Karen Joy Fowler’s *We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves* is a novel that makes you think. It makes readers rethink the lines between humans and animals. It also blurs memory and truth, as well as family and identity. The book was published in 2013 and won the PEN/Faulkner Award for Fiction. It was also shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize. This article examines the novel’s themes, potential HBO series, memorable quotes, and more. This guide is for everyone, whether you’re new or a long-time fan. It will help you understand this modern literary gem better.
We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves
It is a novel by Karen Joy Fowler, published by G.P. Putnam’s Sons on May 30, 2013. The book blends family drama, deep psychology, and ethical questions freshly. Rosemary Cooke shares her story. A young woman reflects on her strange childhood and her sister Fern’s disappearance.
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The novel stands out for its twist in the middle. This twist changes how we see the story and makes readers think again about family, memory, and identity. Fowler’s writing is witty and touching, making the book a must-read for fans of literary fiction.
Summary
The novel is narrated by Rosemary Cooke, who begins her story in the middle, as she puts it, “to spare you the suspense.” Here’s a breakdown of the key events:
- Rosemary’s Childhood:
- Rosemary grew up with a father who is a psychology professor. Her mother, however, is emotionally distant.
- Her siblings are her brother Lowell and her sister Fern, who is later revealed to be a chimpanzee.
- The family’s unique idea of raising Rosemary and Fern as twins suddenly stops when Fern is sent away.
- Rosemary’s Adulthood:
- As an adult, Rosemary deals with the pain of losing Fern. Her family fell apart later on.
- She reconnects with Lowell, now an animal rights activist. Together, they uncover the truth about Fern’s fate.
The novel examines memory, identity, and how we treat animals, and its themes make it a thought-provoking read.
HBO
As of October 2023, no official HBO adaptation of We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves exists. The novel’s deep story and moral challenges make it an excellent choice for TV. Fans are buzzing about possible directors and cast members. Names like Greta Gerwig and Saoirse Ronan often come up in online chats.
An HBO series is a possibility. The novel’s deep themes and emotions would work well on screen.
Book: We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves
We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves is a must-read for fans of literary fiction and psychological drama. The book is available in many formats, including hardcover, paperback, audiobook, and e-book.
- Key Details:
- Pages: 320
- Publisher: G.P. Putnam’s Sons
The novel’s unique structure and deep themes have made it a favorite. It appears on many “best books” lists, like The New York Times Best Sellers list.
Questions
The novel sparks many interesting questions. These are great for book clubs or classroom talks:
- Ethical Questions:
- Is it ethical to raise animals in human environments for scientific research?
- How do we define family, and can it extend beyond the human species?
- Psychological Questions:
- How reliable is memory, and how does it shape our identity?
- What are the long-term effects of childhood trauma on adult relationships?
These questions help make “We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves” a perfect book for discussion and analysis.
Books
If you liked We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves, check out these similar books:
- Animal Farm by George Orwell
- The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon
- Life of Pi by Yann Martel
- The Overstory by Richard Powers
These books explore identity, ethics, and the bond between humans and animals, making them great follow-up reads.
Karen Joy Fowler
A well-known author, Karen Joy Fowler, was born on February 7, 1950, in Bloomington, Indiana. She has a diverse range of work. Some of her most famous books include:
- The Jane Austen Book Club
- Sister Noon
- Booth
Fowler’s writing is known for its wit and emotional depth. It is seen as her best work. It has won her many awards and a loyal following.
We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves Plot
The plot of We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves is complex but profoundly moving. Here’s a breakdown of the key plot points:
- Rosemary’s Childhood:
- Rosemary and Fern are raised as twins, with Fern being a chimpanzee.
- The experiment ends when Fern is sent away, leaving Rosemary traumatized.
- Rosemary’s Adulthood:
- Rosemary reconnects with Lowell, who reveals the truth about Fern’s fate.
- The novel ends with a touching reunion. It also reveals the family’s experiment’s emotional and ethical challenges.
The plot’s midpoint twist is brilliant. It changes the story and stays with readers.
Synopsis
The synopsis of We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves can be summarized as follows:
- Rosemary Cooke thinks about her unusual childhood and her sister Fern’s disappearance.
- The family’s experiment of raising Rosemary and Fern as twins ends in tragedy.
- As an adult, Rosemary reconnects with her brother Lowell and uncovers the truth about Fern’s fate.
The synopsis shows that the novel focuses on memory, identity, and how we treat animals.
Quotes with Page Numbers
The novel has many quotes that show its themes and deep emotions. Here are some of the most notable:
- “The middle of the story is a perfect place to start.” (Page 1)
- “We are all completely beside ourselves. We are all completely alone.” (Page 77)
- “Memory is a tricky thing. It’s not always reliable.” (Page 123)
These quotes highlight the novel’s themes of memory, identity, and the bond between humans and animals.
We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves Genre
It is a literary fiction novel. It includes psychological drama and ethical questions. The book’s unique blend of genres makes it a standout work in contemporary literature.
- Key Genres:
- Literary Fiction: This novel excels in character development and explores deep themes, making it a great fit for this category.
- Psychological Drama: This tale delves into memory, trauma, and identity, adding depth to the plot.
- Ethical Inquiry: The novel raises important questions about our treatment of animals and ethics in science.
The genre-blending nature of the novel makes it a compelling read for a wide range of audiences.
Conclusion
It is a powerful book. It connects with readers through its themes of memory, identity, and how we treat animals. Karen Joy Fowler’s writing and rich themes make this novel essential for fans of literary fiction.
If you want to explore more of Fowler’s work, check out The Jane Austen Book Club or Booth. Each work shows Fowler’s talent for mixing deep themes with captivating stories.
Author Details:
- Name: Karen Joy Fowler
- Born: February 7, 1950
- Nationality: American