We Are All Completely SPEECHLESS
- Karen Joy Fowler
Genre: Fiction/Psychological Fiction
Pages: 336
Rating: 4/5
Format: Non linear storyline, moves between memories and present
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*WARNING, SPOILERS FROM THE ONSET*
This novel is a heartbreaking tale that challenges the orthodox ideals of family and relationships. Rosemary's father is a university professor who takes part in many studies and publishes many papers, one of these studies happens to be about her life. Her life growing up with Fern, who is also a Chimpanzee! That was a plot twist that I did not expect at all! The way that Fowler introduces Fern and her character is one that people would usually associate with a human sibling, this makes the reader just assume that she is human (what else would we think?) and this is what Fowler wanted. The effect of the reader initially thinking of Fern as human, gives us just a small indication of what Lowell and Rosemary feel everyday about their sister.
The ALF (Animal Liberation Front) adds a more serious tone to the novel and reminds me a lot of the Netflix film, Okja, which is based on a relationship so innocent yet it is tainted with the brutality of the outside world. The fact that Fern was removed when both girls were at 5 years old, and whilst Rosemary was away, creates a large sense of displacement within Rosemary herself. This sense is carried on throughout the novel until Rosemary herself understands her pain and memories.
I was only disappointed at the ending as I wanted to know how the relationships redeveloped and began again, but it just ended with a happy ending (which I loved!)
I also got a little lost with all the references to all the academic quotes and sources, however I like how it was included considering Rosemary's background and her topics at university.
Overall I thoroughly enjoyed this novel, it was full of humour and innocence, as well as heartbreak and loss. Definitely recommend!
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