When God was a Rabbit by Sarah Winman

Well we made another great book choice and had plenty to discuss at our meeting last night. We all agreed this was an excellent read though a few preferred the first half of the book to the second (because the latter lacked chronology).

Winman's descriptions of situations, smells, feelings, places etc. conjured up memories of events in our own lives. Perhaps it's because much of her story related to the time when most of us were children, we were able to relate to the luxury of Orange Maid ice lolly’s, the dream of winning The (Football) Pools, IRA Bombs that shook and destroyed lives and the community feel good factor of a Silver Jubilee. We could almost taste the '4 a penny' Black Jacks and Fruit Salad sweets and took time out to reflect on the freedom we had in our own childhoods. On a slightly darker note, for Sue Roberts the book brought back memories of a highly distressing school nativity play. At least now Sue understands why the thought of wearing brown tights is so traumatic for her!

This book tells a story of what could be regarded as a typical childhood in a loving and close family. The story that unfolds is far from typical and Elly (the central character who names her pet rabbit God) takes the reader on a journey that leaves the innocence of childhood behind (but not too far behind).

There is much humour throughout the book and yet a feeling of impending ‘disaster’ and an undercurrent that implies there is something ‘wrong’. Sometimes the wrong becomes evident but at other times the reader is left to wonder.

Relationships are the central theme – some are beautiful, some quirky others cruel and abusive. Elly and her family have strong family ties, they are close and loyal to one another and to those they love.

Of the characters we enjoyed the relationship between Mum and Nancy, we loved Arthur and Ginger and Elly’s family for taking them into their lives. Our hearts reached out for Jenny Penny. For Elly we were concerned for her apparent inability to lead a normal life with normal relationships.  Though she had an enviable relationship with her brother and her parents, and she cherished that and recognised it was more special than other children enjoyed:  that point is best defined by a line from the book itself:  “On the beach there were parents holding cigarettes and lager instead of their children’s hands.”

Would we recommend this book – most definitely.

Our next book choice is The Red House by Mark Haddon - we will meet to discuss this book on Tuesday September 11th. Sue Roberts has offered to 'host'.