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A review by caroisreading
Big Swiss by Jen Beagin
dark
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Electric Lit saying this is erotic cottagecore makes me laugh because it's so dead-on.
This book starts with such an intriguing premise - a therapy transcriptionist who starts to get obsessed with one of the clients by her voice, only. But I wasn't prepared to laugh as much as I did, and to find this protagonist endearing in such a strange way, with her mannerisms and how she describes things, especially when it came to sex. I appreciated the Ayn Rand reference at one point, so random but loved it.
Interwoven among the levity were darker themes, triggering circumstances, on top of a very horny, exploratory affair between two very different women. There was an almost obsessive focus on age, and age differences, those not acting their age or looking too much like their age. At least I appreciated a character story that wasn't coming-of-age, or mid-life crisis, but something unique and just as reckless.
I loved the varied methods of story -- going back and forth from transcripts to storytelling, really clever.
I think you'll like this if you want to be entertained rather than lectured, can withstand lots of triggering material, and gravitate toward dark humor.
This book starts with such an intriguing premise - a therapy transcriptionist who starts to get obsessed with one of the clients by her voice, only. But I wasn't prepared to laugh as much as I did, and to find this protagonist endearing in such a strange way, with her mannerisms and how she describes things, especially when it came to sex. I appreciated the Ayn Rand reference at one point, so random but loved it.
Interwoven among the levity were darker themes, triggering circumstances, on top of a very horny, exploratory affair between two very different women. There was an almost obsessive focus on age, and age differences, those not acting their age or looking too much like their age. At least I appreciated a character story that wasn't coming-of-age, or mid-life crisis, but something unique and just as reckless.
I loved the varied methods of story -- going back and forth from transcripts to storytelling, really clever.
I think you'll like this if you want to be entertained rather than lectured, can withstand lots of triggering material, and gravitate toward dark humor.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Injury/Injury detail, Gun violence, Infidelity, Violence, Animal death, Suicide, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, Drug use, Blood, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Stalking, and Toxic relationship