A review by saintstefan
The Dinner by Herman Koch

challenging mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

  The plot of this book would have been great if the author went about it differently. Two couples meet up for dinner to talk about their sons. As the dinner begins to end, tensions rise, and the crimes of their son will finally come to light. The book is divided into the past and the present. Usually, I'm a sucker for flashbacks. But the author seriously didn't have to spend 14 chapters on just ONE flashback. 
  Once again, I got the feeling that nothing was happening. Even though something clearly was happening. The summary of the book made it seem like a really shocking crime but when the crime itself is finally revealed, it was pretty anti-climatic. 
  However, it's not that bad of a book and if you want something to just read, I would suggest this. 
Expand filter menu Content Warnings