'The Dinner'

by Herman Koch

The narration of Herman Koch's very unusual story takes place entirely during the courses of a dinner at a high-end restaurant in Holland. This place has been selected by Serge Lohman, candidate for Prime Minister of Holland, who is there with his wife Babette, brother Paul, and sister-in-law Claire. The chapters are in sections titled "Apertif," "Appetizer," "Main Course," "Dessert," and "Digestif." During the narration extreme and undue attention is paid to the ingredients in each dish served: Greek olives from the Peloponnese lightly dosed with extra virgin olive oil from Sardinia, lamb's neck sweetbreads served with arugula and sun-dried tomatoes from Bulgaria; lasagna slices with eggplant and ricotta; vitello tonnato; a dame blanche for dessert. This food has absolutely nothing to do with the unsettling and bizarre tale being told, except that the maitre'd keeps interrupting the conversation among the Lohmans to provide a detailed and belabored description of each item ordered, much to the annoyance of all. The tension mounts steadily throughout the meal as the conversation turns to discussion about their children who have become involved in an horrendous crime. Both sets of parents disagree as to how best to handle the situation. It becomes apparent that violent hostility and animosity have always existed between Paul and his brother Serge, and this problem perpetrated by their boys exacerbates it to a taut pitch. Neither set of parents is aware of how much the other set knows of the details and who exactly was at fault. Paul's anger increases as he surmises that Serge is more concerned about the scandal ruining  his chances in the upcoming election and also resents that Serge and Babette once attempted to remove his son from his custody when Claire had to be hospitalized many years ago, cause left unknown to the reader. That is only one of the mysteries here, as secrets  unfold a bit at a time. We learn that Paul is filled with anger, prone to violence, has had his own  psychological breakdown, and that much of his rage and jealousy is directed at his brother. This is not a bland story and the characters are somewhat twisted. From the start the reader is aware that Paul is not entirely stable and relies on his loving and beautiful Claire to keep him steady, but then the author switches gears unexpectedly.

Is she the loving, dutiful, nurturing woman whom Paul has portrayed?

There is also an element of speculation as to what tendencies a child inherits from his parents as they try to figure out what went wrong raising their son. This is one book that will keep you guessing: Why all the emphasis on food? Is Paul just weird or mentally unbalanced? And what about Claire who began as the most likeable and genuine character?  Moreover, is anything entirely resolved at the end?

'The Vacationers'

by Emma Straub

Vacations in exotic settings are always interesting, but this particular one on the Balearic Island of Mallorca, off the Costa del Sol, is more so because of the composition of "vacationers." Franny Post has organized this getaway to observe the 35th anniversary of her marriage to Jim Post, despite the fact that Jim has just been dismissed from his job for a discretion with a young intern. Their daughter Sylvia, as well as their son Bobby, have been invited along with Bobby's live-in girlfriend Carmen whom Sylvia dislikes, but tolerates. Also accompanying them are Franny's best long-time friend Charles and his gay husband Lawrence, who are eagerly awaiting news about their application for the adoption of a child back in the U.S. As you can see, this disparate assembly, with their precarious relationships and individual preoccupations, is fodder for an unusual story. Franny is seething with anger and resentment at Jim's infidelity; Jim is embarrassed that his children will learn of this, and also unsettled regarding future employment, as well as the possible dissolution of his marriage to Franny. Bobby is in dire financial straights because of poor investments in Carmen's fitness center. The gay couple can only fantasize about the possible adoption; and Sylvia is intent on losing her virginity before going to college in the fall. This is not your typical cast of characters, nor is it smooth sailing for such to be thrown together for a "relaxing" time away from home. If anything, the various problems and agendas they bring with them all combine to make this a tempestuous and unpredictable trip. This is currently a very popular book which is why I chose to review it. I must confess, however, that the author did not elicit any positive feelings in me toward any of the characters; they were neither admirable nor sympathetic, wise nor noteworthy in any way; neither endearing nor likable. The book has been described as "enchantingly warm" ..... " wonderfully messy and funny," ... "witty and hilarious..." evaluations with which I do not agree. I leave it to you, the reader, to decide.

Donna DeLeo Bruno is a native Bristolian and a retired teacher of writing and literature. She now splits her time between Bristol and Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., where she gives book reviews at the local library as well as at book clubs and women's clubs. Some of her most enjoyable and relaxing hours are spent reading a book beneath the shade of a tree at the foot of Walley Street with the sun sparkling its reflection on the water.