April 11, 2011

When God was a Rabbit - Sarah Winman


When God Was A Rabbit is the type of book you would be drawn to just from its title alone - quirky, cute and a little bizarre! The title is clearly explained in the course of the story so I won't ruin it for you here...

When God Was A Rabbit is narrated by Elly and starts with her birth in 1968. Elly describes the key relationships in her life, with her parents, a beloved aunt, neighbours but the two most significant connections in her life are with her older brother, Joe and her childhood friend, Jenny Penny. It is through these two relationships especially that we see Elly's life evolve and develop.

This book is simply magic - the writing is authentic and intense - I felt a connection with Elly at every stage of her life's journey and I felt the writing and events described related well to Elly at that particular stage of her life. The story was believable while at the same time having a sense of being somehow just out of reach of normality.

Elly's is a family that goes through some pretty eventful experiences - at one point I remember thinking "not something else surely!" but having said this - nothing ever felt forced or written in just for the sake of it.

I realise I haven't given any real specific detail of the plot and that's because I truly think this is one of those books that you just have to experience and interpret for yourself. I will say that I absolutely loved it - it had me hooked from beginning to end.

17 comments:

nomadreader said...

I'm really looking forward to this novel's U.S. release. I'll be reading it for a book tour and have only heard great things. I'm glad to add your positive thoughts to the list of reasons I shouldn't wait to pick it up!

Nadia said...

I can't wait for this book to come out here in the States! I'm so glad to see you enjoyed it - makes me look forward to reading the book even more now. Cheers!

Unknown said...

I'm so pleased to see that you enjoyed this one too! There is a lot going on, but I was hooked too. I can't wait to see what she comes up with next.

Simon (Savidge Reads) said...

Oooh I am quite excited now. As this, and I think I can say but am going to anyway so its tough if not, is one of The Green Carnation Prize 2011 submissions and its one I have heard a lot of good things about. I have about 15 submissions to get through already so is good to know one is a corker!

Karen said...

Hi nomadreader -I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

Hi Nadia - It seems like the USA is behind in getting this one?? I thought that only happened in Australia!!

Hi Jackie - There was a lot going on wasn't there?? On reflection there really were about 10 different stories all going on in onoe - she made it work so well though.

Hi Simon - How exciting! I really hope it impresses you as much as it did me.

Helen P said...

Hi Karen, thanks for your review. I've downloaded it onto my Kindle on a friend's recommendation. I was doing a Google search and your blogsite came up. I'm now looking forward to reading it. Also interested in your book list as I'm always on the lookout for books to read so your list gave me some ideas. Thanks!

Helen

Shaista said...

Hi Karen, great review. The book is magic, so much so that a quarter way through, I set it down. I am going into hospital on the 6th, so I decided to refrain from devouring it, so I shall have something special to read on the ward :)

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