Ratings22
Average rating3.7
This is a book about a brother and a sister. It's a book about secrets and starting over, friendship and family, triumph and tragedy, and everything in between. More than anything, it's a book about love in all its forms. In a remarkably honest and confident voice, Sarah Winman has written the story of a memorable young heroine, Elly, and her loss of innocence-a magical portrait of growing up and the pull and power of family ties. From Essex and Cornwall to the streets of New York, from 1968 to the events of 9/11, When God Was a Rabbit follows the evolving bond of love and secrets between Elly and her brother Joe, and her increasing concern for an unusual best friend, Jenny Penny, who has secrets of her own. With its wit and humor, engaging characters whose eccentricities are adroitly and sometimes darkly drawn, and its themes of memory and identity, When God Was a Rabbit is a love letter to true friendship and fraternal love. Funny, utterly compelling, fully of sparkle, and poignant, too, When God Was a Rabbit heralds the start of a remarkable new literary career.
Reviews with the most likes.
3.5 stars. I loved this book when I started it. It was quirky and engaging and endearing. The first half = 5 stars! But part two was disjointed, and it seemed to lose the charm of the coming-of-age tale.
I have hidden major spoilers to aid my memory. Read them at your peril.
Story of a woman, her brother and her school friend in 2 parts. First part, when they were children and kept a terrible secret from everyone else she was sexually abused by their neighbour whom she didn't want to reject because he was her then only friend. Also, the brother never got over being rejected by a boy who was the love of his life Second part as adults, dealing with the fallout. Also, the friend ended up in jail The first part is best. Small amount of magical realism around the rabbit.
All characters excellent, writing very good. Inventive. Loved it.
Mixed feelings really sum up this book for me. Some bits I enjoyed, some were indifferent. Can't say I would recommend this to others but equally wouldn't tell people to stay clear of it.
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