A review by claudiaslibrarycard
Big Swiss by Jen Beagin
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Big Swiss is both emotional and hilarious, totally bizarre and far fetched- yet somehow relatable. Greta works as a transcriptionist for a sex therapist named Om. Om is not the best therapist, but he's the only sex and relationship coach in town so he (and therefore Greta) see a lot of folks in the town of Hudson, NY.
Greta becomes obsessed with Big Swiss, her nickname for a patient, through transcribing her sessions. Big Swiss has been married for over seven years, has never had an orgasm, and is carrying around some big T trauma that she claims isn't very important. When Greta recognizes Big Swiss' voice at the dog park, she initiates a wild friendship that morphs into an amorous affair.
Everything in this book is it's own kind of train wreck. I have read valid criticisms of how this book romanticizes the behavior of "unhinged" white women. I didn't read this book as condoning Greta's behavior but I will say it is low on consequences, so keep that in mind if you decide to read it. I enjoyed this immensely as a well told story of two women finding some kind of love while keeping their own big secrets. I valued it for the entertainment value and quirkiness, not for depth or realism. If that sounds appealing to you, I think it's worth a read.
And I highly recommend this on audio with a full cast and dual voiced therapy sessions that will have you laughing out loud.
Greta becomes obsessed with Big Swiss, her nickname for a patient, through transcribing her sessions. Big Swiss has been married for over seven years, has never had an orgasm, and is carrying around some big T trauma that she claims isn't very important. When Greta recognizes Big Swiss' voice at the dog park, she initiates a wild friendship that morphs into an amorous affair.
Everything in this book is it's own kind of train wreck. I have read valid criticisms of how this book romanticizes the behavior of "unhinged" white women. I didn't read this book as condoning Greta's behavior but I will say it is low on consequences, so keep that in mind if you decide to read it. I enjoyed this immensely as a well told story of two women finding some kind of love while keeping their own big secrets. I valued it for the entertainment value and quirkiness, not for depth or realism. If that sounds appealing to you, I think it's worth a read.
And I highly recommend this on audio with a full cast and dual voiced therapy sessions that will have you laughing out loud.