Powerful ideas from top nonfiction
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Start your free trial
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
The Dinner summary
Brief summary
The Dinner by Herman Koch is a thought-provoking novel that delves into the dark secrets and ethical dilemmas of two families as they come together for a tense and gripping dinner.
Topics
Table of Contents
The Dinner
Summary of key ideas
The Dinner: A Tale of Deception and Morality
In The Dinner by Herman Koch, we are introduced to two brothers, Paul and Serge, who are meeting for dinner with their wives, Claire and Babette, respectively. The dinner is set in a high-end restaurant, and the brothers are meeting to discuss a serious matter concerning their children. The story is narrated by Paul, who is a former history teacher and has a cynical and critical view of the world.
As the dinner progresses, we learn that the reason for the meeting is a shocking incident involving their sons. The boys have committed a heinous crime, and the parents are discussing how to handle the situation. The crime is kept a secret from the reader, and we are left to piece together the details from the characters' conversations and Paul's inner monologue.
Revealing the Crime and Its Consequences
As the dinner unfolds, we learn that the boys have committed a violent act against a homeless woman. The incident is captured on a security camera, and the police are closing in on the perpetrators. The parents are divided on how to handle the situation. Serge, who is a prominent politician, is more concerned about his public image and wants to protect his son at all costs. Paul, on the other hand, is more focused on the moral implications of their actions.
Paul's narration reveals his deep-seated resentment towards his brother, who he believes has always overshadowed him. He also expresses his disdain for the pretentiousness of the restaurant and the people around them. His cynicism and bitterness color his perspective on the unfolding events, making it difficult for the reader to fully trust his version of the story.
The Dinner's Dark Turn
As the dinner progresses, the conversation takes a dark turn. The parents discuss the possibility of covering up the crime and protecting their sons. Paul, however, is vehemently against this idea. He believes that their sons should face the consequences of their actions, no matter how severe. His moral stance puts him at odds with the others, leading to heated arguments and tension at the table.
As the evening draws to a close, the true extent of the brothers' animosity towards each other is revealed. Paul's narration exposes Serge's manipulative nature and his ability to twist the truth to suit his own agenda. The dinner ends on a bitter note, with the brothers parting ways, their relationship irreparably damaged.
The Aftermath and Moral Dilemma
In the aftermath of the dinner, Paul continues to grapple with the moral dilemma at hand. He is torn between his duty as a father to protect his son and his belief in justice. His internal struggle reflects the broader theme of the novel, which explores the limits of parental love and the consequences of shielding our loved ones from the truth.
In conclusion, The Dinner by Herman Koch is a thought-provoking exploration of morality, family dynamics, and the lengths people will go to protect their own. The story's unreliable narrator and the gradual revelation of the crime keep the reader engaged and questioning the characters' motives. The novel leaves us with a chilling reminder of the darkness that can lurk beneath the surface of seemingly ordinary lives.
How do we create content on this page?
More knowledge in less time
Read or listen
Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
Find your next read
Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
Shortcasts New
We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.
What is The Dinner about?
The Dinner by Herman Koch is a thought-provoking novel that takes place during a tense family dinner. As the evening unfolds, dark secrets and disturbing revelations come to light, challenging the characters' moral compass and forcing them to confront the consequences of their actions. This gripping story delves into themes of family, loyalty, and the lengths people will go to protect their loved ones.
The Dinner Review
The Dinner (2009) by Herman Koch is a gripping novel that explores the darkest corners of human nature. Here's why this book is definitely worth reading:
- With its complicated moral dilemmas, it challenges readers to question their own values and judgments.
- The book's intense psychological tension keeps you hooked from start to finish, making it impossible to put down.
- Through its intricate plot twists and complex characters, the story unravels secrets and hidden motives, leaving readers captivated and yearning for more.
Who should read The Dinner?
- Readers who enjoy psychological thrillers and complex moral dilemmas
- Those who appreciate thought-provoking narratives with unreliable narrators
- Individuals who are interested in exploring the dark side of human nature and social privilege
Categories with The Dinner
Book summaries like The Dinner
People ❤️ Blinkist
Sven O.
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Thi Viet Quynh N.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Jonathan A.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Renee D.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
People also liked these summaries
4.7 Stars
Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
32 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
The Dinner FAQs
What is the main message of The Dinner?
The main message of The Dinner is the disturbing consequences of protecting our loved ones.
How long does it take to read The Dinner?
The reading time for The Dinner varies depending on the reader, but it typically takes several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is The Dinner a good book? Is it worth reading?
The Dinner is a thought-provoking book that raises important ethical questions. It's a worthwhile read for those interested in exploring complex family dynamics.
Who is the author of The Dinner?
The author of The Dinner is Herman Koch.
What to read after The Dinner?
If you're wondering what to read next after The Dinner, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Where Good Ideas Come From by Steven Johnson
- The Art Of Non-Conformity by Chris Guillebeau
- A Whole New Mind by Daniel H. Pink
- Theory U by C. Otto Scharmer
- The Design of Everyday Things by Donald A. Norman
- The Innovator ’s Dilemma# by Clayton M. Christensen
- The War of Art by Steven Pressfield
- Creativity, Inc. by Ed Catmull with Amy Wallace
- Think Like a Freak by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner
- The Laws of Simplicity by John Maeda