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 has Islamophobia, a fear of 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.

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