Big in Sweden by Sally Franson
I didn't think it was possible that Sally Franson could top her first novel, A LADY'S GUIDE TO SELLING OUT, but here it is in all its glory -- BIG IN SWEDEN is hilarious and heartbreaking and her protagonist, Paulie, wholly captured my heart.
Paulie's family was complicated -- a gay father, a drunk mother, and a sister who lived in a commune and downed conspiracy theories like they were vitamins. Her boyfriend Declan and best friend Jemma were all the family she needed. Until one night, on a dare and perhaps a third glass of wine, Jemma godes her into auditioning for Sverige och Mig, a show on Swedish television where Swedish Americans compete to win the ultimate prize: meeting their Swedish relatives. Much to her surprise, Paulie is accepted as a contestant. Armed with her beloved copy of Pippi Longstockings and a Polaroid camera, Paulie embarks on the adventure of a lifetime -- one that will challenge her notions of family, friendship, and love.
As one of seven contestants, Paulie contends for the prize through a series of absurd challenges: rowing from Denmark to Sweden in the freezing rain, battling through obstacle courses, competing in a pickled-herring eating contest ... all the while disdaining her fellow countrymen. But as the contestant field narrows and one after another of the Americans are sent home, Paulie realizes that perhaps she's been too judgmental. Something surprising happens -- her foes become friends.
Franson is at the height of her comedic powers in BIG IN SWEDEN. Paulie is an endearing character in spite of her snarky edge. Franson knows something about Swedish reality TV because she was a cast member of Allt for Sverige, a Swedish reality TV show about finding your roots. Lucky for us, because in BIG IN SWEDEN she has taken her experience and turned it into a delightful and delicious comedy. I never wanted it to end. I read the book AND listened to the audiobook, narrated by Meg Ryan, and still was not ready to say goodbye to Paulie.
