Big Swiss | Jen Beagin
In this episode of the Books for Men podcast, host Douglas Vigliotti introduces Big Swiss by Jen Beagin. He describes the book as a literary novel that falls under women's fiction, a genre that centers around female life experiences and is marketed toward female readers. Vigliotti believes the lack of a genre called “men’s fiction” is a market effect over time—as in, men don’t read fiction today. He suggests that if a genre existed using the same criteria as women’s fiction, it may encourage more men to read fiction. Vigliotti describes Big Swiss as odd, funny, and cult-like in its feel—citing that’s what he loves most about it. The story follows a disenchanted transcriptionist for a sex therapist who writes letters to her deceased mother and becomes involved with one of her employer's patients, a repressed Swiss woman who is much younger and married. The novel explores themes of trauma, sexuality, and accountability. Vigliotti also mentions the inclusion of many cultural touchpoints and a unique portrayal of a Boston accent. He encourages listeners to share the podcast and connect with him on Instagram @douglasvigliotti or via BooksforMen.org.
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