Understanding We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves Summary: An In-Depth Exploration
The novel We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves by Karen Joy Fowler is a compelling and thought-provoking story that delves into complex themes such as family dynamics, identity, memory, and the ethical dilemmas surrounding animal research. At its core, the book presents a layered narrative that challenges readers to reflect on what constitutes family and the human capacity for both love and betrayal. This article provides a comprehensive summary of We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves, exploring its plot, characters, themes, and the literary significance that makes it a standout work in contemporary fiction.
Overview of the Novel
We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves was published in 2013 and quickly garnered critical acclaim, including winning the PEN/Faulkner Award for Fiction. The novel is narrated by Rosemary Cooke, a college student who begins to piece together her family’s unusual history and her own identity. The story is told from a first-person perspective, with Rosemary recounting events from her childhood through her university years, revealing secrets and truths gradually.
The novel’s title hints at the dissonance and confusion experienced by the characters, especially Rosemary, as they navigate their fractured family and the unsettling truths about their past. The narrative structure is non-linear, with flashbacks and revelations that deepen the reader’s understanding of the characters’ inner lives.
Plot Summary of We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves
Family Background and Childhood
The story begins with Rosemary’s childhood in a seemingly normal family living in California. She has an elder brother, Lowell, and a younger sister, Fern. However, life takes an unusual turn when Rosemary’s family adopts a chimpanzee named Fern as part of a research project. Fern becomes an integral part of the family, especially close to Rosemary, who develops a special bond with her.
The presence of Fern introduces a sense of unity and innocence in early childhood, but it also foreshadows darker themes and ethical questions. The family’s interactions with Fern are complex—she is both a pet and a scientific specimen, blurring the lines between human and animal, love and objectification.
The Disappearance and the Secret
As the story unfolds, it’s revealed that Fern is removed from the family when she is no longer considered useful for research. This event is traumatic for Rosemary and her brother Lowell, but they are kept largely in the dark about what truly happened. The novel hints that Fern’s removal is more than just a matter of scientific protocol; it involves ethical violations and emotional trauma.
Meanwhile, Rosemary’s family life becomes increasingly strained. Her mother, a scientist involved in animal research, is emotionally distant and preoccupied, while her father is more supportive but also overwhelmed. Rosemary’s own memories are fragmented, and she struggles with feelings of loss, confusion, and guilt.
Adolescence and College Years
The narrative jumps to Rosemary’s college years, where she begins to confront her past. She is a psychology major and becomes involved in research that examines human behavior, which echoes her own experiences. During this time, Rosemary reconnects with Lowell and begins to uncover the truth about Fern and her family’s secret.
It is revealed that Rosemary herself was part of an experiment—her parents used her as part of a scientific study, which contributed to her sense of disconnection and the feeling that she is ‘beside herself.’ The novel explores how these experiences shape her identity and her understanding of what it means to belong.
The Revelation and Its Impact
The climax of the novel involves Rosemary discovering the full extent of her family’s involvement in Fern’s removal and her own role in the experiments. This revelation is both devastating and liberating, forcing her to confront her past and make sense of her fragmented memories.
The story ends with Rosemary coming to terms with her identity, acknowledging the pain and loss, but also recognizing her resilience. The novel closes with a reflection on the importance of honesty, empathy, and the complex nature of family bonds.
Major Themes in We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves
Family and Identity
The novel explores what constitutes a family and how identity is shaped by relationships and experiences. Rosemary’s family is unconventional, with Fern’s presence challenging traditional notions of kinship. The story prompts readers to consider how much of our sense of self is influenced by those around us and how secrets can impact familial bonds.
Memory and Truth
A central theme is the unreliable nature of memory and the quest for truth. Rosemary’s memories are fragmented, and her understanding of her past evolves as she uncovers new information. The novel emphasizes that truth can be elusive, and sometimes acceptance requires confronting uncomfortable realities.
Ethics of Animal Research
The book raises ethical questions about scientific experimentation on animals, highlighting the emotional and moral costs involved. Fern’s story serves as a symbol for the suffering caused by such research, prompting reflection on the morality of scientific pursuits that involve animals.
Loss and Grief
Throughout the narrative, characters grapple with loss—of Fern, childhood innocence, and the illusions of a perfect family. The novel examines how grief influences personal growth and the importance of resilience in the face of trauma.
Literary Significance and Reception
We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves has been praised for its inventive structure, emotional depth, and thought-provoking themes. Karen Joy Fowler’s skillful storytelling invites readers to question their assumptions about family, morality, and identity. Critics have lauded the novel’s ability to blend humor, tragedy, and philosophical inquiry seamlessly.
The book’s success is also attributed to its compelling characters—particularly Rosemary, whose voice is honest and relatable. The novel’s exploration of ethical issues surrounding animal research has sparked discussions in academic and literary circles alike.
Conclusion
In summary, We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves is a profound narrative that challenges perceptions of family, memory, and morality. Its layered plot and complex characters serve as a mirror to the human condition, emphasizing the importance of truth and compassion. Whether viewed as a story about a family’s secrets or an exploration of scientific ethics, the novel leaves a lasting impression, encouraging readers to reflect on what it means to be truly connected—despite being “beside ourselves” at times. The novel’s nuanced portrayal of trauma and resilience makes it a significant contribution to contemporary literature, ensuring its place as a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant work for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main theme of 'We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves'?
The novel explores themes of family, identity, loss, and the ethical dilemmas surrounding scientific experimentation, highlighting how these issues impact the characters' lives.
Who is the narrator of 'We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves'?
The story is narrated by Rosemary Cooke, who reflects on her childhood and the mysterious events involving her family and her sister.
What is the significance of the title 'We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves'?
The title suggests a sense of disorientation and the complex, often confusing nature of human relationships and identity, mirroring the novel’s themes of psychological and emotional upheaval.
How does the novel handle the topic of animal research?
The novel reveals that Rosemary's family secretly kept a chimpanzee named Fern, and it raises ethical questions about animal experimentation and the impact it has on both animals and humans.
What is the major plot twist in the story?
The major twist reveals that Fern, the chimpanzee, was raised as part of the family and that Rosemary's sister was actually a chimp, which dramatically alters the reader’s understanding of the narrative.
How does 'We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves' explore memory and trauma?
The novel delves into how traumatic events and suppressed memories influence the characters’ perceptions of reality and their emotional well-being.
Who is the author of 'We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves' and what recognition did the book receive?
The novel is written by Karen Joy Fowler, and it won the 2014 PEN/Faulkner Award for Fiction, gaining critical acclaim for its compelling storytelling.
Is the story based on real events or entirely fictional?
The story is entirely fictional, though it draws on real scientific debates and ethical issues related to animal research and experimentation.
