Monkey Girl

Reviewed by Linda A. DeStefano

WE ARE ALL COMPLETELY BESIDE OURSELVES by Karen Joy Fowler, 2013.

Translated by Rob English

In her quirky writing style, Fowler tells a fascinating  tale of pathos and humor. The novel is written in the voice of Rosemary, who was raised by human parents but with a chimpanzee as a sister until both sisters were five years old. The forced banishment of Fern, the chimp, from her human family at age five had a profound and lasting affect not only on Fern but also on Rosemary, Lowell (their brother) and the  parents. Lowell eventually became an activist with the Animal Liberation Front while Rosemary spent many years trying to hide any connection to Fern (Rosemary had been teased as “monkey girl” when she went  to school).

Besides the story of a family, this is an accurate account of the treatment of animals, especially primates, by researchers.

I  recommend this book.

Linda is President of People for Animal Rights, P.O. Box 15358, Syracuse13215-0358, (315)488-PURR(7877), LDESTEFANO3@twcny.rr.com, peopleforanimalrightsofcny.org