Book Review: “RAT” by Priscilla B Shuler

This wasn’t exactly my cup of tea, but I didn’t mind. Coming-of-age stories have never been my go-to genre. Yet, rather than the rushed narratives or shallow characters I usually dread, what I found in Shuler’s work was a fast-paced, yet deeply reflective, rollercoaster that spans eras, explores faith and beliefs, and offers glimpses into the queer, yet very real, lives of various characters.

I’ve never been a fan of tearjerkers. Still, I’m not entirely sure why I gave this one a chance. Maybe it was because it resonated with ideas and truths that, while never fully articulated, had stirred within me at one time or another—only now brought to the surface by the insights this story evoked.

I detest meaningless flings or those who prey on the vulnerability of others. And yet, somehow, I found myself sympathising with RAT, despite his morally questionable choices. Perhaps it was that balance of human flaws set against his otherwise unattainable ideals that shifted my perspective. Or maybe it’s simply because I, too, am human, as flawed as he is, though in my own way.

Normally, this book would’ve stayed on my ever-growing ‘to-be-read’ pile. But it didn’t. Instead, it’s found its place among my favourites – best enjoyed with a cuppa, curled up on a cosy sofa overlooking the greenery that I’ve grown to appreciate more with each passing year, pondering what might have been an ordinary day but, thanks to this novel, turned out quite the opposite.

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