Review: We Could Be Rats

We Could Be Rats was my first read from Emily Austin and I don’t think it will be my last. The novel tackles heavy topics - content warnings below - but Austin handles them with respect and humour. And, as a bonus, I got to interview her recently and she was an absolute joy to talk to! I loved hearing about how she approaches her work.

Here’s the book’s description:

Sigrid hates working at the Dollar Pal but having always resisted the idea of growing up into the trappings of adulthood, she did not graduate high school, preferring to roam the streets of her small town with her best friend Greta, the only person in the world who ever understood her. Her older sister Margit is baffled and frustrated by Sigrid’s inability to conform to the expectations of polite society.

But Sigrid’s detachment veils a deeper turmoil and sensitivity. She’s haunted by the pains of her past—from pretending her parents were swamp monsters when they shook the floorboards with their violent arguments to grappling with losing Greta’s friendship to the opioid epidemic ravaging their town. As Margit sets out to understand Sigrid and the secrets she has hidden, both sisters, in their own time and way, discover that reigniting their shared childhood imagination is the only way forward.

What unfolds is an unforgettable story of two sisters finding their way back to each other, and a celebration of that transcendent, unshakable bond.

Now, when I was preparing for the interview with Austin, I realized the book’s description doesn’t hint at a huge part of what the story is about but I think it’s very important to mention that the book revolves around suicide (notes, thoughts of, and one attempt - off page). There is also a secondary character with a drug addiction, though we never actually meet or hear from this character in the present day. Be kind to yourself.

This book is told in a number of parts. As I was reading Part I, I was starting to wonder about how Austin was writing the story. Some of it didn’t seem all that consistent with what I was learning about Sigrid. But - press on, dear reader. There’s a reason for that! What I thought was perhaps questionable writing was really masterful. Is this vague? Yes. But you’ll thank me if you do end up reading this! (If you don’t, send me a message and I’ll tell all!)

It wasn’t until I had finished the book - which didn’t take long as it’s just over 250 pages - that I started thinking about some of the deeper themes (yes, I’m aware I sound like an English class nightmare - bear with me here.). In particular, I was pondering the relationship between sisters Sigrid and Margit. They were never particularly close and it seemed to be something they each…regretted? in their own way. I liked reading as they tried to repair their relationship and become closer, like the sisters they always wanted to be. I also have a sister, and I’m the elder sibling like Margit. I love how Austin wrote about their bond and their shared memories. There’s something special about having a sibling (with no disrespect to any who choose to only have one kiddo!). It’s a bond that can’t quite be replicated. Sure, you can have friends who become like family, and even some who you’ve known since childhood. Those are amazing friends to have. But with siblings, you came into yourselves in the same environment, with the same touchpoints. There are things that have stuck with me and my sister that make absolutely no sense to anyone else, even if they’re the same age as us with similar interests. As Austin also has sisters herself, I wasn’t surprised that she was able to write about this relationship so well.

Another part of the story is one I can’t personally relate to but that’s why I love reading - I get exposed to stories and lifestyles that are different from my own. Sigrid is a lesbian in a small (very conservative) town. While I did grow up in such a town, I’m straight so I never would have considered what it would have been like for the queer kids I went to school with. In Sigrid’s case, it wasn’t the worst experience but it also wasn’t enjoyable. She seemed to feel so stuck and like she couldn’t really be her true self within the confines of the town. I hated that for her and felt Austin wrote these scenes (like everything else) with such skill.

If you want a few pictures of the evening at the Grimsby Author Series, you can check out my Instagram post here!

I was going to try to talk about the title and the reference to rats but I’m going to encourage you to listen to a Bookends podcast episode where Mattea Roach talks to Austin about the novel. Check it out here.

We Could Be Rats is, at times, devastating, thought-provoking, emotional, and somehow also darkly funny. Emily Austin has written a story about secrets, small towns, and sisters. It’s heartbreaking but also somehow hopeful. It’s a great read and I think it’s one you might want to pick up.

*A copy of this novel was provided by the publisher, Simon & Schuster Canada, in exchange for review consideration. All opinions are honest and my own.*