Reviews tagging 'Suicide attempt'

We Could Be Rats by Emily Austin

200 reviews

karina_dreamsinwords's review

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dark emotional funny reflective sad fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

What seemed to be a very surface level book at first actually turned out to be a pretty heavy multilayered story about identity and the complexities of growing up. 

The first chunk of the story features an epistolary format of many suicide notes written by one of the sisters this book follows, Sigrid. We get to understand the chaos within her brain, her story of self and why she decides to follow through. 

Then we switch perspectives and get personal with her sister, Margit. She grapples with the aftermath of Sigrid’s choice and how that affects someone’s everyday life. 

I don’t want to say too much because it’s a shorter read but the twist in here caught me off guard and shocked me more than recent thrillers I’ve read. 

Overall I thought this quirky and dark (but light in tone) novel was a pleasant surprise that had me relating to some of the things discussed. I had a few existential moments as a result but that speaks to the authors talents. I will definitely be picking up more from Austin in the future!
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jschult1012's review

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emotional hopeful reflective fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

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mckaytopotato's review

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challenging dark emotional funny hopeful lighthearted reflective sad fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

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chelsbels's review against another edition

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dark emotional funny fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? N/A
  • Loveable characters? N/A
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

5.0

We Could Be Rats by Emily Austin

Is Rat-tling good! 

The first time I read Austin was because their debut novel had a rabbit on the cover. I read that in nearly 1 sitting! Then I read their work of poetry and now I'm just hooked. Austin may in fact be my favourite author! 

In their latest novel, we follow two sisters as we creep closer to the truth and understanding of their lives, relationship, and family. Austin is a master of foreshadowing, and this take on the epistolary/ diary entry style they have created for We Could Be Rats is prodigious! 

There’s almost nothing I could write that would not in turn give this novel’s incredible journey away. Except to say it reminded me very much of Catcher in the Rye with the teenage angst or dislike of being an adult and no longer having the innocence of a child. And it’s about suicide. The majority of the book is a suicide note. 

It’s not a dreary novel, instead it’s almost like (excuse the comparison) a murder-mystery novel. You want to know what the truth is, why is this minor character even written, why are there lies, who’s voice is it, are we waiting for it all to make sense, is it supposed to… It’s also hilariously gripping and oddly satisfying.  As you try to solve it all. 

This novel is for anyone who enjoys contemporary fiction. Read with care as much deals with death and abuse. 

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disguisedposer's review

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dark funny hopeful fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

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rylaneli's review against another edition

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challenging emotional mysterious reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I loved this - I’ve enjoyed Emily Austin’s previous two novels but this is a clear favourite. 
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gracemark's review

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challenging dark emotional reflective sad fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

this book was raw, real, and moving. a very accurate depiction of depression and how depression can convince someone to leave this world. the relationship between the main character and her sister was also very telling of how growing up in a complicated household shapes you and your relationship with your sibling - especially when you are so different from your sibling/family! 
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daniellewilkins's review

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dark emotional reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

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mdinkle1's review

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dark emotional funny hopeful reflective sad

4.0

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countrymouse715's review

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dark emotional sad fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

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