Book Review-The Dinner

Some books are about people you like, or at least have a few people in them that you like.  Some books, though, are about people that are just plain unlikeable.  Add to that an unreliable narrator and you've got a book that may not be everyone's cup of tea. I just finished The Dinner by Herman Koch.  It takes place during a dinner in a posh restaurant with two couples:  two brothers and their wives.  One brother is a successful politician while the other brother, well, let's say he's not as successful.  It is this brother that narrates the story.  The book starts with Paul and his wife getting ready for the dinner and walking to the restaurant.  We learn that there is something going on with their son.  Paul says he has a happy family, but he admits to spying on his son.  During the course of the dinner we get side stories about Serge, Paul's brother, and some backstory on Paul himself.  The more we learn, the more we wonder what exactly is up with Paul and how much can we trust his information.  We also learn that Paul's son Michel and Serge's son Rick have done something which their parents need to discuss. The book is an interesting take on the psychological thriller.  The intensity builds as the dinner progresses, and we learn more about the characters.  I would recommend this book if you like unreliable narrators, pyschological thrillers, and unlikeable characters.

The Dinner By Koch, Herman Translator Garrett, Sam 2013-02 - Hogarth 9780770437855 Check Our Catalog Awards: ALA Notable Books (2014) The darkly suspenseful, highly controversial tale of two families struggling to make the hardest decision of their lives--all over the course of one meal. …More

Other books by the same author.

Summer House with Swimming Pool By Koch, Herman Translator Garrett, Sam 2014-06 - Hogarth 9780804138819 Check Our Catalog The blistering, compulsively readable new novel from Herman Koch, author of the instant "New York Time"s bestseller "The Dinner." When a medical procedure goes horribly wrong and famous actor Ralph Meier winds up dead, Dr. Marc Schlosser needs to come up with some answers. After all, reputation is everything in this business. Personally, he's not exactly upset that Ralph is gone, but …More

Complimentary Reads

Defending Jacob By Landay, William 2012-01 - Delacorte Press 9780385344227 Check Our Catalog Awards: Thriller Awards (2013) Andy Barber has been an ADA in his suburban Massachusetts county for more than 20 years. He is respected in his community and happy at home with his wife, Laurie, and son, Jacob. But after a shocking crime shatters their New England town, Andy is blindsided by what happens next: His 14-year-old son is charged with the murder of a fellow student. …More

In the Lake of the Woods By O'Brien, Tim 2006-09 - Mariner Books 9780618709861 Check Our Catalog This riveting novel of love and mystery from the author of "The Things They Carried" examines the lasting impact of the 20th century's legacy of violence and warfare, both at home and abroad. …More

Want to see all the staff picks?  In Encore (our catalog) search for HPL Staff Picks. To sign up for this, or any of our newsletters, check out our Newsletter sign up page.