Paulie Johansson lives in this life that is always just okay. On a whim with the help of her best friend Jemma, she sends in an audition tape for a Swedish reality show, Sverige och Mig, where Americans compete to win the ultimate family reunion with their Swedish relatives. Leaving her job and long-term boyfriend behind, Paulie heads to Sweden aiming to discover her roots. A total of 7 Americans arrive to vie for the ultimate family reunion and along the way, tempers flare, alliances are formed and a small crush arises. While trying to find herself, Paulie begins to question so much of her past and her future. Being one of the ‘Crazy Americans’ for weeks in Sweden proves to potentially be just a bit too much for Paulie.

Based on the blurb and the cover of this one, I was really looking forward to it, but it just fell hard for me. One of the things that got me right away were the very long chapters. At times they were showing 40+ minutes on my kindle. If I was someone who went for the DNF, I think this would have been one, but unfortunately I just can’t do that. I didn’t love Paulie either which didn’t help. I almost think if Becki was the main character, I might have enjoyed it a bit more. Glad I got through it, but always sad when a requested ARC doesn’t hit.

In 2021 Author Sally Franson participated in a Swedish reality show, Allt för Sverige, in which 10 American contestants with Swedish roots compete for a chance to meet their Swedish relatives. Franson competed in, and won, season 10. This month the fictionalized version of her experiences came out in her second novel Big in Sweden.

Big in Sweden is not a biography, though Franson does draw on her intense experiences from the reality show. The biggest differences are in location and character. The novel sees its protagonist travel all over Sweden as part of the competition, whereas Allt för Sverige stays local. Also the novel features completely different cast mates. In order to honor the experiences of her own cast mates, Franson did not recreate any of them for the novel.

Paulie Johansson is the protagonist of Big in Sweden. Aside from her longtime boyfriend Declan, and best friend Jemma, family has never featured much in her life. On a New Year's Eve whim she sends in an audition for Sverige och Mig, the fictional version of Allt för Sverige. Shockingly her drunken submission wins her a spot on the show and with a little hesitation, she hops on a place to Sweden with seven other American contestants. Each contestant has their own reasons for being there, and their own drive to win. The somewhat unlikeable Paulie is forced to reconsider her notions of herself and those around her, as she plays the games on the show. Her growing attachment to her Swedish roots, and to a new idea of herself, creates in her a desire to win that she did not bring into the competition. Her past and present combine to create a new idea of her future self that she may or may not want to pursue.

While Paulie is an unlikable protagonist, she’s not initially horrible. She’s had bad parents, has an adorable relationship with her best friend, and has sunk into an easy loving relationship with an easy loving boyfriend. But when you put her on a reality show, every worst part of her character starts to poke its way through until there’s nothing else left, and you as a reader find yourself having to constantly remind yourself that the nice people in her life think she’s nice. She becomes a character of her worst features, but this gives us the chance to explore the role of “American” on the world stage, where all our worst features are held up to a magnifying glass and found wanting. Franson is very good at character development, the characters of Jemma and Declan are created so quickly, but with so much trust placed in them. Paulie herself is very easy to dislike, and yet it is the skill of the author that keeps you rooting for her through the eyes of her two best friends.


I don’t like reality television, and this book almost lost me in the first few chapters, but I’m glad I stuck with it. It was far more interesting than any reality show I’ve skimmed over in the past few years, though I have to admit that the setting helps. Sweden and the other Scandinavian countries have long held a fascination for me. Watching the contestants travel across the country, and seeing how they each interact with it is fascinating. Franson goes into a lot more detail than I would have expected with regards to history and culture, and it is riveting. One of the books that my kids have all been obsessed with over the years is an old Donald Duck book about the Sami and the reindeer, and to hear Franson talk about the native population is to feel the same childlike curiosity, respect, and wonder that my kids feel reading their book.

Franson paints several comparisons between the Swedish way of life and that of America. Some subtle and some glaringly eye opening. For me, one of the storylines that has the most prominence is when they visit the mine, as the actions of the company in Sweden mirrors what we have seen companies in America do. However in this story, there is no subterfuge as you watch the company literally take the land from beneath their feet. The story of an old woman whose house is taken from her (through some form of eminent domain), then sees her compensated in such a way that will only enable her to rent a small flat in the new community until she dies. It is utterly heartbreaking, and yet so familiar.

Ultimately Paulie learns to love this new version of herself and reconcile it with the old self that Jemma and Declan love. She is able to move on from foibles and hangups in such a well written way, that I would welcome a week in Sweden with Franson to smooth out my own personality kinks!

Armed with her Polaroid camera and a beat-up copy of Pippi Longstocking, Paulie will make sure that Sweden jumps right to the top of your places to visit list. Big in Sweden is a love story for family, friends, country, and self.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of “Big in Sweden.” All opinions are my own.

This was an original story about a woman Pauline who goes on a. reality tv show in Sweden where the winner gets a reunion to meet their long lost family in Sweden.

I really enjoyed this book. Very heavy at times and hilarious at others. Beautiful experience of how we process grief and making connections where you wouldn’t expect it.

Thanks NetGalley for the arc. The cover and concept is fun and cute. I liked the main character even though she was actually pretty annoying (lol) I loved the descriptions of Sweden as well. I would definitely recommend this book to others.

Thanks so much to netgalley and the publisher for the arc of this book in exchange for an honest review!

Big in Sweden follows an American woman who goes to Sweden to be on a reality show.

I was not a big fan of this one. I just felt like the main character wasn't relatable and it was hard to connect with her. I also felt like the premise didn't make a lot of sense.

I think the cover is cute but this book just wasn't for me.

I really enjoyed the beginning of this book. It created this world of the main character Pauline along with her small group of friends/acquaintances.

The middle really dragged, so much exposition in the middle of what is supposed to be a reality tv game show type thing (only shown in Sweden but so much education about Sweden to those who assumably already should know this). I did find the interactions with the special guests interesting but there could probably be a lot of filler removed to make the story flow without all the huge chunks of textbook descriptions.

The ending really brought it all together for me, Pauline was kind of insufferable throughout the book, but I think she was meant to be. This is how real life people can be; no one is a perfect caricature of any one stereotype which we also get to see evolve in the other contestants on the journey. By the end I was seriously rooting for the last two to win and it made me kick my feet on the flight that i read this book during.

I was very looking forward to reading Big in Sweden. The blurb sounded so promising.

Paulie is a 30-something who is just waffling through life. Under the influence of New Year's Eve wine and edibles, she applies to be on a Swedish reality show about finding your ancestors. Well, actually, her best friend has the idea and does the applying. Paulie is heavily influenced by whatever the person next to her thinks or does. Most of her inner dialogue is something like "I love him, I hate him, I love him, I hate him. Let's have a drink." She has a long-term boyfriend but is crushing on any and every male in her orbit like a 6th grader. Her mantra is WWPLD - what would Pippi Longstocking do? Paulie is often frustrated that Pippi could lift a horse so how come she can't row a boat or be a Viking?

I did not enjoy this book because of Paulie and her lack of an opinion or a viewpoint. I found myself hoping the plot would take a turn to Scandi Noir and the reality show would become more of a life or death situation. I was not rooting for Paulie to "win." Another edit to make the plot move along more quickly and to better map out this reality show might have helped a lot. I gave up on this book at the 50% mark.

Thank you to Mariner Books and NetGalley for the advance reader copy. I am required by law to disclose this.

"Big in Sweden" dives into Paulie's messy family life and past trauma she has as a result of her parents. The book mostly focuses on her wild decision to join a Swedish reality show, centering around finding your Swedish family. Sure, the plot might be a tad predictable, but who cares when you're laughing out loud at the ridiculous situations the contestants get into? Honestly my least favorite part was her boyfriend Declan. Until the end of the book it makes no sense to me why the are together. The best part was watching these characters evolve, from awkward strangers to unlikely friends, amidst the chaos of reality TV.

I really hate to give bad reviews, but there wasn’t a single thing I liked about this book. I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley and it took me four months to read because I just hated it so much. Here’s just a few reasons why…

1) Tell me you hate America/Americans without telling me you harAmerica/Americans
2) People never use words like antipathy, caesura, fatuous, chiaroscuro, or outré in normal conversation. It’s like she just grabbed a thesaurus and threw in words for the heck of it.
3) Constant fast-forwarding through plot just to be summed up with bullet points of the events of the day, felt super lazy to me.
4) Why did we need the ghost of Astrid Lindgren?
5) Speaking of Astrid Lindgren, why did the FMC constantly compare herself to Pippi Longstockings when they are nothing alike?
6) FMC was so unhinged and rude, but not in an endearing way. She was also horrible to her boyfriend the whole book, and the epilogue was just the events of their wedding and honeymoon.

This was a serious case of “don’t judge a book by its cover” because the cover was cute as hell and looked like a fun rom-com and this, unfortunately, was the antithesis of that.

Releases: 7/2/2024

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Thank you to Mariner Books for the ARC!

Zany, wacky, good-hearted, and a little bit all over the place (which I'm not mad about).

As I was reading this, I felt like I was watching Amazing Race if it was put on by the producers of Extreme Home Makeover for the emotional pull with like one person from Love Island. There was so much going on but it worked because it felt like actually watching reality TV!

I loved the little side characters, especially the friendship between Paulie and Becki that flourished at the end!

The only thing that felt a bit odd to me was the romance between Paulie and one of the producers and then it just gets dropped and she goes back to her BF in the States. I feel like it could have been left out entirely and Paulie was able to just go on her own journey or it came to fruition and she moved to Sweden or something crazy.

I also loved the nod to Pippi Longstocking and Paulie (potentially) meeting the author's ghost and the commentary on America from a European perspective!

Overall, an easy summer read that you can devour like Real Housewives! 🤩

I was really intrigued by this book—a reality tv show set in Sweden featuring Americans sounds like a funny recipe for disaster. However, it wasn't everything I had hoped for. There were some funny parts, and stereotypical Americans, but I really wanted to see more growth from Paulie during her reality show journey and I didn't quite get there. What I did get was a desire to visit Sweden and learn more about its history and culture!

Thank you for the ARC!

Really enjoyed this one. Paulie is pretty hard to take in the beginning of the book, but the author does a great job at showing character development and not in a cheesy way. The whole book was just…nice in the end. Which was great. My only complaint would be that the chapters were titled in Swedish and a subtitle in English underneath would have been welcome. Honestly I wouldn’t mind reading individual books about the rest of the contestants.

Sally Franson's debut novel, "Big In Sweden," is a captivating and witty exploration of fame, identity, and the unexpected paths life can take. Set against the backdrop of the charming yet unfamiliar landscape of Sweden, the novel follows the journey of Abby Fenton, an aspiring writer who finds herself catapulted into overnight celebrity status after a chance encounter.

The story begins with Abby's unexpected rise to fame when a video of her singing karaoke in a Stockholm bar goes viral. What follows is a whirlwind of media attention, cultural clashes, and personal introspection as Abby navigates her newfound celebrity status while grappling with questions of authenticity and ambition.

Franson's writing is sharp and insightful, filled with humor and keen observations on the nature of celebrity culture and the complexities of personal identity. Abby is a relatable protagonist whose journey from anonymity to international recognition is both humorous and poignant. Through Abby's eyes, readers are treated to a nuanced exploration of fame's allure and its pitfalls, as well as the impact of public perception on one's sense of self.

The novel shines in its depiction of Sweden as a backdrop, offering readers a vivid portrayal of its landscapes, customs, and cultural quirks. Franson's attention to detail brings the setting to life, enriching the narrative with a sense of place that enhances Abby's journey of self-discovery.

Central to the novel are its themes of self-acceptance and the pursuit of authenticity. As Abby grapples with the pressures of fame and the expectations placed upon her, she confronts her own insecurities and desires, ultimately striving to reclaim her voice and autonomy amidst the chaos.

While "Big In Sweden" explores weighty themes, it does so with a light touch and a dose of humor that keeps the narrative engaging and accessible. Franson's exploration of Abby's relationships, both newfound and old, adds depth to the story, showcasing the impact of fame on personal connections and the importance of staying true to oneself.

In conclusion, "Big In Sweden" is a delightful and thought-provoking novel that entertains as much as it enlightens. Sally Franson's debut is a testament to her talent for crafting engaging characters and compelling narratives, making this book a must-read for anyone who enjoys contemporary fiction with a touch of humor and insight.

This book wasn't necessarily what I expected, but I loved it anyways! My partner was born in Sweden and her family is Swedish, so I'm familiar with the "personality" of the country. I loved Paulie's interactions in Sweden and her time spent discovering herself through her time in the country. I thought Paulie was hysterical and such an entertaining MC, I think I see a decent bit of myself in her. I am also a fairly political leftist, so any reviews calling this book "anti-American" have me rolling my eyes. This is definitely more of a self discovery women's fiction book than a rom com, but it was a great summer read.

Big in Sweden follows Paulina ("Paulie") Johansson as she becomes a contestant in a Swedish reality show with seven other Americans of Swedish descent. "Sverige och Mig" is a show on Swedish television where Americans compete to win a "reunion" with their Swedish relatives. Armed with a Polaroid Camera, her beat-up copy of "Pippi Longstocking", and hope to discover more of her Swedish ancestry, she finds she really doesn't know much about the show and maybe even less about herself.

The premise is interesting, and the show turns out to be more "Survivor" than "Finding Your Roots." Paulie's interaction with the other contestants is difficult at times, and all the contestants find that the producer of the show seems to want nothing but shots of them crying into the camera. (In fact, the show is referred to by the Swedish locals as "Crying Americans.")

I enjoyed this book more than I thought I would, and became invested in Paulie's story. Special thanks to Net Galley and the Publisher for the Advanced Reader Copy of this title. "Big in Sweden" is out now from Mariner Books.

I was drawn to the title - hilarious, and cover - oh so whimsical. It felt like peak summer fun. The story is based on a real life experience Sally Franson had as a contestant on a Swedish Reality show. It is a story of chosen family, personal growth, and a love of all things Swedish.

At times I felt like there was too much political commentary but overall it was a fun read for a long summer weekend.

3.5 stars, but rounding down.
Thank you to netgalley & Mariner Books for the advanced reader copy!

This was an interesting book. From the cover, I was expecting a rom-com but this is more of a women's fiction, coming-of-age story, though with a heroine in her thirties. That's not to say there isn't humor; there is plenty to generate laughter and some great one-liners but also a fair amount of soul searching and emotional depth. It was meatier than I expected it to be.

There's a fairly large cast of characters and at times I did get confused about who was who and which back story applied to which contestant on the show. I had to go back and forth a few times to figure it out. Paulie's character is pretty well fleshed out over the course of the book with a significant amount of self-growth after a rocky journey. She's a fish out of water so some ups and down are to be expected but she's also at loose ends in life. I enjoyed not only watching her evolve but also realizing my feelings about her had evolved as well. I didn't like her all that much at the beginning but that slowly began to change as she changed. And I also enjoyed her interactions with the other contestants. I was surprised by the relationships that formed - and with whom - as well as the challenges other characters faced. And I love the found family. That part of the book made my heart so happy.

My favorite part of the book is the travel around Sweden during the filming of the reality show. The author does a great job of creating a sense of place as well as capturing the personality of Swedes in general. Many of the locales depicted in the book are places I've visited and it was fun to revisit them through her words and characters. For those readers who have not visited Sweden, this book just may make you book that trip.

*Note: I feel I should warn readers that Paulie's character is very blunt and outspoken about her negative feelings relating to politics and social issues in the U.S. so if that's not your cup of tea, you may want to give this book a pass or just take a pass on those pages.

ARC received from publisher via NetGalley
Fair and unbiased review

Whenever I give books like this a chance on my reading list, I know there are even odds that I will like it or feel lukewarm toward the contents. This is a case of lukewarm. I don’t have anything against the main character Paulie, but her life is exhausting to read about. I wonder if people like this exist in real life or if we only read about them in books. The word that comes to mind is flibbertigibbet.
I have Swedish ancestry so the description spiked my interest. I’ve been to Sweden and lived with a family for a couple of weeks. That Sweden bears very little resemblance to what is described in Big in Sweden. I hoped for connection but didn’t find it.
Thanks to Netgalley and Mariner Books for the opportunity to review this book.

Thank you to NetGalley and Mariner Books for this E-ARC.

I was so excited to read this book. My mom and her side of the family is Swedish and that’s where I grew up. I was really hoping that the writer was going to get the references and jokes correct! And boy did they. There were many times where I was laughing about the jokes or references to something. The nostalgia was real.

However the characters are insufferable. I hated them. I don’t know if that was the point of the book? To kind of point out the way certain things bother Americans that don’t bother other countries? I’m not sure. I just found them annoying and whiny.
There’s one line that says “you Americans are so mad. And sad. In Sweden we are all just a little depressed all the time”. I laughed at that. Cause it’s true. In the winter, where I grew up, it was 22 hours of darkness. So you spent 5 months not seeing the sun and you were just kind of depressed all the time.

Overall, good book. Loved the way it was accurate to the language and certain jokes.

𝘽𝙞𝙜 𝙞𝙣 𝙎𝙬𝙚𝙙𝙚𝙣 𝗯𝘆 𝗦𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗙𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗼𝗻
𝘈𝘷𝘢𝘪𝘭𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘕𝘰𝘸
𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

𝗦𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘆: "Big in Sweden" introduces us to Paulie Johansson, an American woman whose life takes an unexpected turn when she auditions for a Swedish reality show on a whim, urged on by her best friend Jemma. Despite initial doubts and the disapproval of her boyfriend Declan, Paulie's quirky charm wins her a spot on the show. Packed with her trusty Polaroid camera and a cherished copy of Pippi Longstocking, Paulie heads to Sweden to join seven other contestants in a series of eccentric challenges, from rowing in stormy weather to facing off in a pickled herring eating contest. Along the way, Paulie discovers deeper connections to her Swedish heritage and grapples with newfound perspectives on family, friendship, and love. "Big in Sweden" explores cultural discovery and self-acceptance in a journey filled with unexpected connections and personal growth.

𝗧𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀: This book surprised me with its blend of humor, introspection, and social commentary, which was quite different from what I expected based on the cover and blurb. Paulie Johansson is a realistically flawed character. I enjoyed the balance between Paulie’s moments of self-discovery and her humorous escapades. At times, the story felt chaotic as there was so much information on Sweden and political commentary mixed throughout the story. Still, Franson's writing is irresistible, offering thoughtful perspectives on identity and family dynamics through Paulie's experiences. This book encourages readers to ponder deeper themes while entertaining them with Paulie's witty navigation of life's twists and turns. It's definitely a novel that sparks contemplation and conversation, making it a rewarding read for those who appreciate layered storytelling and meaningful insights.

𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗶𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗲𝗻𝗷𝗼𝘆:
🇸🇪 Women’s literature
🇸🇪 Found family
🇸🇪 Game shows
🇸🇪 Foreign countries
🇸🇪 Strong female characters

Thank you, NetGalley and Mariner Books, for the eARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.