4.5* When God was a Rabbit is fantastic. I could not recommend it more highly.

Ellie and her brother Joe are growing up in the suburbs in the 1960s. We join them at intervals throughout their lives from Cornwall to London and New York. There are extraordinary events and there is the hum-drum, but the plot keeps you going.

However, where Sarah Winman has a magic flair is characters. Ellie, Joe and everyone of the ensemble cast are a treat. From their childhood best friends Jenny Penny and Charlie to God … who is (a fantastically sweary) rabbit.

I loved every moment of this book. There is warmth, laugh out loud moments and heart breaking sadness. I have been meaning to read it for a long time, as I really enjoyed Tin Man and Still Life is one of my favourites (and one which I urge others to read).

With huge thanks to Headline and Netgalley for kindly providing a copy of the book. Rather than reading the book, I bought the audiobook because I listened to Still Life and it is the best audiobook I have ever listened to. I didn’t want to miss out on Sarah Winman’s narration and When God was a Rabbit was just as beautifully narrated.

Really looking forward to the next outing from this author.

Sarah Winman enchants with her remarkable storytelling, she creates a marvellous family that will have you just longing to be a part of it. It is structured in two parts, about childhood and then about the complexities of being an adult, highlighting the ordinary and extraordinary incidents that shape everyday lives. Set in Essex and Cornwall, this book is about a myriad of relationships, a trusting open family with so much heart it draws in others, holding them close through the years. It is about the many forms of love, the closeness of Elly's bond with her older, gay brother, Joe, in whom she entrusts her darkest secrets, the best friend she makes at school, Jenny Penny, with her troubling mother and home life. There is the heartbreak of Joe's first love, Charlie Hunter, that will go on to define his life for years to come when he goes on to work at Wall Street in New York.

One Christmas, as Elly puts its into words at school, God (her beloved rabbit) comes to stay, a God that speaks to her, sounding very much like Harold Wilson. An integral part of the family is the exuberant Aunt Nancy, lesbian and famous actress, always there when needed. At the age of 9, Elly and her family move to their new home, Trehaven in Cornwall, with her having to endure the emotional sorrow of having to leave Jenny Penny behind. Whilst school is a difficult affair with Elly being the outsider, otherwise the entire family take to their new lives with gusto, embracing the entry of Arthur who comes to stay and never leaves, going on to publish his memoir 'Benders and Bandits, Busboys and Booze'. There is the entry of the outrageous and glamorous Ginger, who bequeaths a diamond and sapphire ring to Elly, and their driver, Alan, given a second chance by their father.

Each character is distinct, offbeat, and original, each essential, none could be removed without the whole becoming lesser, all forming part of the myriad of relationships that emerge in the novel. It is the characters that Winman creates and develops, bringing them to life with panache that lend magic and vibrancy to the narrative. There is warmth and charm in this beauty of a read, of love, grief, loss, and tragedy, it is joyous, wondrous, and heartbreaking, captivating in its pictures of childhood and growing up through the decades amidst the national and global events that occur. Many thanks to the publisher who are re-releasing this wonderful novel.

When God was a Rabbit spans 4 decades and is based upon Elly (Eleanor) and her family - Joe, Mum, and Dad. Add in Jenny Penny (Elly's best friend) a rabbit called God and Charlie (Joe's friend) - then you have a cast of eclectic characters,
I did struggle with this book but did persevere to the end - however, I did not find it as fulfilling as Still Life.
There were many events that were hinted at - Mr. Golan - Charlie's kidnapping - which I felt could have been discussed in further detail as it would have made the book 'whole.' However, I did enjoy Elly's discussions with God and how he appeared to her when she 'needed him the most.'

I loved this book and am so happy to see it being re-released in this gorgeous addition. I am a big fan of coming-of-age stories and magical realism, so when both are combined it makes for the perfect read for me. I really enjoyed the story, as well as how tender and emotive the writing is. I particularly loved Elly as a character, and the relationship between her and her brother, Joe.

Sarah Winman is one of my favourite contemporary writers. I adored Tin Man when I read it last year, and will pick up anything she writes in the future, without hesitation.

When God was a Rabbit......was curious about this just from the title.
An enjoyable rea with great descriptive writing and character development..
Thanks to the publisher and netgalley for the opportunity to read and leave my opinion.
Fab book.

What a book! It’s simply beautiful. This is a story about the love between a brother and sister, between lifelong friends and between people that become family. It’s a tale of love, kindness and friendship and a hare called God.
There are a few laugh out loud moments, there are also some really sad, slightly disturbing and deeply touching moments too.
When God was a rabbit has to be one of most enjoyable books I have read in a while.