The Dinner by Herman Koch

The Dinner by Herman Koch is a dark, provocative psychological thriller that unfolds over one seemingly ordinary evening at an upscale Amsterdam restaurant. Two couples—brothers and their wives—sit down to discuss a disturbing secret involving their teenage sons. What begins as polite conversation over gourmet courses slowly devolves into a shocking exploration of class, privilege, and the moral boundaries of parenthood.
 
Koch’s razor-sharp prose and unsettling humor expose the facades of civility and the disturbing choices people make to protect the ones they love. Every chapter ratchets up the tension as the truth comes to light—one course at a time.
 
This internationally acclaimed bestseller has been compared to Gone Girl and We Need to Talk About Kevin for its chilling look at human nature and ethical decay. Perfect for book clubs and fans of smart, unsettling fiction, The Dinner is a gripping read that leaves you questioning what you would do if faced with the same impossible choice.
 
📌 Perfect For
Fans of Gillian Flynn, Ian McEwan, and Celeste Ng
Readers who enjoy dark domestic suspense
Book clubs that love ethical dilemmas and layered characters
Collectors of international literary fiction
 
💖 Why You’ll Love It
A gripping psychological portrait of family and guilt.
Perfect blend of literary style and thriller tension.
Unfolds entirely over a single meal—smart, chilling, unforgettable.
Ideal for book clubs—rich moral questions and debate fuel every page.