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A review by emilyhwilliams
Big Swiss by Jen Beagin
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Honestly this was a really weird book with very unlikeable characters. It follows Greta, a middle aged woman living in a run down, centuries old farm house who works as a transcriber for a sex therapist. She frequently identifies people around town by their voices from therapy session, but forms a significant attachment to a woman she calls “Big Swiss.”
There’s a lot of layers (and trigger warnings) to this book about mental health, abuse, infidelity. What I liked was how specifically and richly each character was written. I was never bored by Greta’s inner monologue or chaotic commentary. Despite this, all the characters were SO unlikeable to me, which made it hard to get really attached.
There’s a lot of layers (and trigger warnings) to this book about mental health, abuse, infidelity. What I liked was how specifically and richly each character was written. I was never bored by Greta’s inner monologue or chaotic commentary. Despite this, all the characters were SO unlikeable to me, which made it hard to get really attached.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts, Infidelity, Suicide, Death of parent, Physical abuse, and Blood