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A review by 13rebecca13
Big Swiss by Jen Beagin
dark
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This is one of those books I wanted to read before it came out then saw mixed reviews so I put it off. I decided to listen on audio and I found that I really enjoyed it and can see why it is being developed for the screen.
Greta is a forty-five year old woman who has taken on a new role as a transcriber for a sex therapist called Om. She knows Om's clients by their initials only but living in a small area of Hudson, she soon recognises some of their voices. Greta meets one client, Flavia, who she affectionately refers to as Big Swiss. Big Swiss is married to Luke and was previously a victim of an attack, with the attacker due to be released from prison soon.
Big Swiss and Greta meet at a dog park accidentally. Big Swiss is unaware of who Greta is but Greta recognises her voice straight away and, over a short time, the two embark on an affair.
I love books like this with messed up women. It is very character-focused with serious topics such as trauma, with Big Swiss's character but also childhood trauma that Greta has carried from her mother's suicide. At the same time though, it is funny. All of the characters seem like caricatures and although I'd say that nothing climactic really happens, it is interesting to follow along with their lives at this time.
I will definitely be checking out the adaptation as I'm sure it will translate very well.
Greta is a forty-five year old woman who has taken on a new role as a transcriber for a sex therapist called Om. She knows Om's clients by their initials only but living in a small area of Hudson, she soon recognises some of their voices. Greta meets one client, Flavia, who she affectionately refers to as Big Swiss. Big Swiss is married to Luke and was previously a victim of an attack, with the attacker due to be released from prison soon.
Big Swiss and Greta meet at a dog park accidentally. Big Swiss is unaware of who Greta is but Greta recognises her voice straight away and, over a short time, the two embark on an affair.
I love books like this with messed up women. It is very character-focused with serious topics such as trauma, with Big Swiss's character but also childhood trauma that Greta has carried from her mother's suicide. At the same time though, it is funny. All of the characters seem like caricatures and although I'd say that nothing climactic really happens, it is interesting to follow along with their lives at this time.
I will definitely be checking out the adaptation as I'm sure it will translate very well.