Big Swiss by Jen Beagin
London is a global center for literature and books, a place fills with rich literary heritage and vibrant book culture. As a tourist and a book lover, bookstores such as Daunt Books Marylebone, Hatchards bookstore, and The Notting Hill Bookshop were obviously on my must-go list. When I was packing for my trip, knowing I’d be immersed in a literary paradise, I assumed that I was going to buy a lot of books, worried that my luggage might go overweight when I returned.
All the books there were so pretty. Because of the luggage weight limit, I told myself to go easy, and I knew for sure I couldn’t get everything. So, I told myself to just get the ones that I really really wanted.
The Notting Hill Bookshop was on the fourth day of my travel agenda. Knowing its interior had been copied in the Notting Hill film featuring Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts, I made sure I watched the film before I arrived London which I did on the plane. Yes, you read it right, only the interior had been copied, the film didn’t take place there, confirmed by a staff from the bookstore. Someone asked, so I overheard, hehe.
It’s the forth day already, my book hunting mission wasn’t going too ‘well’, so I decided to complete it at The Notting Hill Bookshop, there I bought Big Swiss by Jen Beagin; the cute puppies on the cover definitely caught my attention.
Chaotic. Funny. Witty.
If never-let-them-know-your-next-move was a book, this is the one. Just when I thought the plot was going a bit steady, another climax caught me off guard, either I found myself laughing, or saying ‘wat da h3ll’ in lowercase.
Greta transcribes therapy sessions for a sex coach who changed his name to Om. Before each session, Om asks his clients to name their initials for the transcriber. She’s intrigued by this particular client who she names her Big Swiss because she’s tall, cold and from Switzerland. Big Swiss was physically abused by a man who’s then jailed for a long time, and after all these years being released soon. With such terrible experience, she doesn’t let herself cling onto trauma, nor the notion of trauma.
One day at the dog park, Greta recognizes Big Swiss's voice. She introduces herself with a fake name as she’s fully aware of the contract that she’s signed as a transcriptionist. Soon after, they become enmeshed with each other and have an affair. Yes, it’s an affair. Big Swiss is married to a rich husband alright. And that’s not just it. Between Greta and Big Swiss, there’s also a huge age gap.
Although Big Swiss is unaware of Greta's true identity, things get pretty messy later on where Greta even meets Big Swiss’ husband at their home, as friends. Yah, pretty odd but that’s what gives the storyline climax after climax.
As they go deeper in their affair, the story reveals that Greta is still lingering to her past, her traumas, while Big Swiss chooses to move forward and to be unattached to her suffering.
This genre is very different from what I usually read which I surprisingly enjoyed it, and purchasing this book from London makes it even more special.
Overall, this is an easy read. It’s a love story that explores desire, infidelity, mental health, and sexual stereotypes. It also pushes boundaries and leaves a lasting impact on its readers. Reading this book is like watching a show that makes you laugh, wonder, and wanting to see more.
