My Sister Lives on the Mantelpiece

I initially downloaded this for my daughter - but I started listening and was spellbound. This is a very contemporary and compelling story which covers loss, grief, prejudice and abandonment. The author lets you see tragedy from all angles and the whole book is thought provoking and touching. David Tennant does a fantastic job of setting just the right tone, and at times I am sure I detected a tear in his eye. Fabulous book - highly recommended!

I really enjoyed this touching story of ten-year-old Jamie, desperately seeking the love of his alcoholic father and absent mother. Neither parent is coping well with life after the loss of their third child, a twin daughter, Rose, who was killed five years previously by a terrorist bomb. Only Rose's remaining twin, Jasmine (Jas), has any time for Jamie, but even she has now dyed her hair pink and has a green haired boyfriend.

When Dad gets a job in the Lake District, they move from London, and Jamie has the added trauma of settling into a new school. Only Sunja pays him any attention, but she is a Muslim and "Muslims killed my daughter", as Dad constantly reminds him. Jamie is torn between loyalty to Dad and his friendship with Sunja.

As I listened to the Audible version of this book, read with feeling by David Tennant, I was totally drawn in to Jamie's life and struggles and his gradual understanding of the dynamics of his traumatised family.
I think adults and teens would probably approach this book from different view points but it is an excellent read for both.
Highly recommended and I look forward to Anabel Pitcher's next book.

David Tennant is one of those really unusual readers who can "be" multiple characters really convincingly - he brings the story alive so much so that when he describes a really sad bit about a animal that I found myself crying my eyes out at 5.30 in the morning whilst I listened to my book. What a brilliant story, brilliantly delivered. I love David Tennant so much - he is the boyfriend I want my daughter to bring home :)

What an absolutely lovely book, narrated beautifully by David Tennant. A moving story, tackling very difficult issues, seen through the innocent eyes of a 10yr old boy. This book is suitable for boys and girls age 10+, right through to adults. In fact I can't help thinking that adults will get so much more out of this book.
Very highly recommended.

This is a fantastic listen, a story told entirely by the 10-year old narrator, innocently revealing the ruin of his family in incidental details as he tells you about his daily life. I defy anybody to listen to the last 40 minutes or so without bursting into tears at some point. I think I heard the whole thing inside 24 hours, and would not be surprised if some people manage it in one sitting. It is totally compulsive and utterly realistic, without dragging the listener down. A must-buy.

An emotional ride through a young boy's eyes, read with feeling. Thought provoking while combating the lump in the throat. The amusing interludes helped immensly. A great listen.

A very good listen. Moving and honest. It felt real and a lot was said in matters that were hinted at but not explicitly explored.

This is a very unusual book - beautifully written and beautifully narrated. I was torn between wanting to listen to it and wanting to save it so I didn't get to the end too quickly!
Be warned though; don't listen to it unless you have a big box of tissues nearby. I would highly recommend this book.

I really enjoyed this book, read by David Tennant. It is very well narrated and David Tennant really brings the characters to life. It kept my attention throughout and made me laugh and cry. Very well done.

David Tennant does a great job on here. The book is funny and moving at times. the characters were believable and sweet. One of my favourite audios so far!