The Tiger Who Sleeps Under My Chair

Kept in seclusion by her father, Emma Linden dreams of the time she spends at Kersbrook in Devon with her brother, James, and of following in the footsteps of Mary Anning, the famous fossil- hunter. However, she becomes increasingly concerned about James when he becomes obsessed with Bhayankar Raaja, a magnificent stuffed tiger in the museum. Over a hundred years later, Jude Simmons is struggling with not having been selected for the football team when he encounters Rosie Linden, descendent of Emma, who has been missing for four days and four nights. As he helps her, a friendship develops and together, they discover the truth about the past.

Through Emma and Rosie's stories, mental illness and changing perceptions of it from Victorian times to the present day are sensitively explored. Emma's story exposes the lack of understanding, the deep sense of shame felt by families and primitive medical care for those with metal health problems in Victorian times with an asylum often being the only option. Emma is a wonderful character. Kept as a virtual captive by her father under a strict regime for fear that she will succumb to ‘the same mental weakness that possessed’ her mother, she maintains her curiosity and spirit. Her devotion to her brother, her determination to support him, are both heart-warming and poignant. The tiger becomes 'an excellent metaphor for the complexity of his affliction' as it becomes clear to the reader that it is James, not she, who is experiencing mental difficulties.

Through Rosie’s experience, the reader is introduced to modern approaches to mental health support through her encounters with the police, paramedics, crisis teams, and duty psychiatrists. Jude is perhaps my favourite character. His first encounter with Rosie as she is 'found' after her disappearance shows him to be a wonderfully sensitive and caring boy, prepared to stop and help whilst the surrounding adults make the kind of comments which show a complete lack of understanding or empathy for her plight. His mother is equally wonderful - and has brought her son up well!

The Tiger Who Sleeps Under my Chair is beautifully written and the Q&A with the author at the end helps to further explore and answer some questions which children might have after reading the story. Information about Mary Anning is also included.

320 pages / Reviewed by Sue Wilsher, teacher

Suggested Reading Age 9+

The Tiger Who Sleeps Under My Chair is a powerfully written dual narrative story that follows the lives and emotional journeys of several members of the same family, several generations apart. It is a story that explores mental health in the most unique and moving manner through a dual timeline in the Victorian days of 1884 and the present day.  The Tiger Who Sleeps Under My Chair astounded and utterly captivated me; it became one the those books that consume you and that you simply can't step away from. 

In 1884, our narrator is Emma Linden, a young girl whose life, so far, is restricted to being locked in an attic with her alleged 'nervous disposition' and the shame and fear of her deceased mother's struggle with mental health casting a shadow over her past and future. Yet she is inspired by strong female figures like Mary Anning, her fossil finds and desire to make her own mark in the world; she longs for a freer life. The cracks in the family, however, appear not within Emma, but in the emotional stability of her brother James. The siblings move to their Devon home of Kersbrook to protect James's reputation, lest the news of his poor mental health be made public.

In the present day in Devon, our narrator becomes 13-year-old football-loving boy, Jude, who finds his classmate Rosie Linden (who has been missing for four days) dishevelled, confused and clearly in emotional distress in the centre of their town. He is the one to protect her and keep her safe and he ensures she receives the help she needs.

The two stories are linked and intertwined so beautifully and delicately as in 1884, we follow Emma (with dear friends Oliver and Anna) trying to keep her brother James well and safe and trying to understand his troubled mind and bring peace to it. In the present day, we find Jude (with friends Amin and Imogen) forming a close knit and protective trio around Rosie as she goes through severe emotional trauma, despite her young age. As Kersbrook becomes the setting in the present day too, the parallels between the two groups are clear to see.

Despite the difference in time and the difference in attitudes to mental health of each time, each friendship group is determinedly loyal, trusted and supportive. It is a beautifully moving story. Both of the narratives are so well written with two very relatable yet very different voices. Both of the narratives reflect so well the time in which their characters live and this is incredibly clever; the author can take her readers from Victorian female to modern teenage boy and have both of them be fully rounded, believable individuals. They share an empathy and sensitivity that weaves them and the parts of their story together wonderfully.

The sensitive way the author approaches her characters' struggles with mental health reflect a real gentleness and also sense of encouragement and hope, despite the pain we see. Ultimately, the story explores the ripple effect that dealing with mental health can cause and the powerful, vital way that our close contacts and loved ones can support those coping with such issues. The book feels timeless and classic from the start and is one of the most meaningful, thought-provoking and captivating books that I have had the pleasure of reading lately.

320 pages / Reviewed by Jennifer, teacher

Suggested Reading Age 9+