A review by frances_frances
Big Swiss by Jen Beagin

funny reflective tense medium-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? It's complicated

3.25

This book was different than I was expecting. In a lot of ways I found it underwhelming and the overall vibe was a bit too quirky/twee for my taste. That being said, the story and characters have stuck with me. Greta's history and circumstances were compelling but her actual personality was kinda flat. Big Swiss/Flavia was way more interesting than Greta and I would love to read this story from her perspective. The world of Hudson and its inhabitants as told through the author was entertaining and funny and felt authentic. And the observations made about trauma and the role it plays in our self conception was interesting. That feels especially relevant right now since the language of trauma-informed practices has become so prevalent.