Emily Austin’s novel “We Could Be Rats” is a powerful exploration of sisterhood, trauma and the narratives we construct to navigate our lives. The novel delves into the complex relationship between two sisters, Sigrid and Margit, as they grapple with their shared past and individual struggles.
The novel is uniquely and intricately structured into three sections. The first is a series of twenty-one drafts of Sigrid’s suicide letter, giving the reader an unsettling front-row seat to her troubles. This unconventional approach allows readers to witness Sigrid’s internal turmoil and her attempts to articulate her despair. The second section, titled “The Truth,” shifts to Margit’s viewpoint, shedding light on both her reaction to Sigrid’s deteriorating mental health and their volatile family dynamics. The final section presents Sigrid’s journal entries logged during and after her stay in a psychiatric ward. This tri-folded structure not only deepens character development but also underscores the continuing theme of the subjective nature of truth and memory.
“We Could be Rats” portrays Sigrid and Margit as contrasting yet deeply interlinked individuals. Sigrid, the younger of the two, is a high school dropout working at a dollar store, struggling with deep depression and a sense of alienation. Her imaginative escapism and reminiscing about childhood simplicities highlight her reluctance to embrace adulthood. Margit, on the other hand, is the epitome of responsibility — a college graduate pursuing an English literature master’s degree, embodying the role of the “perfect child” despite their parents’ precarious relationship. The sisters’ contrasting coping mechanisms reflect the multifaceted nature of trauma responses — a topic regularly explored in Austin’s other works.
One of the most striking motifs in the novel is the recurring image of Sigrid and Margit imagining themselves as rats at a carnival — a form of escapism that speaks to their shared desire to retreat from their painful realities. This childhood fantasy, in which they envision themselves scurrying through a chaotic fairground free from human expectations, becomes a symbol of their longing for a world where they are unburdened by trauma and responsibility. The carnival setting, traditionally a space for joy and spectacle, contrasts sharply with their actual lives, which are filled with dysfunction. By repeatedly returning to this imagined transformation, Austin underscores the way both sisters, despite their differences, use imagination as a coping mechanism.
For Sigrid, who struggles with depression and a sense of aimlessness, the idea of becoming a rat offers her a means of escape from her overwhelming reality. For Margit, who clings to structure and control, the memory of their shared fantasy represents a past where she and Sigrid were more connected. This motif highlights how nostalgia and escapism can both comfort and imprison, reminding readers that while fantasy can provide short-term relief, lasting healing requires facing reality — no matter how ugly that may be.
Austin’s candid portrayal of mental illness is both raw and empathetic. Sigrid’s drafts of her suicide note are laced with dark, punchy humor and poignant reflections, capturing the complexities of her emotional state. The narrative does not shy away from depicting the harsh realities of depression, addiction and the detrimental impact of a toxic family environment. Austin’s delicate approach to the heavy content of the story is masterful, ensuring that the depiction of mental illness is neither superficial nor romanticized.
At its core, the book is a testament to the enduring bond of sisterhood. Despite their differences and past grievances, Sigrid and Margit’s journey toward understanding and reconciliation is equally heart-wrenching and hopeful. Their interactions illustrate the common complexities of siblinghood, where love and resentment often intertwine. The narrative demonstrates that healing is a non-linear process, requiring empathy and mutual acknowledgment of wounds, both past and present.
“We Could Be Rats” is a compelling exploration of the intricacies of familial bonds, mental illness and the subjective nature of reality. Through its innovative structure and authentic character portrayals, the novel invites readers to reflect on their own narratives and the shared experiences that shape our identities. The novel stands as a testament to Emily Austin’s literary prowess and unique ability to depict the resilience of the human experience and the enduring power of connection.
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