My Sister Lives On The Mantelpiece (Hardback)
Annabel Pitcher
Book details
- Product code:
- ONM2
- ISBN:
- 9781444001839
- Publisher:
- Orion Publishing Co
- Format:
- Hardback
- Dimensions:
- 19.8cm x 12.9cm
- Pages:
- 240
- Age range:
- 11 years +
- Points:
- 4
About this book
A moving read for young adults, this poignant novel is told in the voice of Jamie, whose elder sister was killed in a terrorist attack and whose family is falling apart as a result. Jamie's voice is utterly mesmeric as he paints a picture of a home that has been crushed, with great honesty and some wonderful sprinklings of humour. Annabel Pitcher's My Sister Lives on the Mantelpiece is packed full of emotion and an ideal read for those who find themselves coping with grief. A stunning novel for readers aged 12+.
Shortlisted for the Red House Children's Book Award 2012 in the Older Readers category and was the winner of the 2012 Branford Boase award .
Red House Readers say...
I will strongly recommend it to all my friendsIt is five years since Jamie's twin sister, Rose, was killed by a terrorist bomb. She lives on in a picture on the mantelpiece - hence the title of this novel. Jamie's family has moved from London to the Lake District but it is falling apart: his mother has left the family, his father is inconsolable and his older sister Jasmine is becoming a self-harming anorexic. Jamie soon gets into trouble when he's accused of stealing at his new school. His problems look set to deepen even further but at least he has a good friend Sunya. When Jamie spots an advert for participants in a talent show, he hopes this will be one way of reuniting his broken family again.
This book touches on some very serious issues, like loneliness, self-harm, anorexia and conflicts with parents, but it offers readers the hope that even major problems can be resolved if you possess friendship and self-confidence. I will strongly recommend it to all my friends over the age of 12.
It is an enjoyable, compassionate tale which I'm sure you will enjoyJamie has never cried about his sister's death. He knows he should be mourning her, but he barely knew her. How do you cry over someone you didn't know? Five years on his family is in pieces: Mum's left, Dad's drinking, Jas doesn't eat and Jamie's left with questions he needs answers to. Will his family ever be the same again? I found this story heart-warming, compelling and everything seemed real. I loved the way it was written through a ten-year-old's perspective. What they thought about a loss of a family member, and how it ripped everyone else apart. Annabel Pitcher's modern, contemporary style was brilliant. I kept wondering about Jamie after the last page. The book gave me some strong, emotional questions which really got me thinking! I would rate this 5/5. It is an enjoyable, compassionate tale which I'm sure you will enjoy.
Customer reviews
Help our customers make the best choices by telling everyone what you think about this product.
- Average rating:
- from 9 Reviews.
""Absolutely Amazing""
My Sister Lives on the Mantelpiece is one of the best books I've ever read. I loved Jamie, who looked at life through such innocent eyes and Sunya, who took the best out of the worst situations and was always there for Jamie, through thick and thin. This book made me laugh and cry in equal measures and it really changed my outlook on life. This was a totally life-affirming, poignant debut novel by Annabel Pitcher and I would recommend it to anyone ten-years plus but it would be equally appealing to teenagers. A must-read for anybody that wants a good book to get their teeth into.
Sasha 18/03/2012
""Hilarious""
I bought this book because I quite often enjoy the truth of many teen books and read it on one sitting. It did not fail. I couldn't help laughing out loud as the characters are so real, warts and all. A very enjoyable book to share with your friends and family.
Kirsteen 19/02/2012
""Immense""
My Sister Lives on the Mantelpiece, this book is heart warming. How can a boy cope at such a young age? It's magnificent! When he was five, his elder sister Rose dies in a bomb attack, and the police only manage to find ten peices of her body and seeing as things between Mum and Dad are not good, 5 of the pieces go to Mum and 5 go to Dad. Truly amazing!
Gabriella 05/01/2012
""AMAZING""
This book is a heart warming, soul wrenching story of family break up and coping with it. It is a beautiful tale full of love, hope and belief. Jamie's viewpoint is really interesting and new, it shows the world through a young, funny, likeable boy's eyes. In some parts you find yourself laughing, some crying but you will enjoy all of it and it may change some of your views forever. This is definitely a book to keep, enjoy and keep thinking about, it is a gripping, thought-provoking tale and one I would recommend to everyone.
Rachel 05/01/2012
""FANTASTIC""
I bought this book for my 14 year-old daughter but just had to read it first, I don't normally read books at all but managed to read this book in just 3 nights. Excellent reading, would highly recommend.
Lizzie 15/12/2011
"WOW!"
Joe 14/12/2011
""Amazing""
An amazing Book, well worth a read! I was up too late last night finishing it!
Emily 22/11/2011
""Excellent""
My Sister Lives On The Mantelpiece, I could not put this book down!!!
Lizzie 07/11/2011
""Cooool""
This book is really good. My fave book ever!!!
Ross Drummond 26/04/2011
