Big Swiss

by Jen Beagin

This novel has a mesmerizing set-up: the central character works transcribing confidential interviews with a sex therapist, and we get to read them. It took me a couple of chapters to acclimatize to Greta’s inner thoughts and view of the world, because she is so full-on, unfettered and uninhibited, but when I did, I couldn’t get enough of her unique voice—smart, funny and unlike any other. Beagin’s thoughtful, precise and witty writing is constantly surprising, both in terms of style and content. I don’t think I’ve ever been so inside the heads of any characters, and when they get to know each other well, their intimate dialogue and arguments are gripping, mainly because they’re on a therapy level. The book is long, but beautifully broken up with transcripts of therapy sessions and journal-like letters from Greta to her dead mother, and every word is a delight.