Book Review: The Dinner

The tension is high when two brothers and their wives meet for dinner at a trendy, overpriced restaurant.  One is a snob who's focused only on showing off his wine skills while the other is negative, overly analytical, and finds something to criticize in even the smallest of gestures.  What seems to be a parody of sibling rivalry turns dark when the main course arrives.

As the meal progresses, the narrating brother, Paul, becomes more than mega critical.  He is erratic, unreliable, and his negativity is actually a deep anger that could combust at any moment.  Could this behavior have contributed to the horrifying behavior this quartet has met to discuss?

Why do they go through several courses before even discussing the violent act between their sons that brought them together?  What's more, why are they having this sit-down in such a public place at all?  Does anyone in this book have a moral compass?!  Great social commentary by Herman Koch.

4 out of 5 stars.