Big Swiss
| Company type | Novel |
|---|---|
| Industry | Publishing |
| Founded | February 7, 2023 |
| Founder | Jen Beagin |
| Products | Novel |
Big Swiss marks the third novel authored by American writer Jen Beagin, released on February 7, 2023, through Simon & Schuster.
Premise
The story follows Greta, a 45-year-old woman who recently relocated to Hudson, New York. She shares a run-down farmhouse with her companion Sabine and earns a living by transcribing therapy sessions for Om, a local sex therapist. Greta also composes private letters addressed to her late mother, who died by suicide during Greta’s childhood.
Among Om’s patients is Flavia, dubbed "Big Swiss" due to her tall stature and Swiss background. At 28, Flavia works as a gynecologist and has never experienced an orgasm. Despite surviving a traumatic assault years before, she refuses to let the event define her, which captivates Greta. Their paths cross at a dog park where Greta introduces herself using an alias. What begins as a casual acquaintance through their dogs soon evolves into a sexual relationship, despite Flavia being married.
Cover art
The book’s cover was created by Jaya Miceli and showcases Falling Woman, a painting by Anna Weyant portraying a woman tumbling down stairs. This piece fetched US$1.62 million at an auction held by Sotheby’s in New York.
Reception
Big Swiss was met with favorable reviews from critics. Bindu Bansinath of The Cut referred to it as a "refreshingly anti-trauma-plot novel." Kirkus Reviews commended Greta as an "exquisitely unconventional protagonist" and emphasized Beagin’s "skillfully quirky" narrative voice. Bethanne Patrick from the Los Angeles Times described the work as a "timeless comedy" and one of the "funniest books in recent years." The novel was also included in Time’s list of "The 100 Must-Read Books of 2023." Furthermore, Big Swiss received a nomination for the 2024 Lambda Literary Award for Lesbian Fiction.
Adaptation
A limited television series adaptation has been optioned by HBO. In March 2022, it was revealed that Jodie Comer would both star in and produce the project, which is being developed in collaboration with A24 and Adam McKay's production company, Hyperobject Industries.