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45 pages 1 hour read

The Dinner

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2009

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Book Brief

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Herman Koch

The Dinner

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2009
Book Details
Pages

320

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Amsterdam • Contemporary

Publication Year

2009

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

The Dinner by Herman Koch chronicles a tense meal at an upscale restaurant where two brothers and their wives discuss a critical and disturbing issue involving their teenage sons, with Paul Lohman's unreliable narration revealing the complex and dark dynamics at play. Sensitive topics including violence, mental health, and severe moral dilemmas are featured.

Dark

Unnerving

Suspenseful

Reviews & Readership

3.3

177,065 ratings

41%

Loved it

37%

Mixed feelings

23%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Reviews for The Dinner by Herman Koch highlight its gripping narrative and dark humor, offering a compelling psychological exploration of morality. Readers praise the intricate character development and suspenseful build-up. On the downside, some find the pacing uneven and characters unlikable. Overall, it's a provocative and intense read that sparks significant discussion.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Dinner?

Readers who relish morally complex narratives and enjoy unraveling dark family secrets will appreciate The Dinner by Herman Koch. Fans of Gillian Flynn's Gone Girl or Liane Moriarty's Big Little Lies will find themselves captivated by the suspense and ethical dilemmas presented over the course of a single, tension-filled meal.

3.3

177,065 ratings

41%

Loved it

37%

Mixed feelings

23%

Not a fan

Character List

Paul Lohman

The protagonist and unreliable narrator of the novel, Paul is characterized by a facade of normalcy that masks his struggles with violent impulses and complicated family dynamics.

Paul's wife, outwardly attentive and emotionally intelligent, yet her actions throughout the story reveal a surprising complexity and deep involvement in family matters.

Paul's older brother, a prominent and ambitious politician, whose interactions are marked by familial tension and his own public responsibilities and aspirations.

Serge’s wife, whose emotional volatility at a dinner with family members showcases her personal struggles and concerns tied to both family and public life.

Paul's son, a teenager whose actions and relationship with his parents, especially through Paul’s perspective, create much of the narrative's tension and intrigue.

Book Details
Pages

320

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Amsterdam • Contemporary

Publication Year

2009

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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