We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves

by Karen Joy Fowler • 2013 • 310 pages

3.71

125.0K ratings

Book Club Contemporary Literary Fiction

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Plot Summary

Family Dynamics and Unspoken Secrets

Family's hidden truths and tensions

Rosemary Cooke, a college student, reflects on her family, marked by the absence of her brother Lowell and sister Fern. Her father, a psychologist, and her mother, who has retreated into herself, create a complex family dynamic. Rosemary's childhood was unique, as she was raised alongside Fern, a chimpanzee, as part of a psychological experiment. This unconventional upbringing has left Rosemary grappling with her identity and the silence surrounding Fern's disappearance. The family's unspoken secrets and the impact of Fern's absence weigh heavily on Rosemary, shaping her understanding of herself and her place in the world.

The Unraveling of Childhood Memories

Revisiting past to understand present

Rosemary delves into her childhood memories, trying to piece together the fragmented recollections of her life with Fern. She recalls the joy and chaos of growing up with a chimpanzee sister, the constant comparisons, and the unique bond they shared. These memories are tinged with confusion and loss, as Rosemary struggles to reconcile her past with her present. The narrative explores the blurred lines between human and animal, sister and experiment, and the profound impact of these early experiences on Rosemary's sense of self.

The Weight of Silence and Loss

Silence's burden and its consequences

The Cooke family is defined by the silence surrounding Fern's departure. Rosemary's parents avoid discussing the past, leaving her to navigate her grief and confusion alone. This silence extends to her brother Lowell, who becomes increasingly distant and rebellious. Rosemary's attempts to fit in at school are hindered by her unusual upbringing, leading to isolation and a deep sense of loss. The weight of unspoken truths and unresolved emotions permeates Rosemary's life, influencing her relationships and her quest for understanding.

The Search for Identity and Belonging

Struggle for self and acceptance

As Rosemary grows older, she grapples with her identity and the need to belong. Her college years are marked by a desire to escape her past and forge a new path. However, the shadow of Fern and the family's secrets continue to haunt her. Rosemary's interactions with others are colored by her unique perspective, shaped by her early experiences with Fern. Her journey is one of self-discovery, as she seeks to understand who she is beyond the labels of "sister" and "experiment."

Confronting the Past and Present

Facing history to move forward

Rosemary's past catches up with her when she encounters Harlow, a fellow student whose chaotic energy reminds her of Fern. This meeting forces Rosemary to confront the memories and emotions she has long suppressed. As she navigates her relationship with Harlow, Rosemary begins to unravel the complexities of her family's history and her own identity. The narrative explores the tension between past and present, and the necessity of facing one's history to find peace and understanding.

The Complexity of Human and Animal Bonds

Exploring interspecies relationships' depth

The story delves into the intricate bonds between humans and animals, as exemplified by Rosemary and Fern's relationship. This bond challenges traditional notions of family and identity, highlighting the blurred boundaries between species. Rosemary's reflections on her time with Fern reveal the deep emotional connections that transcend species, as well as the ethical and moral questions raised by such experiments. The narrative examines the impact of these bonds on Rosemary's life and her understanding of love, loyalty, and belonging.

The Journey Towards Understanding

Path to self-awareness and healing

Rosemary's journey is one of gradual self-awareness and healing. Through her interactions with Harlow and her reflections on the past, she begins to piece together the fragmented parts of her identity. The narrative explores themes of forgiveness, acceptance, and the search for truth. Rosemary's story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of understanding to heal old wounds. As she confronts her family's secrets and her own fears, Rosemary moves towards a deeper understanding of herself and her place in the world.

Unveiling Truths and Hidden Pasts

Revelations and the burden of truth

As Rosemary delves deeper into her past, she uncovers painful truths about her family's experiment and its impact on her identity. The narrative explores the blurred lines between human and animal, sister and experiment, and the ethical dilemmas faced by her psychologist father. Rosemary's journey is one of self-discovery, as she seeks to understand her place in a world that has always felt slightly off-kilter.

The Weight of Memory and Guilt

Memory's burden and its consequences

Rosemary's memories of Fern are fragmented and unreliable, reflecting the complexity of human memory. As she pieces together the past, she is haunted by guilt over Fern's fate and her own role in it. The narrative examines the impact of memory on identity and relationships, highlighting the challenges of reconciling the past with the present. Rosemary's struggle is one of forgiveness and acceptance, as she seeks to find peace with her family's history and her own sense of self.

The Power of Storytelling and Memory

Storytelling's role in shaping identity

The narrative highlights the power of storytelling and memory in shaping identity and understanding. Rosemary's reflections on her past and her family's history are interwoven with the stories she tells herself and others. These stories serve as a means of making sense of her experiences and finding meaning in the chaos of her life. The narrative explores the fluidity of memory and the role of storytelling in constructing identity, as Rosemary seeks to reclaim her narrative and find her voice.

Characters

Rosemary Cooke

Complex, introspective, and searching

Rosemary is the protagonist, whose life is shaped by her unique upbringing with a chimpanzee sister, Fern. Her introspective nature and struggle with identity drive the narrative. Rosemary's journey is one of self-discovery, as she seeks to understand her past and find her place in the world. Her character is marked by a deep sense of loss and a longing for connection, both with her family and within herself.

Fern Cooke

Chimpanzee sister, symbol of loss

Fern is Rosemary's chimpanzee sister, raised alongside her as part of a psychological experiment. Her presence and subsequent absence profoundly impact the Cooke family. Fern represents the blurred lines between human and animal, sister and experiment. Her character is central to Rosemary's understanding of identity and belonging, and her absence leaves a lasting void in the family's life.

Lowell Cooke

Rebellious, distant, and protective

Lowell is Rosemary's older brother, who becomes increasingly distant after Fern's departure. His rebellious nature and protective instincts towards Fern and Rosemary highlight the family's complex dynamics. Lowell's character embodies the struggle between loyalty and resentment, as he grapples with the family's secrets and his own sense of justice.

Karen Cooke

Withdrawn, fragile, and loving

Rosemary's mother, Karen, retreats into herself following Fern's disappearance. Her fragility and silence reflect the family's unspoken grief and unresolved emotions. Despite her withdrawal, Karen's love for her children is evident, and her character represents the impact of loss on a mother's heart.

Vince Cooke

Intellectual, conflicted, and distant

Rosemary's father, Vince, is a psychologist whose experiment with Fern shapes the family's life. His intellectual pursuits and conflicted emotions create tension within the family. Vince's character embodies the ethical dilemmas and moral questions raised by the experiment, as well as the struggle to balance professional ambition with familial love.

Harlow Fielding

Chaotic, bold, and transformative

Harlow is a fellow college student whose chaotic energy and bold personality remind Rosemary of Fern. Her presence forces Rosemary to confront her past and the emotions she has long suppressed. Harlow's character serves as a catalyst for Rosemary's journey towards self-awareness and understanding.

Plot Devices

Unreliable Memory

Memory's fluidity and its impact

The narrative explores the fluidity of memory and its impact on identity and understanding. Rosemary's recollections of her childhood with Fern are fragmented and unreliable, reflecting the complexity of human memory. This plot device highlights the challenges of piecing together the past and the influence of memory on self-perception and relationships.

Interspecies Relationships

Blurring human-animal boundaries

The story examines the blurred boundaries between humans and animals through Rosemary and Fern's relationship. This plot device raises ethical and moral questions about identity, family, and belonging. It challenges traditional notions of what it means to be human and explores the depth of emotional connections that transcend species.

Silence and Unspoken Truths

Impact of silence on relationships

The Cooke family's silence surrounding Fern's disappearance is a central plot device, shaping the narrative and character dynamics. This silence represents the unspoken truths and unresolved emotions that permeate the family's life. It highlights the consequences of avoiding difficult conversations and the necessity of confronting the past to find healing and understanding.

Analysis

Exploration of identity and belonging

"We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves" by Karen Joy Fowler is a profound exploration of identity, family, and the blurred lines between human and animal. Through Rosemary's journey, the narrative delves into the complexities of memory, the impact of silence, and the ethical dilemmas of interspecies relationships. The story challenges traditional notions of family and identity, highlighting the deep emotional connections that transcend species. It is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of understanding to heal old wounds. The novel invites readers to reflect on the nature of humanity, the consequences of silence, and the importance of confronting the past to find peace and belonging.

Last updated: February 3, 2025

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FAQ

Basic Details

What is We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves about?

Synopsis Focuses on Rosemary: The story centers on Rosemary Cooke, a young woman reflecting on her unconventional childhood, which included being raised alongside a chimpanzee, Fern, as part of a psychological experiment.
Explores Family Dynamics : It delves into the complex relationships within the Cooke family, marked by the absence of Fern and Rosemary's brother, Lowell, and the unspoken secrets that haunt them.
Themes of Identity and Loss : The novel explores themes of identity, belonging, loss, and the blurred boundaries between human and animal, as Rosemary grapples with her past and seeks to understand her place in the world.

Why should I read We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves?

Unique Narrative Perspective : The novel offers a unique narrative perspective, blending personal reflection with thought-provoking questions about human nature and our relationship with other species.
Emotional Depth and Complexity : It delves into complex emotional landscapes, exploring themes of loss, guilt, and the search for identity with nuance and sensitivity.
Engaging and Thought-Provoking : The story is both engaging and thought-provoking, prompting readers to question their own assumptions about family, memory, and the nature of what it means to be human.

What is the background of We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves?

Psychological Experimentation : The novel is set against the backdrop of mid-20th-century psychological experimentation, particularly the study of animal behavior and human-animal relationships.
Ethical Considerations : It raises ethical considerations about the treatment of animals in research and the impact of such experiments on both the subjects and the families involved.
Cultural Context : The story is also influenced by the cultural context of the 1970s and 1990s, reflecting changing attitudes towards family, science, and personal identity.

What are the most memorable quotes in We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves?

"Skip the beginning. Start in the middle." : This quote, from the prologue, encapsulates the novel's non-linear narrative structure and Rosemary's approach to storytelling, highlighting the importance of perspective and the subjective nature of memory.
"What you accomplish will never matter so much as where you fail." : This quote, reflecting Rosemary's childhood experience, reveals a core theme of the novel, emphasizing the lasting impact of perceived failures and the difficulty of achieving true success.
"We were all in shock. It was such a scene, you can't imagine." : This quote, from the cafeteria worker, highlights the disruptive nature of the events in the cafeteria and the way that trauma can be both personal and shared, shaping individual and collective memory.

What writing style, narrative choices, and literary techniques does Karen Joy Fowler use?

Non-Linear Narrative : Fowler employs a non-linear narrative structure, jumping between different time periods and perspectives, which mirrors the fragmented nature of memory and the complexities of the past.
First-Person Perspective : The story is told from Rosemary's first-person perspective, allowing readers to intimately experience her thoughts, emotions, and evolving understanding of her life.
Blending of Genres : Fowler seamlessly blends elements of family drama, psychological thriller, and social commentary, creating a unique and compelling reading experience.

Hidden Details & Subtle Connections

What are some minor details that add significant meaning?

The Geodes : Rosemary's collection of geodes, split open to reveal their crystal interiors, symbolizes the hidden depths and complexities of her family and their secrets, suggesting that beauty and truth often lie beneath the surface.
The Color Blue : The recurring motif of the color blue, from the blue house in Indianapolis to the blue Datsun, subtly connects seemingly disparate events and locations, highlighting the interconnectedness of Rosemary's past and present.
The Names : The significance of names, such as Rosemary's own name ("for remembrance") and the various names of the rats, adds layers of meaning, hinting at the characters' deeper traits and the themes of memory and identity.

What are some subtle foreshadowing and callbacks?

The Fairy Tale : The fairy tale about the sisters who speak in toads and flowers foreshadows the contrasting ways Rosemary and Fern are perceived and treated, highlighting the themes of communication and misinterpretation.
The Broken Collarbone : Rosemary's childhood fall from the tree, resulting in a broken collarbone, foreshadows the later fractures in her family and the lasting impact of her childhood experiences.
The "Think a Head" Graffiti : The graffiti in the jail cell, "Think a head," serves as a subtle callback to Rosemary's tendency to overthink and analyze, highlighting her intellectual nature and her struggle to reconcile her thoughts with her emotions.

What are some unexpected character connections?

Ezra and Harlow: The unexpected connection between Ezra, the apartment manager, and Harlow, the chaotic student, reveals a shared sense of being outsiders and a surprising capacity for loyalty and protectiveness.
Lowell and Mrs. Byard: The unlikely friendship between Lowell and Mrs. Byard, the devout Christian neighbor, highlights the unexpected connections that can form across seemingly disparate backgrounds and beliefs.
Rosemary and the Cafeteria Woman: The cafeteria woman's intervention on Rosemary's behalf reveals a hidden depth of empathy and a shared understanding of the transient nature of student life, highlighting the importance of often overlooked supporting characters.

Who are the most significant supporting characters?

Ezra Metzger : As the apartment manager, Ezra's paranoia and sense of responsibility provide a unique perspective on the events, highlighting the themes of surveillance and the hidden lives of those around us.
Grandma Donna : As Rosemary's maternal grandmother, Donna's traditional views and strong opinions offer a contrasting perspective on the family's unconventional dynamics, highlighting the generational differences and the complexities of family relationships.
Matt from Birmingham : As a grad student who worked with Fern, Matt's presence and subsequent departure highlight the ethical dilemmas of the experiment and the emotional impact on those involved, serving as a catalyst for Lowell's actions.

Psychological, Emotional, & Relational Analysis

What are some unspoken motivations of the characters?

Vince's Need for Control: Vince's motivation for the chimp experiment stems from a deep-seated need for control and a desire to understand human behavior through a scientific lens, often at the expense of his family's emotional well-being.
Karen's Desire for Connection: Karen's retreat into herself is driven by a deep desire for connection and a profound sense of loss, as she struggles to cope with the absence of Fern and the emotional distance within her family.
Lowell's Search for Justice: Lowell's rebellious actions and eventual disappearance are motivated by a deep-seated need for justice and a desire to protect Fern, even if it means sacrificing his own well-being.

What psychological complexities do the characters exhibit?

Rosemary's Identity Crisis: Rosemary exhibits a complex psychological profile, marked by a deep-seated identity crisis stemming from her unique upbringing and the blurred lines between human and animal.
Lowell's Trauma and Anger: Lowell's psychological complexities are rooted in the trauma of Fern's disappearance and his subsequent anger and resentment towards his parents, leading to his rebellious behavior and eventual departure.
Karen's Depression and Withdrawal: Karen's psychological state is characterized by depression and withdrawal, reflecting the profound impact of loss and the challenges of coping with the family's unspoken secrets.

What are the major emotional turning points?

The Cafeteria Incident : The chaotic events in the cafeteria, leading to Rosemary's arrest, serve as a major emotional turning point, forcing her to confront her own complicity and the consequences of her actions.
The Trip to the Farmhouse : The trip to the old farmhouse with Lowell and Russell is a significant emotional turning point, as Rosemary realizes that Fern is not there and begins to understand the true nature of her disappearance.
The Revelation of Fern's Fate: The revelation of Fern's true fate, as told by Kitch, is a major emotional turning point, forcing Rosemary to confront the reality of her sister's situation and the ethical implications of the experiment.

How do relationship dynamics evolve?

Rosemary and Lowell's Shifting Bond: The relationship between Rosemary and Lowell evolves from a close childhood bond to a strained and distant connection, marked by unspoken resentments and a shared sense of loss.
Rosemary and Harlow's Complex Friendship: The friendship between Rosemary and Harlow is characterized by a mix of attraction and repulsion, highlighting the complexities of human connection and the challenges of navigating different personalities and perspectives.
The Cooke Family's Fractured Unity : The Cooke family's dynamics are marked by a fractured unity, as the unspoken secrets and unresolved emotions surrounding Fern's disappearance create a lasting sense of distance and disconnection.

Interpretation & Debate

Which parts of the story remain ambiguous or open-ended?

Fern's Perspective: The novel leaves Fern's perspective largely ambiguous, prompting readers to question the extent to which we can truly understand the thoughts and feelings of nonhuman animals.
Lowell's Fate: Lowell's ultimate fate remains open-ended, leaving readers to wonder about his future and the impact of his actions on his family.
The Nature of Memory : The novel leaves the nature of memory open to interpretation, prompting readers to question the reliability of their own recollections and the subjective nature of truth.

What are some debatable, controversial scenes or moments in We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves?

The Ethics of the Experiment : The ethical implications of the chimp experiment are a source of debate, prompting readers to question the boundaries of scientific research and the treatment of animals.
Rosemary's Complicity: Rosemary's complicity in Fern's disappearance is a controversial aspect of the story, prompting readers to consider the extent to which she is responsible for her sister's fate.
The Nature of Love and Family : The novel challenges traditional notions of love and family, prompting readers to question the boundaries of these concepts and the complexities of human relationships.

We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves Ending Explained: How It Ends & What It Means

Rosemary's Acceptance: The ending sees Rosemary coming to terms with her past and accepting the complexities of her family's history, highlighting the importance of self-awareness and forgiveness.
The Power of Storytelling : The ending emphasizes the power of storytelling and memory in shaping identity and understanding, as Rosemary reclaims her narrative and finds her voice.
A Call for Empathy : The ending serves as a call for empathy and compassion, urging readers to consider the perspectives of others, both human and nonhuman, and to challenge traditional notions of what it means to be human.