A review by serendipitysbooks
The Dinner by Herman Koch

challenging dark reflective slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

 The Dinner begins with two brothers and their wives meeting for dinner at a high end restaurant one night to discuss their sons. It’s told from the perspective of one of the brothers Paul, a former history teacher. I initially loved his snarky tone - the snide remarks about his political brother, pretentious restaurant food, overbearing waiters etc. But as the meal progressed the sneaky suspicion dawned that Paul was perhaps not the most reliable or likeable of narrators. And then when we finally learnt exactly what it was that they needed to discuss my feelings shifted again. Talk about appalling behaviour - both that of the boys and of the parents, some of whom were prepared to go to unbelievable lengths to protect their son from the consequences of their actions. The way the narrator tried to justify and minimise the boys’ actions was truly jaw-dropping.

This books was filled with horrible characters saying and doing terrible things. Yet I found it to be compelling and engrossing in an “I can’t look away” kind of way. I listened to this one which added to the experience. I think the power of the awfulness - the self-interest and entitlement - was increased by having it spoken directly into my ear.

Entertaining, well-paced and, sadly, all-too plausible.
 
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