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When God Was a Rabbit

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When God Was a Rabbit

By: Sarah Winman
Narrated by: Sarah Winman
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About this listen

Young Elly's world is shaped by those who inhabit it: her loving but maddeningly distractible parents; a best friend who smells of chips and knows exotic words like 'slag'; an ageing fop who tapdances his way into her home, a Shirley Bassey impersonator who trails close behind; lastly, of course, a rabbit called God. In a childhood peppered with moments both ordinary and extraordinary, Elly's one constant is her brother Joe.

Twenty years on, Elly and Joe are fully grown and as close as they ever were. Until, that is, one bright morning and a single earth-shattering event that threatens to destroy their bond for ever.

Spanning four decades and moving between suburban Essex, the wild coast of Cornwall and the streets of New York, this is a story about childhood, eccentricity, the darker side of love and sex, the pull and power of family ties, loss and life. More than anything, it's a story about love in all its forms.

©2011 Sarah Winman (P)2011 Headline Publishing Group Ltd
Family Life Fiction Friendship Literary Fiction Funny Heartfelt Witty Thought-Provoking

Critic Reviews

"Author/narrator Winman pulls listeners in with her beautiful prose and vivid descriptions.... Thoughtful, unexpectedly funny, and ultimately compelling." (AudioFile)

'Thronging with incident and wonder.' (The Guardian)

'Beguiling... You can't get the voice out of your head.' (Daily Mail)

What listeners say about When God Was a Rabbit

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Just a great and at times funny story.

Loved it all. That was my second Sarah Winman book and now I will look for another.

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Another brilliant novel from Sarah Winman

Love everything about Sarah Winmans writing - it’s so poetic and lyrical. Didn’t realise that she also narrated the book too which was so perfectly done. Could not recommend this book more highly! Sitting joint first place with Lola in the Mirror for this years favourite reads.

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When a book just resonates…

Quirky and insightful catalogue of growing up. Following the somewhat tormented protagonist’s young life with an eclectic group of endearingly good, intrinsically antisocial or weird and unworthy people’s influence, we gain an insight into the myriad of experiences, relationships, thoughts and behaviours. This is an emotional rollercoaster - of hilariously laughable situation, heartening kindnesses, sour dejection and gut wrenching tragedy. Fabulous narrator performs this fabulous author’s gift of prose. This story will stay with me…

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Great reading and unusual story.

A little too much swearing but I guess you get used to that these days.

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Enjoyable read

This book has firmly established Sarah Winman as one of my favourite authors. Great read

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Brilliant reading by the author

Very atmospheric and contemplative. Deeply exploratory of how childhood shapes us as adults. Lost a bit of pace midway, but regained the story in the 2nd half. Beautifully written.

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Brilliant

This is the third book of Sarah Winman’s I have read and thoroughly enjoyed, she takes the reader into the heart of the characters, and you become part of the story.

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Fascinating story.

Great performance. A little confusing in parts. Very good depiction of 9/11. Love the idea of the rabbit being a guide. Ellie is a great character.

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So much good humanity and wisdom in this beautiful book

Beautifully read by the author, far reaching tale that encompasses our modern world and the power of love, of all kinds.

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Another Winner

I was blown away by the narration it hooked me from the start. The recounting of Elly's earlier family life was particularly familiar and for me was the best part of the story. I found my interest waning slightly towards the end but not enough to abandon listening. Funny and at times sad this book is worth a read and a special treat to listen to.

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In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.