'Big Swiss' by Jen Beagin follows a therapist's transcriber named Greta as she breaks the fourth wall and engages in an affair with one of the people in therapy, Hudson. The story is filled with quirky elements like bees in the house, purple-haired geriatrics, and ultra Trump supporters. Despite some readers feeling let down by the lack of a satisfying ending, the book is praised for its humor, realness, and the way characters deal with difficult situations.

Characters:

The characters, particularly the protagonist Greta, lack depth and development, with Greta being particularly disliked for her self-centered nature.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is metaphorical and clever, blending humor with dark themes, though it can be overly detailed at times.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative centers on a transcriptionist who launches into an obsession with one of her therapist's patients, leading to an unethical relationship filled with comedic and absurd incidents.

Setting:

The setting is a small, trendy town, illustrated with quirky local details and eccentric characters.

Pacing:

The pacing of the novel varies; it can be slow and drag in sections while engaging readers with its absurdity.

Notes:

The story features a protagonist named Greta, who works as a transcriptionist for a sex therapist.

Greta becomes obsessed with a patient nicknamed Big Swiss.

The relationship between Greta and Big Swiss is described as highly toxic but also comedic.

Greta's character has been criticized for being self-centered and childish, with little development throughout the story.

The book is noted for its dark humor and witty observations.

There are themes of trauma and relationships discussed in a humorous manner.

Greta grapples with her bisexuality and the rigid norms of the nineties.

The writing style is metaphorical and beautiful, despite dealing with dark topics.

The book is being adapted into an HBO television series.

Readers have commented on the unique and chaotic nature of the plot, filled with bizarre situations and characters.

Some readers found the book captivating, while others found it boring or disappointing.

The sentiment towards the characters is mixed; some find them relatable and entertaining, while others see them as shallow.

Beagin's writing is compared to that of Ottessa Moshfegh, known for similar themes of quirky characters and absurdity.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include references to suicide, mental health issues, toxic relationships, and betrayal.

Has Romance?

There is a high presence of romance as the central plot revolves around the protagonist's infatuation and unethical relationship with a patient.

explicit steam level

From The Publisher:

"Wild…hilarious…so good." - Cosmopolitan , Best Books of the Year * "A laugh-out-loud bad romance for Gen Xers and an ode to misfits who just want to belong." - Oprah Daily * "Always interesting…too fun to stop." - Vanity Fair

"One of the funniest books of the last few years" ( Los Angeles Times ) about a sex therapist's transcriptionist and her affair with one of the patients.

Greta lives with her friend Sabine in an ancient Dutch farmhouse in Hudson, New York. The house is unrenovated, uninsulated, and full of bees. Greta spends her days transcribing therapy sessions for a sex coach who calls himself Om. She becomes infatuated with his newest client, a repressed married woman she affectionately refers to as Big Swiss.

One day, Greta recognizes Big Swiss's voice in town and they quickly become enmeshed. While Big Swiss is unaware Greta has eavesdropped on her most intimate exchanges, Greta has never been more herself with anyone. Her attraction to Big Swiss overrides her guilt, and she'll do anything to sustain the relationship…

"A fantastic, weird-as-hell, super funny novel" ( Bustle ), Big Swiss is both a love story and a deft examination of infidelity, mental health, sexual stereotypes, and more-from an amazingly talented, singular voice in contemporary fiction.

Ratings (41)

Incredible (8)
Loved It (19)
Liked It (7)
It Was OK (6)
Did Not Like (1)

Reader Stats (89):

Read It (42)
Want To Read (39)
Did Not Finish (1)
Not Interested (7)

4 comment(s)

nqcpal127

Incredible

2 months

Weird, fast paced

ColorfulLeo92

Loved It

2 months

I had previously tried to listen to it but didn't work out now I read the ebook. At times I thought this was going to be one of those unhinged books that doesn't work for me but somehow the story kept me going, feeling intruiged and a little confused on why I enjoyed so much. Finished it a few days ago and been thinking of it still wich is a rarity for me. When I finished it I thought maybe a 3 or a 4 but as my brain hasn't wanted to let it go, I feel like a 5 stars. It's hard to explain why this works when it's so easily could have not.

Oddlydrawncristi

It Was OK

3 months

I can't tell if the racist comments were to make us hate the main character more, but they were almost...too subtle? I mean if she's trying to drive a point home about how awful she is, it didn't hit for me. The book was okay, some funny parts, but Jesus h christ on a cracker the sex scenes were awful.

vadamfcherry

Loved It

8 months

not a single character in this book was in their right of mind, but that’s okay.

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Big Swiss

Jen Beagin