A review by ivi_reads_books
We Could Be Rats by Emily Austin

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

4.25

At first, the structure of We Could Be Rats felt unusual—getting to know the characters through a series of suicide letters written by one sister. But this format turned out to be one of the book’s greatest strengths, offering a raw, unfiltered look into the sisters’ relationship and the environment that shaped them. As the non-suicidal sister reads each letter, the reader slowly pieces together the depth of her sister’s despair, unraveling a heartbreaking but deeply human story. 

This book is sad but real, exploring themes of mental health, family bonds, and the difficulty of truly understanding someone else’s pain. The unconventional storytelling made it all the more compelling, creating an intimate and emotional reading experience. If you’re looking for something deeply affecting and uniquely structured, this one is worth picking up.
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