We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves is a tremendous, unforgettable book. It’s about a family: Mother and Dad, brother Lowell, sister Fern, and Rosemary. An intelligent tale of an extraordinary family; the bonds between them, the mistakes people make and how families are a source of both joy and pain.
Profound message about the meaning of being human
I find it hard to review — first, to avoid spoilers and second because it had such a profound emotional effect that I’m still reeling from it. This is Literature with a capital ‘L’ and also a page-turning, constantly surprising story.
We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves is terribly sad. It is beautifully written. It is funny. Yes, even when it is terribly sad, it’s also funny. The language is a delight. It is surprising, and packs a surprisingly strong emotional punch. When the key point of the story is revealed I just put the book down and bawled.
I don’t agree with some other readers that this is a vehicle to press an agenda. Rather, the so-called ‘agenda’ is a vehicle to carry a more profound message about the meaning of being human. About how the other in a relationship transforms us. About the ebb and flow of complicity, intimacy and separateness in a very close relationship, particularly with siblings. About how relationships in our early childhood make us who we are.
It is also a deeply moving exploration of families, grief and bereavement.
I can only suppose that those readers who give this novel one or two stars have never personally experienced the loss of a sibling. Good for them.
You might also enjoy: Early Morning Riser – Katherine Heiny
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