasionally read something other than YA Fantasy. I just find that most of the quality authors live in the fantasy world. However, I came across this title on CloudLibrary (seriously, check with your public library and see what electronic resources they support, because there is a lot to be said for not having to remember to return library books on time) and checked it out.
Spilt Milk is set in an unnamed western African country after a major revolution. The country is rebuilding when out of nowhere a woman comes forward with an idea: to build an amazing school for the best and brightest in the country, to start looking forward rather than back. The idea is adopted, funds allocated and the school is built, leaving our lady with an idea-Mohumagadi-at it's helm. All is running smoothly until an indecent with some students brings a man from Mohumagadi's past to the school, and then all bets are off.
You should probably know: With the exception of the children, all of the characters are awful. Honestly, you could probably call them all bad people and not be inaccurate. Mohumagadi, the fearless leader, is poisoned by a hatred she can't get over, Father Bill is a gross pervert who should not be allowed anywhere near any kind of ministry, the children's parents are selfish, disconnected, and sadly, irrelevant to their own children's lives. The nastiness of all the adult characters causes two things to happen in the story: one, the children's innocence and promise shines so brightly it hurts (making the ending have that much more whump), and two, causing me to question where I'm at as a human being when compared to these people.
Bottom Line: This was a sad, depressing story with a sad, depressing ending that stayed with me for days. It left me wondering why the adults couldn't listen to the children, and why it takes tragedy for people to realize they were wrong. I was left cataloguing in my head the details that led up to the heart-stopping ending, and wishing it could have ended differently. This is definitely a story that hits you in the feelings, and it stayed with me. I also really hated Father Bill, so there's that.
Read this story if you enjoy:
-African fiction and literature (woot woot for African voices in contemporary fiction!)
-Gross priests and the women who hate them
-Unrealistically well-funded schools
-The kids being the best part of the story
-Getting annoyed with fictional parents
Spilt Milk is set in an unnamed western African country after a major revolution. The country is rebuilding when out of nowhere a woman comes forward with an idea: to build an amazing school for the best and brightest in the country, to start looking forward rather than back. The idea is adopted, funds allocated and the school is built, leaving our lady with an idea-Mohumagadi-at it's helm. All is running smoothly until an indecent with some students brings a man from Mohumagadi's past to the school, and then all bets are off.
You should probably know: With the exception of the children, all of the characters are awful. Honestly, you could probably call them all bad people and not be inaccurate. Mohumagadi, the fearless leader, is poisoned by a hatred she can't get over, Father Bill is a gross pervert who should not be allowed anywhere near any kind of ministry, the children's parents are selfish, disconnected, and sadly, irrelevant to their own children's lives. The nastiness of all the adult characters causes two things to happen in the story: one, the children's innocence and promise shines so brightly it hurts (making the ending have that much more whump), and two, causing me to question where I'm at as a human being when compared to these people.
Bottom Line: This was a sad, depressing story with a sad, depressing ending that stayed with me for days. It left me wondering why the adults couldn't listen to the children, and why it takes tragedy for people to realize they were wrong. I was left cataloguing in my head the details that led up to the heart-stopping ending, and wishing it could have ended differently. This is definitely a story that hits you in the feelings, and it stayed with me. I also really hated Father Bill, so there's that.
Read this story if you enjoy:
-African fiction and literature (woot woot for African voices in contemporary fiction!)
-Gross priests and the women who hate them
-Unrealistically well-funded schools
-The kids being the best part of the story
-Getting annoyed with fictional parents
July 8, 2020
3.5 stars
Spilt Milk isn’t as good as Coconut, which I finished a few day’s ago.
The story touches on the outcome of a cross cultural dalliance? relationship? (according to your perception) in a post-1994 setting, but there’s a lack of context, with regards to the origins of this relationship. The lovers are thrown together unexpectedly, after 15 years, and unresolved feelings which have been buried deep, flare to life.
Mohumagadi is the principal at an elite school. The children at this school are intriguing. Their stories have potential. However, their stories are not the focus in the book. These 10-year-olds are advanced but I suppose it supports the story notion since these children are not ‘your average’ students. This is a specially-built institution with students who are painted as bright and talented, the ones who will “change the world”. Their parents belong to the new-money generation, many are jet-setting entrepreneurs who travel the world and are mainly absent from their children’s lives and so these kids have their unique internal struggles. Enter father Bill, a disgraced priest who has been sent to the school as a form of ‘punishment’ and these errant children are placed in his detention class to atone for their ‘misdeeds’. Oh, the irony!
Meanwhile, the ‘upright’ principal and the priest have unresolved business. More irony.
It’s a good story, and a quick read, with a sad and unexpected ending.
Spilt Milk isn’t as good as Coconut, which I finished a few day’s ago.
The story touches on the outcome of a cross cultural dalliance? relationship? (according to your perception) in a post-1994 setting, but there’s a lack of context, with regards to the origins of this relationship. The lovers are thrown together unexpectedly, after 15 years, and unresolved feelings which have been buried deep, flare to life.
Mohumagadi is the principal at an elite school. The children at this school are intriguing. Their stories have potential. However, their stories are not the focus in the book. These 10-year-olds are advanced but I suppose it supports the story notion since these children are not ‘your average’ students. This is a specially-built institution with students who are painted as bright and talented, the ones who will “change the world”. Their parents belong to the new-money generation, many are jet-setting entrepreneurs who travel the world and are mainly absent from their children’s lives and so these kids have their unique internal struggles. Enter father Bill, a disgraced priest who has been sent to the school as a form of ‘punishment’ and these errant children are placed in his detention class to atone for their ‘misdeeds’. Oh, the irony!
Meanwhile, the ‘upright’ principal and the priest have unresolved business. More irony.
It’s a good story, and a quick read, with a sad and unexpected ending.
June 13, 2021
Spilt Milk is a very easy book to read. It's written like most of my favourite African literature, proverbs and similies all over the place.
I like the stories of each character. I like that I was able to envision the lives of almost everyone we encountered. And they were easy to understand, they were tangible and I loved that.
I'm also aware that the story is left almost open ended up I felt like I needed a little bit of redemption for the kids. I wish they could have explained themselves to someone other than Bill even if the person didn't believe them. I also wish we knew a little more about Mlilo (but I guess that's what the ending is about). He was so guarded and sad but he deserves a little redemption too. Or at least some more
The ending wasn't justifiable enough for me. There was actually something missing towards the end and I wish I could put my finger on it
I like the stories of each character. I like that I was able to envision the lives of almost everyone we encountered. And they were easy to understand, they were tangible and I loved that.
I'm also aware that the story is left almost open ended up I felt like I needed a little bit of redemption for the kids. I wish they could have explained themselves to someone other than Bill even if the person didn't believe them. I also wish we knew a little more about Mlilo (but I guess that's what the ending is about). He was so guarded and sad but he deserves a little redemption too. Or at least some more
The ending wasn't justifiable enough for me. There was actually something missing towards the end and I wish I could put my finger on it
December 1, 2018
I rate Spilt Milk higher than Coconut, the better known 1st book. This book has a solid story, an interesting story, told by a very capable story teller.
However, I thought the introduction was too long and wordy. And again she lost me from page 184 to the end (+-11 pages).
I enjoyed reading the body part of the book as I felt I was reading towards something. Few things, of no real consequence disturbed me, but I liked how different the story was.
Now that I am done I can't honestly say I understand what the book is about, and that makes me sad. Sad because I like the rhythm of the author's writing on those parts when it doesn't feel like there's an underlying coded message. Maybe I like her story telling better than her poetry.
However, I thought the introduction was too long and wordy. And again she lost me from page 184 to the end (+-11 pages).
I enjoyed reading the body part of the book as I felt I was reading towards something. Few things, of no real consequence disturbed me, but I liked how different the story was.
Now that I am done I can't honestly say I understand what the book is about, and that makes me sad. Sad because I like the rhythm of the author's writing on those parts when it doesn't feel like there's an underlying coded message. Maybe I like her story telling better than her poetry.
January 11, 2020
I've never read a book where I hated all the characters, but there's a first time for everything. The "unexplored past" in this book, disappointingly, remains mostly unexplored and you end up with two central characters who are hard to believe and extremely unlikeable. The secondary characters, mostly children, are given just as much regard.
I read this book because I enjoyed Matlwa's Period Pain, but this book I almost put down - especially after reading a passage on oral herpes and how a resentful character wishes they would have spread it to someone else. I finished it because I could do it quickly, and sometimes I like a bad read to remind me of the good ones. If you want to start Matlwa's work and enjoy it, don't start with this book.
I read this book because I enjoyed Matlwa's Period Pain, but this book I almost put down - especially after reading a passage on oral herpes and how a resentful character wishes they would have spread it to someone else. I finished it because I could do it quickly, and sometimes I like a bad read to remind me of the good ones. If you want to start Matlwa's work and enjoy it, don't start with this book.
June 24, 2016
This book is a heart-breaking representation of some schooling conditions in Southern Africa, it is extremely distubing to read about such a topic as a teacher.
I really do not relate at all to the experiences in the book. The characters of the children are completely confusing and frightening, the depiction of the priest is extremely offensive and I think that it is important to look very carefully at the social environments which we read about.
I was deeply depressed after reading this book. Please can more factual research be done when writing this type of African literature.
I really do not relate at all to the experiences in the book. The characters of the children are completely confusing and frightening, the depiction of the priest is extremely offensive and I think that it is important to look very carefully at the social environments which we read about.
I was deeply depressed after reading this book. Please can more factual research be done when writing this type of African literature.
January 10, 2019
Fifteen years later, two people who shared a shameful past as lovers reunite under different circumstances. Calling the situation awkward would be the understatement of the year. Kopano introduces us to a priest and a headmistress, both exemplary members of a society who share a unique past and who fate chose to tear apart. Overall, I thought the novel was quite dry. The plot was not as thick as I thought it would be and the story did not develop as much. The ending though was unexpected.
October 16, 2011
No No No! I went to the bookstore looking for any of her books. The highly popular Coconuts was sold out so I resorted to this. The first two pages hold so much promise but from thereon, things seem to just fall apart.
December 12, 2016
This book has left my emotions in turmoil, I still don't really know what I think of it other than that it has completely managed to absorb me with its good writing and amazing character development. I want to read more of the same author
July 3, 2012
Disappointing. I can't put my finger on what exactly was wrong, but the book sank. Sad because 'Coconut' was so enthralling.
July 1, 2021
Split milk is the story of what I call being hunted by YOUR past.
Two people who shared a childhood love affair were caught in the middle of an intimate moment at church. As a result, the young man was burnished from the community, the girl was left alone hoping he would come back for her. Decades later fate brought them in the same space again.
The young girl who was now a profound principal of the elite Sekolo sa Ditlhora for bright, talented black children hires Father Bill who was now, what I call a shameful, dirty, disgraceful preacher to monitor 4 students during a detention class.
My Thoughts:
The read was good, there's definitely a lack of context regarding their interracial relation and the ending too. Would still recommend it.
#SplitMilk review.
Two people who shared a childhood love affair were caught in the middle of an intimate moment at church. As a result, the young man was burnished from the community, the girl was left alone hoping he would come back for her. Decades later fate brought them in the same space again.
The young girl who was now a profound principal of the elite Sekolo sa Ditlhora for bright, talented black children hires Father Bill who was now, what I call a shameful, dirty, disgraceful preacher to monitor 4 students during a detention class.
My Thoughts:
The read was good, there's definitely a lack of context regarding their interracial relation and the ending too. Would still recommend it.
#SplitMilk review.
December 19, 2021
I had really really wanted to like this book (as it’s South African literature) but unfortunately, I have rather mixed feelings.
While the plot itself I found quite entertaining and was always curious to read on to see how it develops, in the end, I felt like the book did not give me much more than that. Compared to Matlwa’s previous book Coconut which was laden with apt social commentary, this one was strikingly lacking it, to the extent that I could barely extract anything from it. Maybe except for some light-shedding on the post-1994 youth and how they differ from the previous generations. There was certainly potential in this novel’s characters and setting, but sadly, it was not well executed.
While the plot itself I found quite entertaining and was always curious to read on to see how it develops, in the end, I felt like the book did not give me much more than that. Compared to Matlwa’s previous book Coconut which was laden with apt social commentary, this one was strikingly lacking it, to the extent that I could barely extract anything from it. Maybe except for some light-shedding on the post-1994 youth and how they differ from the previous generations. There was certainly potential in this novel’s characters and setting, but sadly, it was not well executed.
January 22, 2025
Una història sobre el pes del passat i les ferides que volem fer veure que no van existir mai, però que no es poden ignorar perquè encara no han cicatritzat. Es construeix a partir de paral·lelismes entre una antiga història d'amor truncada i l'educació de les noves generacions de la Sud-àfrica post apartheid.
Molt addictiu!
Molt addictiu!
June 23, 2025
[...] y sintió lo que solía sentir de niña; esa sensación repentina de que tú eres tú y ellos son ellos. Que esto eres tú y todo lo que te constituye, esta es tu vida, y por mucho que lo intentes no puedes salir de ella, estás en tu cabeza y estás atascada, y ellos están en la suya y no podéis cambiar una por otra.
Creo que no he entendido todas las metáforas y mensajes.
Ha sido curioso.
March 22, 2021
It was an interesting story and really encapsulated a modern South Africa but the narrative itself was a bit disjointed at times. I think it definitely could have benefitted from being a longer book that qwnt into a bit more depth! Also there were some elements of the book that did leave me feeling quite conflicted.
Its definitely made me want to read more of Matlwa's work!
Its definitely made me want to read more of Matlwa's work!
November 29, 2022
I’ve never had such a roller coaster of emotions . When the book started , I was annoyed at the slow build up but forced myself to read it till the end because Kopano didn’t disappoint with period pains , but as the storyline progresses , I couldn’t put the book down .
I cried , fell apart and pieced myself together just to fall apart again in the end . I wish I could know more about what happens after , whether the truth finally comes out , what her reaction would be to all that info gained during detention .
It’s just amazing how hate and broken hearts can shape our entire being and rob us of joy and opportunities to show compassion. We may think we have healed , but I guess regular introspection is required. Sometimes we need to question our entire belief system , just to make sure we don’t create values built on pain .
It was a good read .
I cried , fell apart and pieced myself together just to fall apart again in the end . I wish I could know more about what happens after , whether the truth finally comes out , what her reaction would be to all that info gained during detention .
It’s just amazing how hate and broken hearts can shape our entire being and rob us of joy and opportunities to show compassion. We may think we have healed , but I guess regular introspection is required. Sometimes we need to question our entire belief system , just to make sure we don’t create values built on pain .
It was a good read .
July 24, 2024
Novela fallida en cuanto al cómo y qué quiere contar.
December 4, 2018
Headmistress Mohumagadi is determined to turn her school into one of the best in the country – all her students are bright, disciplined, talented and they all come from wealthy families. The crème de la crème of South African society. These are the children who will change the nation. They have been raised to believe in black pride and they hold the keys to the future of South Africa. When four of the pupils are caught in an indecent, compromising situation, the school, which is the epitome of discipline, is brought to shame. Their punishment - attending detention classes for 3 months.
On the other hand, Father Bill, a White Catholic priest, has also fallen from grace due to his repeated sexual indiscretions. He is reassigned from conducting Mass to Mohumagadi’s school as a substitute teacher. Unknown to many is that the two had a relationship that broke down 15yrs ago and changed the course of their lives, a fact they will not admit to themselves or anyone else. They are both happy to pretend it never happened.
When Father Bill starts at the school, he is assigned to the detention class and here begins his mostly awkward interactions with the pupils. The children resent the fact that this is a white man – they have been raised to believe in the separation of the races and that the white man is evil, whose only intention is to put the black man down. It doesn’t also help that this priest is one with questionable morals. The children put up a strong resistance, however, with time, each of their walls are broken down. There’s a tragic ending.
This book is set in the backdrop of Apartheid, South Africa and through the children, we get to see how values – good and bad- were inculcated in children in the wake of the revolution. Of parents who were too busy living their own lives, pawning off raising of their children to schools and through their journeys of self-discovery we learn about their personal struggles. I must say however that the children’s reasoning seemed a bit too advanced for 10 year olds. Not sure if I am the one who is out of touch or if that is the way 10 year olds think! I need to find me some 10 year old friends.
"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."
I loved Father Bill’s diary entries to God complaining about how miserable and full of shit the children were. It made me squirm and quite uncomfortable reading about this Priest’s sexual escapades and not-so-holy thoughts and although I appreciate the fact that he was a flawed man, also trying to find his way in a new South Africa, did the author have to make him a priest? Why not an Engineer or a mechanic? Or a nurse? I am not turning a blind eye to what priests have repeatedly being accused of doing behind closed doors, but as a Catholic, I found it quite offensive.
This is a fun, simple book that will keep you turning pages to the end. 3 stars.
On the other hand, Father Bill, a White Catholic priest, has also fallen from grace due to his repeated sexual indiscretions. He is reassigned from conducting Mass to Mohumagadi’s school as a substitute teacher. Unknown to many is that the two had a relationship that broke down 15yrs ago and changed the course of their lives, a fact they will not admit to themselves or anyone else. They are both happy to pretend it never happened.
When Father Bill starts at the school, he is assigned to the detention class and here begins his mostly awkward interactions with the pupils. The children resent the fact that this is a white man – they have been raised to believe in the separation of the races and that the white man is evil, whose only intention is to put the black man down. It doesn’t also help that this priest is one with questionable morals. The children put up a strong resistance, however, with time, each of their walls are broken down. There’s a tragic ending.
This book is set in the backdrop of Apartheid, South Africa and through the children, we get to see how values – good and bad- were inculcated in children in the wake of the revolution. Of parents who were too busy living their own lives, pawning off raising of their children to schools and through their journeys of self-discovery we learn about their personal struggles. I must say however that the children’s reasoning seemed a bit too advanced for 10 year olds. Not sure if I am the one who is out of touch or if that is the way 10 year olds think! I need to find me some 10 year old friends.
"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."
I loved Father Bill’s diary entries to God complaining about how miserable and full of shit the children were. It made me squirm and quite uncomfortable reading about this Priest’s sexual escapades and not-so-holy thoughts and although I appreciate the fact that he was a flawed man, also trying to find his way in a new South Africa, did the author have to make him a priest? Why not an Engineer or a mechanic? Or a nurse? I am not turning a blind eye to what priests have repeatedly being accused of doing behind closed doors, but as a Catholic, I found it quite offensive.
This is a fun, simple book that will keep you turning pages to the end. 3 stars.
April 26, 2011
So I'm reading Victor LaSalles book "The Big Machine" while in South Africa on my ereader. all about Western indulgences and stupid nonsensical situations and trying to keep the battery charged and a friend gives me this paperback in the meantime. While I listen to commercial (read Afrikaneer) farmers complain about no electricity for their operations while (some of) our people read by candlelight, I can't help but even after only one chapter in, know that this is going to be a five star book for me. In just one chapter I got more than I thought I'd get from the entire book. I will admit I thought from the title and cover art a "romance..i.e. womens" novel...I was very wrong. I think my inability to finish the first book because of my dependency on an electric charge and the feel a real printed page of the latter novel sums up how feel for both so far.
Oh yeah..the book so far is not about those reading by candlelight but of the newly rising Black Diamonds...look elsewhere for Africa on its knees stories....
I hate this star system..this was a hard decision...it is an amazing book..and it also has some obvious shortcomings...so since its far from perfect but still amazing I had to give 4 instead of 5 stars...I think every reader will be amazed at the precociousness and maturity of South African 10 year olds at the center of this novel...if one is to believe that they could so easily articulate some of the biting social commentary contained in this novel...when my kids were 10 they could hardly mumble a decent greeting...
Oh yeah..the book so far is not about those reading by candlelight but of the newly rising Black Diamonds...look elsewhere for Africa on its knees stories....
I hate this star system..this was a hard decision...it is an amazing book..and it also has some obvious shortcomings...so since its far from perfect but still amazing I had to give 4 instead of 5 stars...I think every reader will be amazed at the precociousness and maturity of South African 10 year olds at the center of this novel...if one is to believe that they could so easily articulate some of the biting social commentary contained in this novel...when my kids were 10 they could hardly mumble a decent greeting...
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