Spilt Milk by Amanda Hodgkinson

The story begins in 1913 on the banks of a river in Suffolk with three sisters, Rose, Vivian and Nellie Marsh.  Rose has raised Vivian and Nellie and they live a simple, almost reclusive life in their cottage by the river.  It turns out that Rose had secrets of her own.  The death of Rose and the arrival of a stranger causes conflict between the two remaining sisters forcing them apart.  But Nellie can’t stay away from the river for long and returns in time to save Vivian, but not Vivian’s new born baby.  Nellie buries the baby in the river to avoid any questions and scandal.  This one impulsive act will remain a secret between the sisters, casting a shadow over their future.  Vivian and Nellie had promised Rose that they would never marry and would always stay together in the cottage by the river.    With the arrival of war, things change forever.  The sisters marry and move away, leaving their simple life and home by the river.  It takes Birdie, Nellie’s daughter, to close the circle and to finally bring peace to all their lives. 

Cultural references are used such as films, music, fashion to indicate each new decade with great effect.  The story covers a much longer period than Amanda’s first novel, 22 Britannia Road, and hence there are more characters, all realistically drawn.  Amanda’s prose is beautiful.  I like the way that the story starts and finishes with the river in flood. 

All in all, a thoroughly enjoyable read.