Tuesday, July 16, 2013

Tuesday Intro: The Dinner by Herman Koch

"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. This particular restaurant is one where you have to call three months in advance - or six, or eight, don't ask me. Personally, I'd never want to know three months in advance where I'm going to eat on any given evening, but apparently some people don't mind. A few centuries from now, when historians want to know what kind of crazies people were at the start of the twenty-first century, all they'd have to do is look at the computer files of the so-called "top" restaurants. That information is kept on file - I happen to know that. If Mr. L. was prepared to wait three months for a window seat last time, then this time he'll wait five months for a table beside the men's room - that's what restaurants call "customer relations management."
The Dinner 
by Herman Koch

I started this book on the train Sunday, was drawn in quickly, and read half of it before arriving in New York. I hope to finish this unusual novel within the next day or two.

What do you think of the opening? Would you keep reading?


Every Tuesday, Diane at Bibliophile by the Sea posts the opening paragraph (sometime two) of a book she decided to read based on the opening. Feel free to grab the banner and play along.

28 comments:

  1. This does sound unusual. I think I would read a little more. I hope you are enjoying it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Pat - I finished it this evening... strange, but compelling.

      Delete
  2. I love the sound of this one...I've been eyeing it for awhile. Here's MY TUESDAY MEMES POST

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Laurel-Rain Snow - This was not what I was expecting, but a very good book.

      Delete
  3. I would...except that somehow, from the cover, I don't t think this is a "foodie" novel. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Audrey - Definitely not a "foodie" novel, but some excellent, humorous descriptions of each course as it is served.

      Delete
  4. I've got the audio for this one from the library so I'd definitely keep going. I'm glad to hear you're liking it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Darlene - I'll be curious to see if you like the audio. This is quite an unusual book.

      Delete
  5. I've been so crazy curious about this book. I've seen a lot of mixed reviews. It seems to be one of those love it or hate it types. I'll be looking forward to your final thoughts!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jennifer - I'm leaning more toward the 'love it' camp.

      Delete
  6. Knowing what I know, YES, keep reading! Because it just keeps getting stranger and stranger!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sandy - Just finished tonight... this is one twisted family!!

      Delete
  7. I read this book a few months back. It's very unsettling.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Catherine - Unsettling is the perfect way to describe this novel.

      Delete
  8. Hmm. I like the very strange vibe of this one. I would definitely keep reading!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Col - The strange vibe continues well beyond the opening passage... an unusual novel, but well worth the read.

      Delete
  9. I like the "voice" of the narrator. It sounds fun. I'm going tor see if the library has it. I'll look for your review.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Margot - The narrator's voice seemed to get stranger as the novel progressed... quite a ride!

      Delete
  10. You are in for one wild and some what shocking ride --read on, and thank you for joining us.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Diane - Just finished the novel tonight. Wow, was it ever strange... but I really liked it!

      Delete
  11. This was one of my favourite books of last year - I'm a sucker for an unreliable narrator!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. booksaremyfavouriteandbest - I've enjoyed a couple of books with unreliable narrators recently, too.

      Delete
  12. I'd definitely keep reading (despite the editing error).

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Beth F - Not a good sign in the first paragraph.. was tempted to change it here ;-)

      Delete
  13. I bought this one recently, and have seen such mixed reviews of it! Glad you liked it.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Linsday - This is probably a book you either love or hate.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Replies
    1. Melissa - Hope you get to read it soon... it's very unusual!

      Delete

Thanks so much for taking the time to comment! Be sure to check back, I always respond. Due to a recent increase in spam, all comments are moderated.

LinkWithin

Related Posts with Thumbnails