We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves

This isn't the sort of book I'd normally look at in a bookshop and then choose to buy, but I was told I simply had to read it. And I'm glad about that, because it opened my eyes to a new type of novel and a new writer.

I wish I could talk about the details of the plot here, but something happens around 70 pages in, something key to the plot, that would be spoiled if I were to do so. Instead I will say this - essentially this is a novel about a girl, Rosemary, and her relationship with her family and friends, but especially her sister, Fern.

I would say that this novel and I didn't get off to the best of starts. It takes a while to get into and the narrative isn't chronological. The reasons for this, however, become clear as we realise Fowler has been withholding some vital information from us in order to play with our expectations. As the end of the novel approaches, the themes presented throughout come together really nicely, and the novel's initially confusing beginning suddenly has a lot of symbolic significance. When I'd finished the book, then, I had no complaints about the beginning. There were clear reasons for it and the rest of the novel accounted for and made up for my initial confusion. I suppose that's one downside, though - aside from intrigue, the novel has no overt hook. However, once the concept unfolds 70 pages in, you'll get a chance to see just how original and brilliant the story is.

The characters are extremely well developed, even the minor ones. Fowler uses her narrator extremely effectively so that we really do see through Rosemary's eyes. Her voice gives us a sometimes funny, sometimes tragic but always very (and cleverly) human perception of the world. Fowler's way of writing is one that I think will last - not only to give her story a timeless feel but also so that readers can appreciate the novel in new ways upon each rereading. So much beautiful attention to detail is no mean feat, especially in a novel where detail is highly subjective and withheld.

As I say, I wish I could talk more about it, but you'll have to find out for yourself why this book is becoming so popular. Suffice to say I thoroughly enjoyed it. Thanks again to "Agent Leo" for the lend.

9/10

Next I'll be reading Emma Healey's debut novel, "Elizabeth is Missing"