It is always so exciting when a debut novel receives multiple
starred reviews as was the case for RABBIT CAKE by
Annie Hartnett (Kirkus, Library Journal, Publishers Weekly). And, almost exactly a year ago, I read
and enthusiastically blogged about Relief Map by Rosalie Knecht which is also published by Tin House.
Hence, I had high expectations for RABBIT
CAKE, a story of coping with loss for the Babbitt family; 11
year-old Elvis, her older sister Lucy and their Dad all deal differently with
the drowning of their mother/wife while sleep walking/swimming. I very much
liked the precociousness and naïveté of Elvis as she tries to process the changes
in her life and reactions by Lizzie (binge eating) and her Dad (wearing
lipstick; adopting a pet). It was clear
that the Mom was a cohesive, if slightly eccentric, force for this family. The
story, described as “darkly comic,” does get strange, though. And
overall it was a little too much for me.
Read RABBIT CAKE by
Annie Hartnett if you like a somewhat absurd and unrealistic streak to novels
you choose. Let me know what you think of
this well-written story - your favorite part and what was most original and
moving for you.
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