Super Short Summary

We The Animals by Justin Torres is a 2011 debut novel about three brothers, Manny, Joel, and the unnamed narrator, living in upstate New York. Narrated by the youngest brother, the novel unfolds in 19 vignettes depicting the boys' tumultuous childhood. The narrative explores their complex relationships with their parents, Paps and Ma, highlighting cultural identity struggles and familial bonds amidst contrasting instances of love and abuse. The narrator gradually realizes his differences from his brothers as he navigates his own path, leading to a poignant climax and eventual institutionalization. The text contains instances of physical, sexual, and mental abuse.