Rats are everywhere in New York City-but what if they're not the problem, but the consequence?In The Rat Crisis of New York City, Rohan Verdonck delivers a gripping, intelligent, and darkly compelling exploration of one of the city's oldest, most persistent enemies: the rat. Blending investigative journalism, urban history, data analysis, and cultural commentary, this book uncovers how rats have become both a symbol of New York's resilience-and a warning sign of its failures.From 17th-century ships to 21st-century subway tunnels, rats have adapted to every corner of the city's infrastructure, feeding off its trash, thriving in its neglected spaces, and reflecting the cracks in its systems.But this is not just a story about vermin. It's about climate change, social equity, failing policy, and the blurred boundaries between human and animal.Through case studies from cities like Paris, Tokyo, and San Francisco, and with an eye toward technology, ethics, and public health, The RatCrisis offers a sweeping yet intimate portrait of urban survival. It asks difficult questions: Should we hate rats as much as we do? What do they reveal about us? And can we ever truly win the rat race?With urgency, empathy, and unexpected wit, The Rat Crisis of NewYork City will change how you see the streets beneath your feet-and who you share them with.