My Sister Lives on the Mantelpiece by Annabel Pitcher

My Sister Lives on the Mantelpiece

by Annabel Pitcher

Ten-year-old Jamie Matthews has just moved to the Lake District with his Dad and his teenage sister, Jasmine for a 'Fresh New Start'. Five years ago his sister's twin, Rose, was blown up by a terrorist bomb. His parents are wrecked by their grief, Jasmine turns to piercing, pink hair and stops eating. The family falls apart. But Jamie hasn't cried in all that time. To him Rose is just a distant memory.

Jamie is far more interested in his cat, Roger, his birthday Spiderman T-shirt, and in keeping his new friend Sunya a secret from his dad. And in his deep longing and unshakeable belief that his Mum will come back to the family she walked out on months ago.

When he sees a TV advert for a talent show, he feels certain that this will change everything and bring them all back together once and for all.

Reviewed by elvinagb on

5 of 5 stars

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This book is a heart wrenching story of family in such pain it almost seems too much to bare. There are glimpses of humour as Jamie tries to cope with his move across the country, a new school, an older sister trying to get out of the shadow of her dead twin sisters shadow, a grieving father who can't cope and hides in his drinking, and an absent mother who has deserted the family.
I laughed and cried and was left hoping that this broken little family can get on with their lives and heal their broken heart.

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Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 24 August, 2012: Finished reading
  • 24 August, 2012: Reviewed