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.

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.

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.

- The Dinner was originally published in Dutch in 2009 as Het Diner before being translated into English and released in 2012, quickly gaining international acclaim.
- The novel's setting, a high-end restaurant, reflects its exploration of social status, appearances, and the tensions beneath the surface of everyday life.
- The Dinner became a bestseller in several countries and was adapted into films twice, first in Dutch in 2013 and later in English in 2017.

**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.

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

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

**Babette Lohman**  
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.

**Michel Lohman**  
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.

Herman Koch

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The Dinner Summary and Study Guide

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “Aperitif” and Part 2: “Appetizer”

Parts 1-2

The Dinner Parts 1-2 Summary & Analysis

Part 3: “Main Course”

Part 3 The Dinner Part 3 Summary & Analysis

Part 4: “Dessert” and Part 5: “Digestif”

Parts 4-5

The Dinner Parts 4-5 Summary & Analysis

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The Dinner Character Analysis

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The Dinner Symbols & Motifs

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The Dinner

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