When God was a Rabbit - Sarah Winman

 Today's review is of Sarah Winman's debut novel When God was a Rabbit, published in 2011, which I managed to snap up in this lovely proof copy in a local charity shop. I recently read Still Life, Winman's latest release, and absolutely loved it, so I knew I was onto a winner with this one despite knowing little about the plot.

The novel spans four decades, beginning in the late 60s, and one family. Our protagonist, Eleanor, receives a pet Belgian hare as a child whom she decides to name God - much to some people's disapproval. Despite God's small status as a rabbit, he often speaks to Eleanor, and what he has to say is really rather impactful. This is a coming of age novel that deals with themes of loss, grief and friendship, as well as unbreakable family bonds.

Eleanor's childhood is peppered with unfortunate events, but her relationship with her brother Joe is a reliable constant. Her school friend Jenny Penny also features heavily, and Jenny's volatile relationship with her alcoholic mother and her many boyfriends means that Jenny spends a lot of time at Eleanor's house. As the girls grow up and grow apart, Eleanor never quite finds a friend like Jenny Penny - but she still has her brother Joe, who faces his own tribulations as he comes to terms with his sexual identity. When Joe moves to a high-flying job in New York, Eleanor struggles without the guidance of her older sibling, and when that first plane hits the tower, it seems like everything might be about to fall apart.

This is a novel, on the surface, about a brother and sister. I love a quirky narrative voice at the best of times, but it was so special to follow Eleanor's voice from childhood to adulthood. Through often trivial and seemingly generic episodes in the siblings' lives, Winman builds up a beautiful and multi-layered portrait of family, tragedy, and love. Historical events are featured as the decades pass, leading up to the tragedy of 9/11, where the book reaches its crescendo. In all, this was a lovely filled with hope, humour and sadness - I became totally invested in the characters and genuinely didn't want it to end, which to me is the mark of a fantastic read!