The Rat Queen by Pete Hautman

What worked:

I pay attention to how authors create hooks to encourage readers into finishing the books. This story opens simply but includes some incidents that will pique interest. Annie has nightmares about something with teeth and claws haunting her sleep. She watches the neighbor’s cat being attacked by something in a hole but discovers the hole has disappeared only moments later. Annie’s father reads her a story from an old, ratty book about a changeling being tricked by a girl named Annike, Annie’s given name. Annie’s father is from a tiny country that doesn’t appear on most maps of the world. He tells her magic exists and shares the family secret which she must tell no one. He retires to his study every day after work, looking worn and weak, but reappears an hour later seemingly refreshed. All of these details create eerie questions and prod readers to uncover the mystifying truths.

Several Litvanian fairy tales are told throughout the book and readers will need to consider their connections to Annie’s story. Annie hears one about a queen’s seventh son and how he rids the castle of rats only to have his plans end in disaster. The story of the Rat Queen is shared about halfway into the book and tells of how a man makes a deal to remain young. Annie hears another tale about a queen who would make herself feel better each day by giving away her regrets and things that make her feel bad. Annie’s father has been telling her to do the same thing by writing her daily misgivings on pieces of paper although he’s never told her why. Our consciences tell us good from the bad so maybe we should remember and regret things that make us feel uncomfortable and uneasy. Other stories are shared with Annie and readers that may remind them of connections to their lives and past remorse.

The author has an innovative plot that flows smoothly but keeps readers wondering throughout. The conflict clearly has something to do with rats, Annie, her father, and Litvania but the true nature of the problem isn’t revealed until later. Astute readers may deduce the gist of the issue earlier than others. The rats play an important part in the plot although they don’t appear in most of the scenes. Annie’s father behaves strangely and unexpectedly as events unfold so the motives of his character are uncertain. Several characters visit Annie from Litvania to teach and care for her with each providing different stories and knowledge from their home country. Readers must connect the various clues and puzzle pieces to fully understand the problem and potential solutions.

What didn’t work as well:

The ambiguous conflict keeps readers wondering but it’s not clear where the story is headed. There isn’t a dramatic climax and the resolution will leave readers with mixed thoughts. These concerns can also be viewed as positives depending on the reader. I guess you’ll need to decide for yourself.

The Final Verdict:

The story is novel and creative as it offers a creative problem with many complications. Readers will be sympathetic to Annie’s character and they will enjoy thinking about the different anecdotes from Litvania. Who can say if they’re true or fairy tales? I recommend you give this book a shot.