“I spent a lot of time alone, but I was rarely lonely because I like my own brain.”
Suppose you’ve read Big Swiss by Jen Beagin. In that case, you know that it’s a quirky, darkly humorous novel that centres around the unconventional life of Greta, a forty-five-year-old woman who transcribes therapy sessions for a sex therapist named Om. She becomes infatuated with his newest client, a repressed woman, who she dubs Big Swiss. One day, Greta recognises Big Swiss’ voice and the two soon become entangled in each other’s life. But, whilst Big Swiss is unaware how Greta has listened in on all of her most intimate conversations, Greta has never felt more herself with anyone else and will do anything to keep her relationship alive. If you loved Beagin’s viral bestseller, join us today at What We Reading for the best books like Big Swiss that all blend deeply human characters, witty dialogues, complex emotions, dark humour and quirky charm!
The Idiot – Elif Batuman
First up on our list of books like Big Swiss is Elif Batuman’s introspective coming-of-age novel, The Idiot. The story follows Selin, a Harvard freshman who navigates the complexities of language, love and self-discovery. As she attempts to make sense of herself and the world around her, Selin sets out on a complicated and often hilarious relationship with fellow student, Ivan.
Batuman’s sharp prose captures the awkwardness of being young, the messiness of relationships and the confusion of identity. Like Big Swiss, The Idiot makes use of quirky characters who grapple with their mental health, the absurdities of life, and the unconventional paths we take toward understanding who we are and what we want from those around us.
Modern Lovers – Emma Straub
Emma Straub’s Modern Lovers follows the intertwined lives of three friends – Zoe, Jane, and their college roommate, Claudia – years after their time together at university. Now in their forties, Zoe and Jane are raising a family together, whilst Claudia is flailing as a single woman with an unfulfilling career.
When Zoe and Jane’s teenage daughter, Ruby, becomes entangled with Claudia’s past, long-buried secrets and unresolved tensions bubble to the surface. The novel explores themes of love, friendship, personal development and the complexities of being an adult. With Straub’s trademark humour and emotional depth, Modern Lovers is similar to Big Swiss in its exploration of the imperfections of its characters’ lives, modern relationships in general and the evolving nature of family dynamics.
Ghosts – Dolly Alderton
Nina Dean has arrived in her early thirties as a growing food writer with great friends and a loving family, plus a new home and neighbourhood behind her. When she meets Max, an enigmatic romantic hero who tells her he will marry her on their first date, everything feels like it is going according to plan.
And a new relationship can’t come soon enough for Nina. Everywhere she looks, she is reminded of how her opportunities are closing and time is passing. Friendships are fading, exes are moving on and there’s no solace to be found in either her family or new surroundings. Dolly Alderton’s debut novel, Ghosts, is a funny and tender take on relationships, family, memory and how we live now, perfect for any fans of Beagin’s story.
The Guest – Emma Cline
Alex is a young woman drifting through life after a turbulent summer spent with a wealthy family. With little money and no clear direction, she soon becomes entangled in the lives of strangers, moving from one temporary stop to the next, always on the hunt for a sense of belonging. As Alex attempts to manipulate her way into the lives of those she meets, her desperation for connection and approval only grows more intense, revealing the loneliness at her core.
The Guest tackles themes of isolation, identity and the complexity of human desire with a sharp focus on the emotional and psychological intricacies within its leading protagonist. Similar to Big Swiss, The Guest examines the messiness of relationships, self-perception and the consequences of seeking validation through others, all with a subtle blend of dark humour and emotional insight.
Part-time reader, part-time rambler, and full-time Horror enthusiast, James has been writing for What We Reading since 2022. His earliest reading memories involved Historical Fiction, Fantasy and Horror tales, which he has continued to take with him to this day. James’ favourite books include The Last (Hanna Jameson), The Troop (Nick Cutter) and Chasing The Boogeyman (Richard Chizmar).
