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66 pages 2 hours read

Karen Joy Fowler

We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2013

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Before You Read

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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

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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 this

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.

Book Details
Pages

320

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Indiana • 1990s

Publication Year

2013

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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