Paul, the narrator of The Dinner anticipates an aggravatingly pretentious evening in the company of his famous brother and their wives. Serge has chosen an extravagant restaurant where most diners would have to wait months or years to get a reservation, while he is able to secure a table that same day. The reader sympathizes with Paul who prefers more common surroundings or evenings at home with his much loved wife. During the course of the evening and the many courses of the dinner, the reader begins to question the reliability of Paul’s point of view. The purpose of the dinner is to discuss a stunning event in which their sons have participated. The reactions of the couples are surprising and strongly different.
Reading this novel felt a bit like being in a speeding car that starts careening out of control. It’s been compared to Gone Girl and with good reason. For books about other endearing psychopaths, read:
The Man in the Rockefeller Suit: the Astonishing Rise and Spectacular Fall of a Serial Imposter
Your House is on Fire, Your Children Are Gone
The Hottest Dishes of the Tartar Cuisine
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