My Sister Lives on the Mantelpiece

By: Annabel Pitcher

Narrated by: David Tennant

My sister Rose lives on the mantelpiece. Well, some of her does. A collarbone, two ribs, a bit of skull, and a little toe.
To ten-year-old Jamie, his family has fallen apart because of the loss of someone he barely remembers: his sister Rose, who died five years ago in a terrorist bombing. To his father, life is impossible to make sense of when he lives in a world that could so cruelly take away a ten-year-old girl. To Rose's surviving fifteen year old twin, Jas, everyday she lives in Rose's ever present shadow, forever feeling the loss like a limb, but unable to be seen for herself alone.

Told with warmth and humor, this powerful story is a sophisticated take on one family's struggle to make sense of the loss that's torn them apart... and their discovery of what it means to stay together.

Critic reviews

"It lives off the page. It has a warmth you can bask in; an honesty you can cut with a knife." —The Guardian UK

Wowed

This story had me bawling! Beautifully written. David Tennant is my favorite narrator. This story will have you in tears. Grab a box of tissues. I’m a mess! Ugly crying for certain.

WOW

What did you love best about My Sister Lives on the Mantelpiece?

I loved the story told by a 10 year old boy

Who was your favorite character and why?

Jamie, he was fantastic

What about David Tennant’s performance did you like?

He was great to listen too. I will seek more from him

Any additional comments?

This was an amazing story of friendship, family, love and loss!
I couldn't stop listening and just loved it. I laughed, I cried, I got angry and happy all through this story.

Perfect Narration Makes You Love the Story

The narrator's Scottish accent is extremely clear and understandable and he has a boyish charm that brings young Jamie to life in such a wonderfully believable and honest way. He tells the story with such inflection and feeling that you really feel every comic and heartrending note.

The story itself was very good and has enough truth and surprises in it to feel very real and yet remain entertaining. Some of the villains were a bit one dimensional but since it is told from the point of view of a boy that is 10 I thought that made sense. When you are that age things are often seen in a simpler way.

Excellent narration

The narrator brought characters to life beautifully, and added to the richness of the story. I also appreciated the musical interludes between chapters; it allowed for breathing space, giving the listener a break from the tension of the story.

A thoroughly enjoyable listen!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Although this book has a heavy theme, and at times you would like to slap a few of the characters, David Tennants wonderful narration relieves the tension and helps you to focus on the charm and message of the story.

What was one of the most memorable moments of My Sister Lives on the Mantelpiece?

When they were performing for the TV Show and Jas refused to go to the next level without Jamie. Finally, someone doesn't abandon this poor boy!

Which character – as performed by David Tennant – was your favorite?

Jamie. I think he captured the essence of the 11 year old boy perfectly.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I was all over the place. I laughed at a few points and I was furious at the selfishness of the parents in other points. I think it was well balanced and the fact that it made me want to step into the story to give a hug, share the laugh, or take a character by the shoulders and say, "What are you thinking???" says a lot for the writer.