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When God Was a Rabbit

Winman, Sarah

  19 Reviews

'God' happens to be Elly Portman's rabbit, given to her when her family is going through a difficult time. Told in two parts, the 1970s and the 1990s, this is story centred around the Portmans, Elly and her brother Joe and parents Kate and Alfie.

This is life in all its fullness examining family and friendship and the pain of growing up. Its eccentric and endearing characters guarantee an easy and refreshing read with an intriguing hint of the unconventional. [Larger font]

Comments from Groups

We thought the book was well written and that there was a lot to it. Christchurch 292

Half of us loved the book and found it hilarious whilst the other half thought it was 'overdone' with events and quirky behaviour. Good to have diverse opinions and lively discussion ensued. Richmond 005

Another troubled family drama. funny quirky, sad, lovely. 100% read - so that tells the story. New Plymouth 012

Book was a lovely light read. We all enjoyed. Beautifully written. Matua 001

Although we found the book a compelling read and very well written it was not an enjoyable story. Everyone struggled with all the traumatic events experienced by Elly and her family. Tauranga 034

Most of the group found it an easy read but too contrived. Too many things going on: sexual abuse, homosexuality, kidnapping, 9/11 etc. Blenheim 010

A quirky read about misfits which only some of us could relate to. Subtley written. Auckland 255

Pages
324
Year
2011

Reviews

AMBER 006
08-06-2023
We all enjoyed this book which is unusual for our group, the main negative was a book of two halves, light and humorous to dark and heart-wrenching. We admired the authors descriptions and laugh-out-loud humour. The Ginger character seemed superfluous. Several felt they needed to read it again with increased concentration on events which became significant later, perhaps more editing would help.
BLENH 016
04-04-2022
Liked by all but 2 members. Although they thought the characters were well-written and developed, thought that the story was a bit vague and disjointed.
THAM 002
04-04-2022
Great book about not easy relationships. Enjoyed by everyone.
ASHB 028
04-04-2022
Our group had varied opinions about this book. It certainly packed in many issues.
TIMAR 015
04-04-2022
Most of us enjoyed this book, and it provoked a lively discussion.
CROMW 004
04-04-2022
A very good book with a lot of layers in it. A lot going on, but the underlying theme of long lasting friendship and loyalty prevails. Some interesting family dynamics.
BREAM 002
04-04-2022
A very dark themed book, with lots of twists and turns. There were mixed reviews about the book, some people finding it not a page turner.
ALEXA 006
04-04-2022
Some found it "rambly" and without much storyline, while others were the opposite and found it enchanting, sad and an enjoyable read.
NELS 020
04-04-2022
All except one of us really enjoyed it. Quirky, wonderful descriptions; good mix of comedy and sadness.
MAST 007
04-04-2022
We all loved this book.
WHAKA 008
04-04-2022
We loved the language and characters in this book, but it didn't have the "I can't put it down" wow factor.
PIOPIO 001
29-11-2020
Our group loved this book; just as good on a second reading as there was so much going on. It was easy to read but at the same time complex, but believable, especially the characters, many of whom had their own issues and quirky ways in dealing with them.
TAUR 035
20-03-2020
We had varying reactions to this novel - some not getting involved, or not persisting, with one really hating it. But the majority did find it an intriguing story, with a great deal of humour amidst so much dark and nasty stuff. As we discussed it, most of us realised how lightly it dealt with such deep subjects. There was much more to it than first appeared. Beautifully descriptive and clever use of real life events which most of us could identify with.
AUCK 344
18-03-2019
Most of the group thoroughly enjoyed this book, though several felt it was quite disjointed. One interesting comment was that the story was a 'fable'....and many fables have dark undertones. We loved how the author covered serious and miserable topics, but also managed to write with humour.
WINT 002
18-03-2019
This book was loved by everyone, so well written, funny, sad and interesting. So much happened, but in a believable way. Excellent!
LOWER 008
18-03-2019
So many positive adjectives to describe the group's comments on this book. The general feeling was one of admiration for the impressive writing and use of language.
AUCK 153
18-03-2019
An easy and entertaining read. Enjoyed by 90% of our group.
CROMW 005
18-03-2019
Most really enjoyed the story.
PICT 001
20-12-2017
Most people really enjoyed it. Quite quirky, lovely writing and descriptions. We'll be looking for other books by the same author.