My Sister Lives on the Mantelpiece - Annabel Pitcher

Terrorism. Bereavement. Alcoholism. Eating disorders. Love. Hate. Life. Death. Hope. 'My sister lives on the mantelpiece' is a book that faces many modern day issues and has a million and one different perspectives to take. Jamie is ten years old and has just moved to the Lake District with his Dad, his sister Jasmine and his other special sister, Rose, but she lives on the mantelpiece. Before five years ago Rose was Jas's twin: then she was tragically killed in a terrorist attack; for Jamie and Jas life as not been the same again. Jas has turned to piercings, hair dye and not eating, Dad has turned to drink, Mum has abandoned them but Jamie is possibly affected worst as he is yet to cry. Jamie can't really remember Rose and often feels negatively towards her memory - after all her death has destroyed his family. He begins to become friends with a girl at school called Sunya - but will his Dads prejudice get in the way of their friendship? Will Dad ever let go of his deceased daughter, or is that something no human can possibly ever do?

This book is deep, really deep. It affects you on every level emotionally and makes you think about situations you wouldn't necessarily think about. Prejudice and letting go are the main things that are striking to me in this book. Jamie's Dad takes Rose's death badly and develops a big prejudice and anger towards people of the Islamic faith. This gave me a real insight into why someone in this particular situation might be so stereotypical towards Muslims. It also put me right in Jamie's head and allowed me to see from his point of view why he doesn't miss/cry about his sister Rose. Though in the first few pages (chapter even) I certainly thought he was just insensitive, but as you go through the book you begin to love Jamie and sympathise with him. I enjoyed this book a lot and give it a four star rating!