66 pages • 2 hours read
Karen Joy FowlerWe Are All Completely Beside Ourselves
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2013A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
In We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves, Rosemary Cooke reflects on her life with her siblings, revealing through flashbacks the childhood experiment where her psychologist parents raised a chimpanzee named Fern as her twin sister. This unique upbringing caused complex family dynamics and personal struggles, especially when Fern was removed from their home.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Karen Joy Fowler's We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves blends wit and emotional depth, earning praise for its unique narrative and complex exploration of family dynamics. Critics commend its engaging storytelling and thought-provoking themes. However, some feel the plot twists and structure can be disorienting. Overall, it's a compelling read with both heart and humor.
Who Should Read We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves?
Readers who cherish deep family dramas with surprising twists akin to The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt or the emotional gravity found in The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd will find We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves captivating. The novel's blend of humor and psychological insight suits those drawn to character-driven narratives.
RecommendedReading Age
18+yearsBook Details
Relationships: Family
Emotions/Behavior: Love
Natural World: Animals
Psychology
Incarceration
Animals
Realistic Fiction
Modern Classic Fiction