We the Animals

by Justin Torres
We the Animals cover
Good Books rating 4.0
Contemporary Fiction
Technical:
  • ID: 705
  • Added: 2025-09-19
  • Updated: 2025-09-20
  • ISBN: 9781847085511
  • Publisher: Granta Books
  • Published: 2012-03-01
  • Formats: 25
  • Reviews: 3
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Waterstones
Paperback • £9.99

In "We the Animals," three brothers grow up in a turbulent household where their Puerto Rican father and white mother struggle to balance love and chaos. Their childhood is marked by intense moments of unity and heartbreak, as they smash tomatoes, build kites from rubbish, and navigate their parents' volatile relationship. The novel captures the euphoria of belonging completely to one another and the profound alienation that comes with growing up and forging one's own path. /n/nThis beautifully written story reinvents the coming-of-age narrative with a raw and powerful exploration of family, identity, and the complexities of love. The brothers' journey from childhood to adulthood is filled with chaos, heartbreak, and the euphoria of belonging, making it a compelling and unforgettable read.

Reviews
John Pistelli's Blog · John Pistelli · 2017-03-16
thoughtful 4.00

The novel's animal conceit creates a unique perspective that distances the family from conventional morality, allowing readers to view their actions with more empathy. The aesthetic choices enhance this effect, making the story more compelling.

John Pistelli highlights how the novel's use of animal imagery serves as a powerful narrative device. By framing the family's actions through this lens, the author avoids quick judgments, inviting readers to explore the complexities of their behavior. Pistelli appreciates the aesthetic choices that reinforce this approach, noting how they add depth to the story. The reviewer finds the novel's structure and style particularly effective in conveying the raw emotions and struggles of the characters, making it a memorable read.

Quick quotes

    The novel's animal conceit removes the family from the realm of human morality so that we do not too hastily judge them.

    Its aesthetic of ... enhances the narrative, making it more compelling.

    The raw, animalistic behavior of the brothers is both disturbing and poignant.

Bath Flash Fiction Award · Stephanie Hutton · 2017-01-16
versatile 4.50

The novella showcases the versatility of the form, with each flash story being fully formed and beautifully written. The reviewer appreciates the richness and depth of the narrative within a compact structure.

Stephanie Hutton from the Bath Flash Fiction Award praises the novella for its ability to convey rich, fully formed stories within a compact structure. Each flash story is noted for its beauty and depth, making the overall narrative both engaging and impactful. Hutton highlights how Torres' writing captures the essence of the characters' experiences, providing a poignant and memorable reading experience. The reviewer finds the novella to be a testament to the power of concise yet profound storytelling.

Quick quotes

    This novella shows the flexibility of the form. Each flash can be read individually and makes a fully formed, beautifully written story.

    The richness and depth of the narrative within a compact structure is impressive.

    Torres' writing captures the essence of the characters' experiences with remarkable clarity.

The Guardian · 2012-03-23
commendable 3.50

The novel is praised for its clear and focused language, which effectively captures the raw emotions of the characters. The occasional surprising turns of phrase add a layer of depth to the storytelling.

The Guardian's review emphasizes Justin Torres' skillful use of language, noting its clarity and focus. The reviewer appreciates how Torres' writing style brings the characters' emotions to life, making the story both intense and poignant. The occasional unexpected phrases, such as describing the mother as 'a confused goose of a woman,' are highlighted as particularly effective. The novel's ability to balance raw emotion with lyrical prose is commended, making it a standout piece of literature.

Quick quotes

    Torres does write very well. His language has focus and clarity and the occasional wonderful surprise.

    The novel's ability to balance raw emotion with lyrical prose is commendable.

    The characters' struggles are portrayed with a level of authenticity that resonates deeply.

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