July Book Club

Big Swiss by Jen Beagin

And just like that, a whole month had gone by and it was July! The end of July at that!

This month's book club's slightly random chat focused on reading styles. It turns out we all read differently to one another - some picture scenes as though watching a film, some picture the scene as though they are also in it, some have different voices for different characters, and some are speedy skim readers! Then there are some who give 5 star reviews to pretty much every book they've ever read (you know who you are Cheryl!).

We also discussed the book.

It was a mixed bag for this one. Some liked it, some thought it was ok, and some are 22% of the way through and aren't going to finish it. It was definitely agreed it was a strange book. Very odd indeed. None of the characters were particularly likeable, although most were rooting for Greta even if we didn't like her much.

Despite being chosen as an 'the most unhinged queer romance', this book is most definitely not a Romance! It's more of a character study and a study in power and power dynamics. This is seen where Big Swiss absolutely refuses to allow past trauma to hold any power over her, and has disdain for people who's trauma does have power over them. Greta has been frozen by her traumatic past and seems to drift rather than live and so it has total power over her. It is also seen in the sex scenes. We can also see the power play with Greta knowing more about Big Swiss than she realises.

It doesn't feel like a great deal happens in the book, but at the same time, a lot does happen. This could be a reflection of how Greta is stuck in her past and can't move forward. Some found it an interesting device and others were frustrated with the lack of action. The different opinions are shown with the scoring we gave it. Of the 4 who had finished it, 1 person said 2 ⭐, 2 said 3 ⭐ and 1 said 4.25 ⭐ (and I think we all know who that was... right Cheryl?!)

Sparks ⚡️: 3/5

Coming Up

Strong Female Character, by Fern Brady

Our new book is a 'second chance' winner from the books which placed second in the polls over the past few months.

We'll be meeting to chat about the book on Thursday 20th August, at the Spark studio, and would love for you to join us. Get in touch, book online, or just turn up on the evening, whichever works for you. And remember, the first rule of book club is you're welcome whether you've read the book or not!