When God Was a Rabbit

When God Was a Rabbit

Author: Sarah Winman

Source: Jenna's book club choice

Days to Read: 14

Wine Pairing: Cono Sur Merlot 

I have decided, upon suggestion, to include some of my favourite wines that pair well with each book. Given the title of my blog I thought this would be rather fitting! 

Cono Sur Merlot, an inexpensive, Chilean red is one of my favourites. I like dark, full bodied reds and this one does the trick!

When God Was a Rabbit was our most recent book club choice. The consensus was it was good but kind of a downer book. I felt that it lacked a climax or overall message to take away.

In a nut shell the book is the story of Elly. Broken into two parts, the first part of the book is told by a young Elly and for the second part, Elly is an adult. When I say that it was a bit of a downer book, consider some of the events that take place throughout: Cancer, suicide, murder, sexual abuse, physical abuse, accidental death, kidnapping, assault, bombing, stroke, amnesia and last but not least, death of a pet rabbit.

The one aspect of the book I truly enjoyed was Elly’s childhood friend, Jenny Penny.  She is eccentric, bright and complex. Their friendship blossoms in their youth and when Elly moves away with her family they promise to write one another. On their annual Christmas phone call, Jenny Penny is agitated and in a rush telling Elly she and her mother are moving yet again but will be sure to send Elly their new address as soon as she can. Elly never receives the new address and only years later do they reconnect when Elly receives a letter from Jenny Penny who is serving a sentence for murder in prison.

There is also a constant relationship throughout the book with Elly’s older brother Joe. You know him as Elly’s protector and closest friend but never really understand him. You get little tidbits here and there however not enough in my opinion.

Overall the book is a decent read just be prepared for some heavy reading with a not-so-happy ending.

Pin It