"We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves" is a novel by Karen Joy Fowler that delves into the complexities of family dynamics and the consequences of unconventional choices. The story is narrated by Rosemary Cooke, who reflects on her upbringing in a household that was profoundly affected by a unique decision made by her parents. This choice involved raising a chimpanzee alongside their two children, which introduces themes of identity and the boundaries of what it means to be human.
The narrative unfolds through Rosemary's recollections of her childhood, revealing the profound emotional impact of the loss of her sister, Fern, who was the chimp raised with them. As Rosemary grapples with her feelings of loss and abandonment, the story examines the ethical implications of their family's experiment and the subsequent rift it created. It also highlights how memory and perception shape our understanding of family and relationships.
