“We were going out to dinner. I won’t say which restaurant, because next time it might be full of people who’ve come to see whether we’re there. Serge made the reservation. He’s always the one who arranges it, the reservation.”
The Dinner
By Herman Koch
Translated from the Dutch by Sam Garrett
Two couples meet at an upscale restaurant in Amsterdam to discuss their children. Over the course of the evening meal, as each delicious plate comes out, the conversation turns more strained and secrets are revealed.
The two men, Paul and Serge are brothers. Paul is a former school teacher married to Claire. Serge is a local politician married to Babette. The two couples each have 15 year old sons who have committed a horrifying act of violence.
As dinner progresses not just are the actions of the boys alarming but the parents’ reactions are equally horrifying. Their justifications and reasoning make you wonder if these are the type of parents these kids grew up is it any wonder that the kids committed a crime?
I don’t want to write too much about the crime itself because I don’t want to spoil this read for you but this was a book that had me on the edge of my seat. What is even more alarming I think is that I could imagine something like this happening. Criminal acts occur all the time as well as those committed by young adults and children. Not only that but it does make you think what would you do? Would you do the right thing? And, what is the right thing, protecting your loved ones, making amends?
I found the story very original and a story full of questions for discussion which would make this an excellent book group choice. I would definitely like to read more books by this author.
Source: Personal copy
Wow, this sounds excellent, Iliana! I’m adding this to my wishlist! 🙂
I felt uneasy just reading your review. Sounds like the kind of book that you won’t forget and that will keep you pondering the questions!
Yours is the first review that actually makes me want to read this book! I’ve been curious about it, but not enough to add it to my wish list officially.
This sounds like the perfect crime book to read in a book club setting! Did you say this is what your mystery group read? I have heard lots of good things about it–definitely an author to look for!
I LOVED this book! It was on my favorites list couple of years back so I’m glad that it may be in yours. I need to read his next one soon.