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.

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.

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.

Mysterious / Bittersweet / Challenging / Contemplative / Emotional

- We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves was shortlisted for the 2014 Man Booker Prize, marking it as one of the first American novels to have been considered for the award after the prize was opened to English-language books from any country.
- Author Karen Joy Fowler is known for exploring themes of family and identity, and she draws on her own background in cognitive science, which adds depth and authenticity to the narrative’s exploration of memory and emotional complexity.
- The novel was published in 2013 and went on to win the prestigious PEN/Faulkner Award for Fiction in 2014, highlighting its critical acclaim and literary recognition.

Karen Joy Fowler

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We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves Summary and Study Guide

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Part 1 We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves Part 1 Summary & Analysis

Part 2 We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves Part 2 Summary & Analysis

Part 3 We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves Part 3 Summary & Analysis

Part 4 We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves Part 4 Summary & Analysis

Part 5 We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves Part 5  Summary & Analysis

Part 6 We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves Part 6 Summary & Analysis

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We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves

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