Reviews with content warning for Violence - The Dinner

Characters: 7 - I dislike all of the characters, but that’s the point. The slow reveals of their natures is intentional.
Atmosphere/Setting: 8 - I really enjoyed the framing narrative. I think at times it would have been better to avoid some of the Paul side stories. Especially during the main course. It slowed things down when I was really wanting more information.
Writing Style: 7
Plot: 8
Intrigue: 9
Logic/Relationships: 9
Enjoyment: 7 As others have mentioned, this is a bit of a difficult read. I just do not want to be in Paul’s head.

Content Warnings

mattyvreads's review against another edition

Go to review page

dark mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

Undeniably, a well-written book. It was not for me. I think the book pointed to a lot of human / societal failings, without saying much about them.

Not the most fun read, certainly; nor was it a complete waste of time. G-d damn, I love any excuse to say "nor"...

:)

Update: This book might be a good companion read while watching season 3 of Real Housewives of Miami. Art imitates life. Art reflects the truth.

Content Warnings

meshuganush's review against another edition

Go to review page

challenging dark mysterious reflective tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

The way that this book was organized was very cool. The narrator goes back and forth between the dinner and his past in a way that is very easy to follow and moves the story along. The tension at the table was so well done!

I would say none of the characters are likeable and I didn't root for any of them but I was still enthralled and had to know what happened!

Content Warnings

lisapparition's review against another edition

Go to review page

dark mysterious tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Content Warnings

imandubose's review against another edition

Go to review page

dark slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

Content Warnings

megwhitlock's review against another edition

Go to review page

challenging dark funny tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

The characters being so unlikeable and the story being so beyond belief reprehensible is what made this book so good. Hard disagree with those who say you have to identify with the characters or enjoy the plot to love a book. Great dark comedy

(plus an unreliable narrator is always a bonus

Content Warnings

afabbi's review against another edition

Go to review page

dark mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

The writing is great, the story is interesting and told from an interesting perspective, but the characters are bad people who don't have any development throughout the story

Content Warnings

mrsmishler's review against another edition

Go to review page

dark tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

Content Warnings

More...