lark’s review of Switzy > Likes and Comments
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Well, now I'm going to have to consider this one. I like Cline's writing a lot, but a rich white dude protagonist is not interesting to me. Maybe.
Alison, part of my admiration for the novel is coming from my writer self—I’m awestruck by Cline’s ability and willingness to step completely away from her very successful, but artistically limiting brand of ‘weird girl’ fiction and to write this novel instead.
Yes, right? I didn't expect Emma Cline to be capable of this sort of novel and of inhabiting her character so completely that I felt I was experiencing the final countdown myself. I was stunned by Switzy and the author's courage in going to a place that terrifies each of us -- but that many of us will face.
Jill wrote: "Yes, right? I didn't expect Emma Cline to be capable of this sort of novel and of inhabiting her character so completely that I felt I was experiencing the final countdown myself..."
Kudos to her editor and publisher for letting her write something so vastly different. I hope she is rewarded for it.
Very high praises from you Claire, I'm fully convinced I need a copy of this as soon as possible now : ) . I've not read any of Cline's work, (but) hoping this would make a suitable intro. in any case . Thanks for sharing your wonderful thoughts, as usual : )
lark wrote: "Alison, part of my admiration for the novel is coming from my writer self—I’m awestruck by Cline’s ability and willingness to step completely away from her very successful, but artistically limitin..."
Well, dammit. I've put it on my list. And remembered that I just read Teddy Wayne's newest, about the worst white guy ever, and loved it.
lark wrote: "Emily, I loved it more because I’d read The Guest!"
Ah, thanks Claire, I'll try to get a copy of 'The Guest' soon : ) ! Might start with 'Switzy' first - only because I'm giving in to the convenience of already having a copy at hand .
Oh I love your review, Claire! I’m 12% into it and I’m blown away by the language and the character. I was so happy to see your stamp of approval—I know you have high standards (plus we often like the same books). I’ve found books on this subject to be problematic. Usually the author doesn’t succeed in getting into a character with this diagnosis—it rings false, and I get annoyed. So I was extra worried going into this one. But I’m a goner! Haven’t read The Guest but want to. I did read The Girls and liked it a lot. This book is so different. Like you, I’m impressed that Cline can go in a completely different direction, and so successfully!
Debbie wrote: "Oh I love your review, Claire! I’m 12% into it and I’m blown away by the language and the character ..."
Debbie, I’m so glad you’re loving it! I’m in awe of Emma Cline's skills. I haven’t read The Girls yet but The Guest sustains absolute tonal control from beginning to end. Reading it feels like a storm that never breaks. The focus is so close-in and claustrophobic and so different from this novel. Switzy would feel like a triumph even if it were half as good as it is, just for Cline’s willingness to leap into a completely new territory for her, but it’s also incredible, so, yeah! It’s pretty much the definition of “Why We Read!"
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Alison
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Jul 19, 2026 01:43PM
Well, now I'm going to have to consider this one. I like Cline's writing a lot, but a rich white dude protagonist is not interesting to me. Maybe.
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Alison, part of my admiration for the novel is coming from my writer self—I’m awestruck by Cline’s ability and willingness to step completely away from her very successful, but artistically limiting brand of ‘weird girl’ fiction and to write this novel instead.
Yes, right? I didn't expect Emma Cline to be capable of this sort of novel and of inhabiting her character so completely that I felt I was experiencing the final countdown myself. I was stunned by Switzy and the author's courage in going to a place that terrifies each of us -- but that many of us will face.
Jill wrote: "Yes, right? I didn't expect Emma Cline to be capable of this sort of novel and of inhabiting her character so completely that I felt I was experiencing the final countdown myself..."Kudos to her editor and publisher for letting her write something so vastly different. I hope she is rewarded for it.
Very high praises from you Claire, I'm fully convinced I need a copy of this as soon as possible now : ) . I've not read any of Cline's work, (but) hoping this would make a suitable intro. in any case . Thanks for sharing your wonderful thoughts, as usual : )
lark wrote: "Alison, part of my admiration for the novel is coming from my writer self—I’m awestruck by Cline’s ability and willingness to step completely away from her very successful, but artistically limitin..."Well, dammit. I've put it on my list. And remembered that I just read Teddy Wayne's newest, about the worst white guy ever, and loved it.
lark wrote: "Emily, I loved it more because I’d read The Guest!"Ah, thanks Claire, I'll try to get a copy of 'The Guest' soon : ) ! Might start with 'Switzy' first - only because I'm giving in to the convenience of already having a copy at hand .
Oh I love your review, Claire! I’m 12% into it and I’m blown away by the language and the character. I was so happy to see your stamp of approval—I know you have high standards (plus we often like the same books). I’ve found books on this subject to be problematic. Usually the author doesn’t succeed in getting into a character with this diagnosis—it rings false, and I get annoyed. So I was extra worried going into this one. But I’m a goner! Haven’t read The Guest but want to. I did read The Girls and liked it a lot. This book is so different. Like you, I’m impressed that Cline can go in a completely different direction, and so successfully!
Debbie wrote: "Oh I love your review, Claire! I’m 12% into it and I’m blown away by the language and the character ..."Debbie, I’m so glad you’re loving it! I’m in awe of Emma Cline's skills. I haven’t read The Girls yet but The Guest sustains absolute tonal control from beginning to end. Reading it feels like a storm that never breaks. The focus is so close-in and claustrophobic and so different from this novel. Switzy would feel like a triumph even if it were half as good as it is, just for Cline’s willingness to leap into a completely new territory for her, but it’s also incredible, so, yeah! It’s pretty much the definition of “Why We Read!"