by Herman Koch
e-book, 306 pages
Random House LLC, 2013
source: borrowed from library
Quick thoughts:
Unreliable narrators and unlikable characters are everywhere lately, and both figure prominently in The Dinner. The entire novel takes place over the course (pun intended) of a single dinner in a posh Amsterdam restaurant. But make no mistake, although the meal is described in some detail, this is no foodie novel.
As two families dine, they struggle to make the toughest decision of their lives. It's dark, it's disturbing, and you'll turn pages quickly in order to ingest this tortuous meal. I finished the book in just a few days, and thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
To learn more, check out this summary from goodreads.
My rating:
I've read mixed reviews of this book but still want to read it. There are a lot of unreliable narrators these days but I'm still drawn to them.
ReplyDeleteKathy - Unreliable narrators are usually a draw for me, too.
DeleteI loved this book, many people hated it. I think it's one that definitely depends on the reader, as it's a slow burn, has quite a bit of social commentary and can be pretty disturbing. Glad to hear you enjoyed it!
ReplyDeleteShannon - After reading this, I can definitely understand the wide range of opinion! I couldn't put it down.
DeleteI'm totally fascinated by the premise of this one. I'm glad you enjoyed it!
ReplyDeleteAndi - Wasn't sure whether it would be a hit or miss for me, but I really liked it.
DeleteThis one was amazing on audio, too. So disturbing, but extremely well-written.
ReplyDeleteCarrie - Oh, I'll bet this was fabulous on audio! I'm going to head over to audible and listen to a clip.
DeleteSounds intense. I love the idea of a novel that's practically in real time!
ReplyDeleteCol - Yes, it was definitely intense....darkly intense. I couldn't stop reading!
DeleteLoved it (but I feel awful saying that if you know what I mean).
ReplyDeleteDiane - Haha, I do! But I don't think any less of you ;-)
DeleteI'm intrigued by the premise, though unreliable narrators can be frustrating!
ReplyDeleteDiana - Unreliable narrators can definitely be frustrating, but part of the fun for me is trying to figure out exactly what parts of their stories are true.
DeleteDespite not liking any of the characters or their behavior, I enjoyed this novel.
ReplyDeleteNise' - It takes a really good writer to get readers to dislike characters and their behavior, yet still like the book!
DeleteI'm still not sure I want to read this one.
ReplyDeleteStacy - It's compelling, but in a very dark way... definitely not for everyone!
DeleteI enjoyed your review. The Dinner sounds interesting.
ReplyDeletePat - Some reviewers refer to it as a 'European Gone Girl'. Not sure if it's accurate... I've avoided that one!
DeleteThat sounds absolutely fascinating. And I love this "mini" review which gives me exactly what I want to know in just a few short paragraphs. My favorite kind of review, because sometimes I spend so long reading a review I could have read a chapter of my book instead. Not here, of course! I mean those NYTimes four page long reviews. Off to mark this book on hold at my library. xo
ReplyDeleteBellezza - I'm finding myself drawn to shorter reviews, too. They're also much easier to write and leave me more time for reading!
DeleteThis one has been waiting so patiently for me to pick it up. I had no idea it all took place during one dinner. My kind of book.
ReplyDeleteTi - Having the main action of the novel take place over one dinner was very appealing to me, too. I really like the way it all unfolded.
DeleteThis is the second time I've read the phrase 'unreliable narrators.' Could you explain what exactly that means, and what books feature them? Would Roger Ackroyd be considered one? Or is it a new thing?
ReplyDeleteNan - To me, an unreliable narrator is one that cannot necessarily be believed - often due to mental illness, delusions, a pathologic liar, memory problems, etc. I recently read The Other Typist and would put that book in this category. The Good House by Ann Leary (an audio favorite this year) features an alcoholic first person narrator, so what she said could be suspect. Other title that pop into my head - We Have Always Lived in the Castle, Atonement, When We Were Orphans, The Turn of the Screw... I'm blanking on the most well-known though. I haven't read Roger Ackroyd, so can't say for certain, but it's not a new thing.
DeleteThank you! I'm not sure I would like that kind of narrator, though I must have read some over the years. I couldn't read RA because I knew the 'secret' beforehand. Kind of like the movie, The Crying Game. Remember when it was a huge deal to keep the twist a secret?
DeleteNan - That type of narrator can be very frustrating, so it helps if you know what you're up against before getting started. I certainly remember the importance of those secret twists...sadly, not as big a thing these days.
DeleteI've read so many differing opinions about this one but always respect your opinion. Think I'll have to pick this one up.
ReplyDeleteLisa - I read this on the train to NYC and the hours passed very quickly!
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