Blood is thicker than water, or in the case of the
New York Times Bestseller - “The Dinner” it is thicker than
wine. The novel by Herman Koch invites us to a family dinner in
Amsterdam, and like most family dinners it is flavored with the
difficult dynamics of siblings. In this case the Lohman brothers, one a
fast rising politician and the other a teacher, their wives and their teenage
sons. The couples’ sons though not at the restaurant where the dinner is
taking place are nevertheless extremely present in each changing course of
the meal and in each private thought of their parents. Koch deftly pulls the
reader in with each passing course as the current of the evening becomes more
intense as the two families struggle to deal with a horrific event that is fraught with
life changing ramifications - perhaps for them all. How far does a ‘Happy Family’
go to remain happy is one of the concepts explored in the novel, challenging the
reader on this and other aspects of the very meaning of family. As the high class
dinner is presented elegantly with each serving, Koch in equal measure
presents the back story of the Lohmans which becomes richer with detail as
the evening progresses. A story with unexpected turns and revelations, not
only for us the readers but for the very characters themselves. A page
turner with a heart of darkness that will surely leave you wanting a
strong drink at the end of this repast if only to settle your nerves,
allowing you time to fully digest the delicately prepared
meal Koch has served you.
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Book Review by Michael R. Harris
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THE CONE - ISSUE #5 - SUMMER 2015