About one-quarter of the way through When God was a Rabbit, I was overwhelmed by how good this books is and wanted to immediately hand copies of it to my friends and insist they read it right away. While such a purchase is not in this blog's budget, I can urge you all to go out and get this book. I think you'll agree that it's terrific.
When God was a Rabbit is set primarily in the United Kingdom, with some key events taking place in New York around September 11, 2001. The main character, Elly, is born in 1968. The story follows Elly, her family and friends over the course of the next four decades.
In particular, the story looks at Elly's strong relationship with her older brother, Joe, and her best friend, Jenny. Over the years both good and very bad things happen to these characters - there are as many ups and downs recorded in this novel as there are in an electrocardiogram report. But through all of the gains and losses, there is a wonderful warmth, kindness and vulnerability in the main characters. There is also great humor and comedy, much of it dark, found particularly in the first half of the story when Elly is a little girl. Combined, these elements give this coming-of-age story a fresh tone and engaging atmosphere.
When God was a Rabbit is an exceptional novel, and highly recommended reading.
