The Dinner by Herman Koch (migrated from bookblogger)

This is one of the least enjoyable, well-written books I’ve read in a long time!  Paul, the narrator of the story, is recounting his dinner with his brother and both their wives which, is planned so that they can discuss the situation their sons have gotten themselves into.  As the story unwinds, the reader learns, from Paul’s disturbingly nonchalant account, both his story and his son’s.

I felt compelled to finish this book as the writing was truly solid and suspenseful; however, I did not like any of the characters and it was almost painful to get through.  Reading this book was like not being able to look away from a tragically gory accident – you hate it but you can’t help yourself.

I’d recommend not starting it in the first place!