A Dive into the Depths: A Review of We Could Be Rats by Emily Austin
When I first stumbled upon Emily Austin’s We Could Be Rats, I felt a mix of trepidation and curiosity. After previously navigating her intricate narratives, the combination of humor and heavy subject matter in her work had always intrigued me. This time, though, I was apprehensive. Austin doesn’t shy away from the tough topics—self-harm, grief, and family trauma, to name a few. But it’s this very willingness to tackle such sensitive themes that keeps her readers, including me, coming back for more.
At its core, We Could Be Rats presents the turbulent lives of fraternal twins, Sigrid and Margit, as they grapple with the legacy of their toxic family dynamic. The story opens starkly, with Sigrid struggling to pen her suicide note, while Margit attempts to manipulate these dark thoughts into something more palatable for their parents. The rawness of their experiences is laid bare, revealing not just their struggles but the depths of despair that often churn beneath the surface of family life.
Austin’s prose, while dense and at times disjointed, mirrors the chaotic lives of her characters. The narrative feels like a labyrinth, where readers are often led astray by distractions—distracting humor in the form of meme-like quips that mask deeper pain. This isn’t a seamless journey; rather, it’s a deliberate choice by the author to showcase Sigrid’s attempts to obscure her truths. Each line feels like a careful balancing act between light and dark, laughter and tears.
One of the standout features of We Could Be Rats is its ability to resonate deeply with anyone who has ever felt overshadowed by their upbringing or familial ties. Sigrid’s voice is authentic, her longing to convey a brightness that starkly contrasts with her reality palpable. I found myself engrossed in her pain, recognizing echoes of familiar struggles that many endure but seldom address openly—especially in a world that glamorizes perfection.
While I won’t pretend this book will stand alongside the timeless classics, it offers something tangible—an honest depiction of despair, laced with humor. It’s the sort of read that may not be universally enjoyable, especially for those sensitive to its subject matter. Yet, it provides a unique commentary on the generational divide in dealing with trauma. As I navigated Sigrid and Margit’s world, I often felt the urge to reach through the pages, to offer kindness and understanding to these fractured sisters.
In conclusion, We Could Be Rats is not merely a story about two sisters, but a raw exploration of the human experience. It’s suited for readers who appreciate character-driven narratives laden with emotional complexity. If you are prepared to confront some unsettling realities—paired with moments of dark humor—then this book is worth immersing yourself in. Personally, it left me with a sense of gratitude and introspection, reminding me of the resilience woven into the fabric of familial love and the pain we often carry silently.
Thank you, Emily Austin, for another gripping dive into the intricate nature of life, beautifully imperfect as it is.