Reviews

My Sister Lives on the Mantelpiece by Annabel Pitcher

miscamy's review

5.0

Highly recommend the audiobook read by David Tennant.

dilchh's review against another edition

4.0

I’m going to cut to the chase, I cried reading this book. Proper tears were flowing down my eyes because of this book. I had to pretend that I was yawning badly that tears were falling down my eyes. There could be a number of reasons as to why someone would cry had they read this book; (1) the tragic back story as to how this sister of the main protagonist ends up living on the mantelpiece (although the cover should already be a dead giveaway), (2) the totally way too descriptive of that particular part about what happened to Roger and the following events (yes, I’m not going to tell you what it is; I’m not even going to tell you who Roger is, you’ll need to read the book to know more), (3) the aftermath of what had happened to the sister ended up living on the mantelpiece, or (4) the tragic story of trying to be seen for who you really are, as opposed to be someone else (or for that matter, just to be seen and not overlooked). As for why I cried, it was reason number two.

Dark but insightful. Heart wrenching and thought provoking. Above all, it was a simple storytelling turned deep.

The magnificent thing about this story is how simple and yet deep the storytelling was. The story was told through the eyes of our protagonist (who, if I may remind you, is just 10 years old). As you see his world through his eyes and his storytelling, you’ll notice how simple life can be for a 10 year old, at the same time the simplicity of that is insightful and thought provoking. You’ll see the progress and the changes that occur in Jamie’s life, from not understanding his father to acknowledging the pain of losing someone so dear and not wanting to let go (oops, there goes a bit of a spoiler).

frankiecully's review against another edition

emotional sad

• Plot- or character-driven? Character

4.5

goodem9199's review

5.0

I. LOVED. This. Book. Loved it. Now this is the kind of book that I wish was part of a trilogy, as every other YA book seems to be. I don't want to leave these characters that I've come to care for and root for. This is a story of relationships and brokenness and life and death that is told with beautifully brutal and honest truths. It's the story of the disintegration of a family, and how cruel human beings can be to one another. It is also completely bursting with hope and hilarity and crushing sadness. And, oh can this author write. Can she ever.

extrabees's review against another edition

emotional funny sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

jessiemurphy's review against another edition

adventurous emotional sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes

3.5

maireador20's review against another edition

emotional medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.0

lore_story's review against another edition

dark emotional informative inspiring reflective sad slow-paced

3.0

zeliux's review

4.0

It grabbed hold of my heart from the first page and wouldn't let go. Through Jamie's heartfelt and poignant voice, I experienced sadness and hope intertwined in a powerful tale of loss and survival.

steph01924's review against another edition

4.0

This is probably the first audiobook I’ve ever listened to all the way through. I’m a fast reader normally, so slowing down and listening to every. single. word. was an adjustment. I enjoyed David Tennant’s interpretation.

The book itself was wonderful, sad, hopeful. Jamie was such a great character; you can tell he’ll grow up to be an awesome adult. I was wondering if we’d see a bit more resolution between his dad and Sunya’s family, but I guess that would’ve made it too after-school-special. I loved the relationship between Jas and Jamie; I don’t know how their parents would’ve managed to raise such great kids when they both suck at life.

I think this is a nice story for younger but mature readers who can grasp the concepts and maybe learn a bit about life in the process. Once I got near the end and realized

Spoiler

Roger was missing, I could see what was coming. Man, that was painful. Poor kitty! I could understand and sympathize with Jamie’s dad to a certain extent – yes, any rage and loss Jamie felt for his cat was surely multiplied by a million for the loss of your actual child – but at the same time, his wallowing came at the expense of his two still-alive children, and that was almost unforgivable.

I hope Jamie and Sunya grew up and got married and had adorable little red-headed, tanned children and forced his dad to come to uncomfortable holiday and family events until he finally got over his prejudices.