Shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize 2014The Million Copy Best-SellerRosemary’s young, just at college, and she’s decided not to tell anyone a thing about her family. So we’re not going to tell you too much either: you’ll have to find out for yourselves, round about page 77, what it is that makes her unhappy family unlike any other.Rosemary is now an only child, but she used to have a sister the … the same age as her, and an older brother. Both are now gone – vanished from her life. There’s something unique about Rosemary’s sister, Fern. And it was this decision, made by her parents, to give Rosemary a sister like no other, that began all of Rosemary’s trouble. So now she’s telling her story: full of hilarious asides and brilliantly spiky lines, it’s a looping narrative that begins towards the end, and then goes back to the beginning. Twice.It’s funny, clever, intimate, honest, analytical and swirling with ideas that will come back to bite you. We hope you enjoy it, and if, when you’re telling a friend about it, you do decide to spill the beans about Fern – it’s pretty hard to resist – don’t worry. One of the few studies Rosemary doesn’t quote says that spoilers actually enhance reading.
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Very thought provoking. Raises some challenging issues that I haven’t, until now, given much attention to. Glad I read it.
Intensely interesting ideas
Would give this 3 1/2 stars if possible. An easy read and certainly different subject material but not inspirational. Still, glad I read it.
Thought-provoking
What a wonderful story! Having been at the University of Wisconsin during the Harry Harlow mothering experiments, I was delighted to read a personal account about how it might be to have a chimp actually living with you and your family rather than experiencing one in a lab environment. I liked the way the author set the timing of the story in order to set up the mid-book surprise about her sister. What a delightful and enlightening book.
Karen Joy Fowler is a wonderful, talented writer. A fantastic book.
Terrific. At first seems like a coming of age novel until you realize just what the family secret is, and the damage that results from it.
I have recommended this book to anyone who will listen. Beautifully crafted twists and realistic characters, this psychological page-turner will make you think long after you’ve put it down.
I fail to see anything entertaining, educational, inspiring or otherwise useful in this novel. I actually gave it up about 70% thru it. I can’t remember when I last didn’t finish a book, once begun but I found it just too tiring.
I love this author, very smart and compelling voice.
Very interesting and different. Fascinating and unique characters. The story of the family and all its members is something to really think about for a long time, along with the impact of a few decisions that end up changing all of their lives.
I was a little slow to get into this, but ended up finding the main character very interesting. The relationship between the narrator and her chimpanzee “sister” was intriguing, showing a capacity for but also the limits to bonding between humans and highly intelligent animals. Also how that experiment complicated her sense of herself and ability to bond with other human beings. I was struck by the love of her mother and brother for her chimpanzee “sibling” and reminded how important it is to ensure that animals are treated humanely.