My Sister Lives on the Mantelpiece
My Sister Lives on the Mantelpiece is a 2011 novel written by Annabel Pitcher. It won the 2012 Branford Boase Award,[1] and received at least 25 other award nominations.[2]
Ten-year-old Jamie Matthews lives with his hopeless Dad and his elder sister, Jasmine (Jas). Jas' twin sister, Rose, was killed in a terrorist attack based on the 7/7 bombings in Trafalgar Square 5 years previously. Jamie's family has never come to terms with Rose's death, their parents are separated, Mum had an affair and Dad has turned to drink. Dad hates Muslims due to the fact his daughter was killed by extremist bombers, which is a problem as Jamie's best friend, Sunya, is one. The novel explores the difficulties of experiencing a bereavement, as well as other themes such as alcoholism, bullying, racism and eating problems. Annabel Pitcher's "My Sister Lives On The Mantelpiece" is a heartwarming and truthfully funny book. Although it is intensely sad witnessing what is in reality child abuse and the dysfunctioning family that appears to have run out of adequate supports in a society where nobody cared to give them care.
References
- ↑ "My Sister Lives on the Mantelpiece wins Branford Boase award". BBC News. 6 July 2012. Retrieved 23 March 2013.
- ↑ Pauli, Michelle (21 March 2013). "Annabel Pitcher wins Waterstones children's book prize". The Guardian. Retrieved 23 March 2013.