When God Was A Rabbit - Sarah Winman

Elly's world is shaped by those who inhabit it: her loving but maddeningly distractible parents; a best friend who smells of chips and knows exotic words like 'slag'; an ageing fop who tapdances his way into her home, a Shirley Bassey impersonator who trails close behind; lastly, of course, a rabbit called God. In a childhood peppered with moments both ordinary and extraordinary, Elly's one constant is her brother Joe. Twenty years on, Elly and Joe are fully grown and as close as they ever were. Until, that is, one bright morning when a single, earth-shattering event threatens to destroy their bond forever. Spanning four decades and moving between suburban Essex, the wild coast of Cornwall and the streets of New York, this is a story about childhood, eccentricity, the darker side of love and sex, the pull and power of family ties, loss and life. More than anything, it's a story about love in all its forms.


This novel is like Marmite, you will either like it, or not.  A unique writing style i have only seen in a few previous books makes this novel interesting to read. You feel a little disjointed by the style of writing and it gives you a sense of theirs a lot more to what nots written about than what it. However at the same time its enthralling, gripping and amusing.  She writes a story about growing up and how things are. The family seem on the surface a little odd and unusual, but this gives the story a really realistic feel. Their is a great sense of not hiding the reality behind a perfect novel friendly idea of how things should be but more about how things can be.

Its a great debut novel, a bit dark and eerie in places. Its well presented and is very gripping. It took a while to get into but the second half of this book really picks up speed.  I found it a fascinating read. If you liked the lovely bones you should read this, and if you are looking for something a little unusual and different then this is worth the read.