The story is both about family and complex social issues of the late 20th century as it explores subjects such as human and animal psychology and the relationship between both. The Cooke family is a progressive yet dysfunctional family whose past defines their present relationships, attitudes, and behaviors. The protagonist, Rosemary, is an emotionally troubled young adult in the initial parts of the story before it delves into her past. Hence through her hindsight she pieces together her memories to decipher her childhood that was unusual, to say the least. Thus, before the narrative reveals that one of the family members of the Cooke household was a chimpanzee it showcases the protagonist’s psyche and family dynamics. Consequently, the story focuses on the rapport between the members before revealing the interspecies relationship at play. This plot twist almost a third into the book is aimed to view the narrative about animal psychology and rights from a unique perspective beforehand.
The story begins after Rosemary has joined the college as a young adult and how her relationship with her family and peers is affected by her past. Her relationship with her sister Fern at a young age is explored showing her behavioral changes before and after she was no longer part of the family. The plot reveals that her parents were scientists who adopted a chimp and nurtured her alongside their children. Thus, Rosemary growing up with a chimp as a sister played a huge role in her personality and how she engages with others. Therefore the narrative displays the similarities the human and animal psychology have rather than focus on the differences. Subsequently, the story focuses on the agenda of animal psychology and animal rights through the Cooke family. The absence of Fern in their lives alters their relationship as everyone becomes alienated from their nature and each other.
On a larger scope, Fowler delves into the debate of animal experimentation and cruelty that was at its peak during the backdrop of the story. The narrator emphasizes the mistreatment of animals and centers on promoting the humane relationship between humans and animals. Through Lowell, the author highlights the radicalism that aims to ensure the protection of animal rights hence expanding the subject matter through the character. Accordingly, the narrative encompasses the topic with the family dynamic of the Cooke household to offer a distinctive yet significant fictional take.
