Just finished reading the book and I am definitely not the demo for this book, but it really worked for me. I think what was unique is that despite knowing how cringe the conclusion of the conflict would inevitably be, it wasn't written with doom and gloom in the tone. In fact, the tone felt aloof and playful at times. Greta sees life as kind of silly, in part because she's not sure she wants to live it, and the author's ability to capture that dark playfulness made this really succeed for me as a reader.
I had just picked up Big Swiss from the library and was slogging through the first 30 pages or so before I read this. So, perfect timing and I am now committed to getting past the slog and watching the characters unfold.
Yes, please more of these reviews-from-a-craft-point-of-view. Anything that makes me think harder while writing (or reading) is welcome.
Absolutely more of these please! I am grappling with a big idea in the manuscript I'm working on so I'd love to hear how others fare. Plus this introduces me to new books. Win-win!
I loved this book too, also Vacuum in the Dark. Jen Beagin's character studies have helped me with my writing. Your review is great, particularly reminding me that the big idea must persist to the end, please continue!
Agree, 100% John! Big Swiss had a wait at the library when it first came on my radar, so I started with Pretend I’m Dead and then Vacuuming in the Dark - both about the same character (who is not the protagonist in Big Swiss). Dare I admit I found those two books even wilder than Big Swiss? I had ‘book hangover’ after Vacuuming - I kept thinking about the character and her clients after I’d finished and was reading other books.
Love your thoughts! I'm in the thinking part of the process of kind of a big swing book myself, so why it works/why it doesn't work-style posts are my jam right now.
"When you take a big swing, you can’t be afraid to follow through. If you’re going to give your character a big job or challenge or goal or plot, you have to see it through to the end, even if it would “never happen in real life.” Books aren’t real life!!! Emotionally, though, you have to have characters who react as if it was real life. If your character isn’t devastated when they lose the big, goofy thing, then why should your reader care? What is it but a big, goofy, inconsequential thing? If your big, shiny plot fizzles out in the end, what’s going keep the reader plowing ahead?"
And, there is the point of writing a novel. Pour out your soul. Let us, the readers, feel it be it squishy or firm. Nevermind, if your efforts are liked. You're not on FaceBook, writing a tweep.
This was great! I read Big Swiss last year and didn't connect with it as much as you did, but I love your analysis and appreciation of the structure and characters. Would be happy to read more reviews from you!
Just finished reading the book and I am definitely not the demo for this book, but it really worked for me. I think what was unique is that despite knowing how cringe the conclusion of the conflict would inevitably be, it wasn't written with doom and gloom in the tone. In fact, the tone felt aloof and playful at times. Greta sees life as kind of silly, in part because she's not sure she wants to live it, and the author's ability to capture that dark playfulness made this really succeed for me as a reader.
(and do keep up the book reviews!)
loved this! definitely more! I loved Big Swiss too. There was something satisfying for me about reading the OM transcriptions.
Yes. Please do write more of these! This post about Big Swiss was validating for me (as my WIP has some preposterous elements).
I had just picked up Big Swiss from the library and was slogging through the first 30 pages or so before I read this. So, perfect timing and I am now committed to getting past the slog and watching the characters unfold.
Yes, please more of these reviews-from-a-craft-point-of-view. Anything that makes me think harder while writing (or reading) is welcome.
Absolutely more of these please! I am grappling with a big idea in the manuscript I'm working on so I'd love to hear how others fare. Plus this introduces me to new books. Win-win!
I loved this book too, also Vacuum in the Dark. Jen Beagin's character studies have helped me with my writing. Your review is great, particularly reminding me that the big idea must persist to the end, please continue!
Agree, 100% John! Big Swiss had a wait at the library when it first came on my radar, so I started with Pretend I’m Dead and then Vacuuming in the Dark - both about the same character (who is not the protagonist in Big Swiss). Dare I admit I found those two books even wilder than Big Swiss? I had ‘book hangover’ after Vacuuming - I kept thinking about the character and her clients after I’d finished and was reading other books.
Love your thoughts! I'm in the thinking part of the process of kind of a big swing book myself, so why it works/why it doesn't work-style posts are my jam right now.
Yes, I loved this! But even more of a breakdown would be incredible. I love a good case study!
Yes, please! Your inside analyses are always helpful, and I love your concept of taking the Big Swing.
I really like this idea! Sharing what it is that makes a book sell is a unique perspective we don't get to see much.
MORE MORE MORE!!!
"When you take a big swing, you can’t be afraid to follow through. If you’re going to give your character a big job or challenge or goal or plot, you have to see it through to the end, even if it would “never happen in real life.” Books aren’t real life!!! Emotionally, though, you have to have characters who react as if it was real life. If your character isn’t devastated when they lose the big, goofy thing, then why should your reader care? What is it but a big, goofy, inconsequential thing? If your big, shiny plot fizzles out in the end, what’s going keep the reader plowing ahead?"
And, there is the point of writing a novel. Pour out your soul. Let us, the readers, feel it be it squishy or firm. Nevermind, if your efforts are liked. You're not on FaceBook, writing a tweep.
This was great! I read Big Swiss last year and didn't connect with it as much as you did, but I love your analysis and appreciation of the structure and characters. Would be happy to read more reviews from you!
It took me awhile to get into Big Swiss, so I understand how you feel.
Please, Ma’m, can I have some more?
Loved reading this review. Thanks! This is one of those books that’s been on my radar for Soooooo long; the question is: why haven’t I read it yet???!
More, more, more!