"My Sister Lives on the Mantelpiece" by Annabel Pitcher is a young adult novel that explores themes of grief, loss, and family relationships. The story follows 10-year-old Jamie, whose older sister Rose was killed in a terrorist attack five years earlier. Jamie's family has been torn apart by Rose's death, with his father retreating into alcoholism and his mother leaving the family altogether. Meanwhile, Jamie's older sister Jasmine has turned to radical activism as a way of dealing with her grief. As Jamie navigates the challenges of starting a new school and making friends, he struggles to understand the complexities of his family's situation and find a way to cope with his own emotions. Pitcher's novel is a poignant and thought-provoking exploration of the ways in which grief can shape and transform our lives. Through Jamie's perspective, readers are reminded of the importance of empathy, compassion, and resilience in the face of tragedy.
0