When God Was a Rabbit

Sarah Winman's "When God Was a Rabbit" is a deeply moving and richly woven narrative spanning decades, charting the extraordinary bond between a brother and sister, Elly and Joe. From their unconventional childhood in 1968 Essex to the tragic events of 9/11 in New York, their story is a testament to enduring love, unspoken secrets, and the profound resilience of the human spirit. Elly, a memorable young heroine, navigates the complexities of growing up, grappling with a poignant loss of innocence and the powerful pull of her eccentric family. Alongside her brother, whose unique perspective shapes their world, Elly also forms an unusual friendship with Jenny Penny, a girl shrouded in her own mysteries and secrets. Winman masterfully blends wit, humor, and heart, sketching out a cast of captivating characters whose lives intertwine across landscapes from idyllic Cornwall to bustling New York. This novel is a vibrant exploration of identity, memory, and the multifaceted nature of love, ultimately offering a poignant, compelling, and sparkling ode to true friendship and fraternal devotion.