《We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves》摘要

In "We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves," Karen Joy Fowler explores the complexities of family, identity, and the nature of consciousness through the lens of an unconventional upbringing. The novel is structured around the life of Rosemary Cook, who begins her narrative in the midst of a turbulent period, reflecting on her past and her childhood with her unique family dynamic, which includes a research upbringing involving a chimpanzee named Fern. Set primarily in California, the story delves into the psychological and ethical implications of the psychological experiments conducted on Fern, designed to study the similarities and differences between human and animal behavior. Through Rosemary’s retrospective lens, readers learn about the challenges of her family's composition, including her father, an experimental psychologist, and her brother, who plays a significant role in her evolving narrative. The book intertwines themes of memory, loss, and the impact of family dynamics on personal identity, as Rosemary grapples with her early life experiences that have shaped her present. As she navigates her relationships and confronts the absence of her family members, readers are drawn into deeper questions about what it means to be human and how the emotional connections between different species can complicate our understanding of family. Fowler skillfully employs a non-linear narrative, revealing poignant secrets and emotional turmoil gradually. The juxtaposition of Rosemary's life with that of Fern invites readers to contemplate broader ethical questions regarding scientific research and animal rights. Ultimately, "We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves" challenges readers to reflect on the nature of love and the limits of understanding within both human and animal experiences.