The Dinner

THE DINNER by Herman Koch This was the most unpalatable dinner with the most deliciously gawd-awful people. While I don’t need to like fictional characters to enjoy a book or root for them, I definitely would not invite this particular group to dinner. Two brothers and their wives meet at a fancy restaurant in Amsterdam to discuss the crime they know their teenage sons have committed. Over the course of the meal/book topics such as mental illness, familial relationships, the middle class, moral elitism, entitlement, and the perception of “a happy family” are brought up to be gnawed at and digested by the reader. At the end you’re left with question(s): What lengths will people go through to protect their loved ones, their children or themselves? What would you ignore about someone or something in order to maintain the peace/status quo? Nature versus nurture? I can’t say I loved this book, but I didn’t hate it either. Honestly, given the state of everything these days, this was relevant and realistic. Rating: 3/5 ⭐️

I really was disappointed in this book. Two related couples beat around the bush and try to discuss their teenage boys and the trouble they are in over dinner at an expensive restaurant. What a ridiculous place to discuss such serious actions by the boys! I can't really explain why I disliked this book so much without giving away the rest of the story, so I will just say I found the whole book rather disgusting and feel it was a waste of time to read it.