book review: When God Was a Rabbit by Sarah Winman

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When God Was a Rabbit: A NovelThe backstory: Jackie's review made me eager for the U.S. release of this one.

The basics: It's challenging to sum up a unique and quirky novel, but at its most basic, When God Was a Rabbit is the story of Elly and her brother, who grow up in England in the 1970's. It follows them over four decades.

 My thoughts: Let's start with the basics: I loved this book, but it's not for everyone. Winman's writing is remarkably fresh and unusual, and her characters follow suit. If I were a bookseller, I'd be hard pressed to find a match for the "if you liked this one, then try this one" display. If pressed, I'd build a display of McSweeney's writers. If unique, original, funny, serious, and completely engaging are your thing, then stop reading and pick up When God Was a Rabbit.

For years I loved coming of age novels (especially as I was coming of age.) Then I began to enjoy them less, as they became a bit more emotionally predictable. I'm hesitant to read coming of age novels, but Sarah Winman may have cured my hesitation. The key is to have the magic When God Was a Rabbit has: to be a coming of age novel that is not just a coming of age novel. The humor is somewhat dark, but the emotion is always authentic.

 The verdict: When God Was a Rabbit was an impressive and wonderful debut. I will eagerly await Sarah Winman's next novel.

 Rating: 4.5 stars (out of 5)
Length: 296 pages
Publication date: May 10, 2011
Source: I received a copy from the publisher for review via TLC Book Tours



Want more opinions? You can find the full tour here. Already convinced? Treat yourself! Buy When God Was a Rabbit in hardback from Amazon or for the Kindle.

As an affiliate, I receive a very, very small commission when you make a purchase through any of the above links. Thank you for helping to support my book habits that bring more content to this blog!

Comments

  1. ZibileeJune 6, 2011 at 11:00 AM

    I have been reading quite a few reviews of this book that make me think that I would enjoy it. I am glad that you felt the same because I also have a sort of complicated relationship with coming of age novels. Great review!

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  2. AndiJune 6, 2011 at 11:04 AM

    I've steered clear of coming of age novels myself. They do become quite predictable after a while. I'm always up for fresh and unusual, though. This one sounds great!

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  3. AnonymousJune 6, 2011 at 1:11 PM

    I'm glad to hear that this one breaks out of the stereotypes of the genre and that you enjoyed it so much. Thanks for being on the tour!

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  4. AudraJune 6, 2011 at 1:57 PM

    Like you and others observed, coming of age novels can be a bit familiar but you've sold me on this one. I'd love to be entered in the giveaway (I clicked a bit and couldn't find a link to a form so I apologize for not doing so properly!).

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  5. TiJune 6, 2011 at 6:37 PM

    I like quirky so I'd probably enjoy this one. I'm waiting to read more reviews of it before I take the plunge and read it.

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  6. AmusedJune 6, 2011 at 10:54 PM

    I still enjoy coming of age books even though I'm not coming of age anymore (its the whole memoir thing I can't get enough of) and this one looks great!

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  7. BethJune 7, 2011 at 3:58 PM

    The title of this what is what got my attention, initially. Any thoughts on that? I'm not necessarily a fan of coming of age just because I want more out of my reading at the age I am now. If that makes sense. However, I'd be willing to give this a try.

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  8. UnknownJune 9, 2011 at 6:10 AM

    I'm really pleased that you loved this one as much as I did! I agree with you about it being very different from other books - I can't think of anything that is at all similar - and that can only be a good thing :-)

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  9. SwapnaJune 11, 2011 at 10:32 AM

    This sounds like an interesting book - I hadn't heard of it. Thanks for the review!

    ReplyDelete

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