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REVIEW: The Year of the Rat by Clare Furniss

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The Year of the Rat is a poignant and thought-provoking novel that discusses themes of grief and dealing with the death of a parent and how one goes about leading a normal life after that.

After hearing Furniss talk at an event, and hearing part of The Year of the Rat being read, I couldn’t wait to start it. I didn’t know an awful lot about it, but I had an inkling that I would love it, and I really did.

Losing somebody close to you must be one of the worst feelings in the world. For Pearl there is the added factor of a baby sister to look after, a sister who reminds her of her mother who died in pregnancy with ‘The Rat.’

The Year of the Rat is going to be a book I recommend to a lot of people because of it’s emotional depth and ability to hook the reader into Pearl’s story. There are psychological themes within The Year of the Rat – the reader unsure whether Pearl is actually seeing her mother’s ghost or if she is fabricating her to deal with the grief she is going through. The emotional depth really makes the novel stand out because it all felt so real; it was as if Pearl was living inside me and voicing the thoughts I’ve had in the past.

I feel as if there isn’t anything quite like The Year of the Rat released at the moment so if you’re looking for originality this is definitely for you.

Pearl isn’t always a likeable character and I often found myself questioning why she did particular things, but this is what makes the book so magic and, if this even makes sense, makes Pearl even easier to like.

The Year of the Rat is such a good book, and Furniss an author you really need to watch out for. If her debut is this stunning, I can’t wait to read her future novels.

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5 Comments

  • Reply
    Eileen @ Singing and Reading in the Rain
    27 April, 2014 at 10:23 pm

    This definitely sounds like an emotionally deep story and I remember loving the cover. While Pearl’s character may seem a little weird at times, I’m glad you enjoyed it overall!
    Eileen @ Singing and Reading in the Rain recently posted…How to Meet Boys by Catherine ClarkMy Profile

  • Reply
    Holly
    Twitter:
    28 April, 2014 at 6:33 am

    Sounds like an interesting book. I saw it in Waterstones the other day so might pick it up sometime soon. Great review!
    Holly recently posted…If I Stay by Gayle FormanMy Profile

  • Reply
    Samantha (@SamanthasBooks)
    28 April, 2014 at 2:08 pm

    Ooh, I’d seen this one around but I’d never actually bothered to look into what it was about. It definitely sounds like it’s going to be a powerful and emotional read. I’m glad that Pearl makes mistakes and that you were questioning her decisions. And I’m definitely intrigued to find out how Pearl deals with her mothers death.
    Great review, Lucy! 😀
    Samantha (@SamanthasBooks) recently posted…How to Love by Katie CotugnoMy Profile

  • Reply
    Jess Hearts Books
    Twitter:
    28 April, 2014 at 4:52 pm

    I love a good emotional read and The Year of the Rat sounds exactly that! I love books that are a little bit different with imperfect characters so I have a feeling that this will be one I love!
    Jess Hearts Books recently posted…Review for Tease by Amanda MacielMy Profile

  • Reply
    Too Much French, Decisions & Chocolate Cake | Sunday Diary - Queen of Contemporary
    17 January, 2016 at 10:07 am

    […] this week, but think I’m going to be starting How to Disappear by Clare Furniss next. I loved The Year of the Rat so have high hopes for it. I’m sure it won’t […]

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