A review by lcr16
Big Swiss by Jen Beagin

adventurous dark funny fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

An amazing set up for such a fun, complex plot! A transcriber for a sex and relationship therapist in the quirky small town of Hudson, NY becomes fascinated by a patient she nicknames Big Swiss. Big Swiss experienced a near-death assault years ago, but is insistent on not being defined as a victim because of her past trauma. Rather, she would like to discuss her inability to orgasm by herself or with her husband. Greta, the transcriber, really resonates with her insistence on overcoming her trauma by not letting it define her because and is drawn to Big Swiss when she recognizes her at a dog park. Their entanglement becomes a torrid sapphic love affair that balances intensity and tenderness. The relationship blossoms beautifully and really explores authentic queer sexuality. Beagin has such an interesting perspective on trauma and how it can be apart of our story, but we are more defined by our own actions than the actions of others. However, the quirky humor was not for me and Greta's ending disappointingly fell flat. Thank you to NetGalley and Scribner for a copy in return for an honest review!