What is The Dinner by Herman Koch about?

The Dinner by Herman Koch follows two couples meeting at an upscale Amsterdam restaurant to discuss a shocking crime committed by their teenage sons, who brutally attacked and killed a homeless woman. The incident was caught on CCTV but the boys haven't been identified yet. Narrated by Paul Lohman, a former teacher with a cynical worldview, the novel unfolds over the courses of an elaborate meal, gradually revealing dark family secrets and moral compromises.

Who should read The Dinner by Herman Koch?

The Dinner is ideal for readers who enjoyed psychological thrillers like *Gone Girl* and appreciate morally ambiguous characters. This book suits those interested in exploring ethical dilemmas about parental loyalty, the lengths people go to protect family, and the tension between public image and private morality. Fans of unreliable narrators and dark, suspenseful fiction that challenges conventional values will find this novel particularly compelling.

Is The Dinner by Herman Koch worth reading?

The Dinner is worth reading if you appreciate thought-provoking psychological fiction that sparks intense debate about ethics and human nature. While the novel polarized readers—some praising Koch's acerbic writing and exploration of moral dilemmas, others finding the characters too unlikeable—most agree it's a gripping, unsettling read. The book became an international bestseller, translated into multiple languages and adapted into four films, demonstrating its cultural impact.

How does Herman Koch use structure to build suspense in The Dinner?

Herman Koch structures The Dinner around the sequential courses of a meal—aperitif, appetizer, main course, dessert, and digestif—creating a claustrophobic framework that builds tension throughout. Each section is frequently interrupted by flashbacks and disruptions, gradually revealing the full scope of the crime. This non-linear narrative slowly transforms from seemingly innocent dinner conversation into a disturbing exploration of family secrets, forcing readers to question their own moral judgments.

What are the main themes in The Dinner by Herman Koch?

The Dinner explores **how far parents will go to protect their children**, even when they've committed heinous acts. Key themes include: * **moral ambiguity versus family loyalty** * the hereditary nature of violence * the tension between public image and private morality Koch examines **privilege and class**, satirizing wealthy society's superficiality while questioning whether appearances truly reflect character. The novel also addresses **the consequences of moral compromise** and the psychological toll of maintaining secrets.

Why is Paul Lohman considered an unreliable narrator in The Dinner?

Paul Lohman serves as an unreliable narrator whose perspective gradually reveals his critical, violent tendencies and mental instability. Initially, readers may sympathize with his cynical observations about his politician brother Serge and pretentious restaurant culture. However, as the dinner progresses, Paul drops disturbing details that expose his complicity in protecting his son and his possible hereditary mental health issues. His manipulative nature and selective truth-telling force readers to question everything he's presented.

What is the crime the sons committed in The Dinner by Herman Koch?

In The Dinner, teenage boys Michel and Rick attacked a homeless woman near an ATM, throwing garbage at her, mocking her, and ultimately **setting her on fire**, resulting in her murder. The brutal attack was captured on CCTV footage and broadcast nationally, becoming a scandal, but the boys haven't been identified by authorities. The parents recognized their sons in the footage, leading to the dinner meeting where they must decide whether to turn them in or protect them from consequences.

What does The Dinner by Herman Koch say about family loyalty versus morality?

The Dinner presents a disturbing examination of **family loyalty taken to its darkest extreme**. While Serge initially wants to hold a press conference exposing the boys' crime, the other parents—particularly Claire and Paul—prioritize protecting their children over justice. Claire dismisses the murder as an "accident" and establishes alibis, while Paul secretly celebrates that the scandal will end Serge's political career. Koch challenges readers to confront whether familial bonds justify enabling violence and denying victims justice.

La cena

Herman Koch

3.22(177448 Reviews)

Panoramica di La cena

Una cena si trasforma in un campo di battaglia morale nel polarizzante thriller di Koch che ha ispirato due adattamenti cinematografici. Ispirato da una tragedia reale, questo bestseller olandese divide i lettori con una domanda scomoda: fino a dove ti spingeresti per proteggere tuo figlio dalle conseguenze?

Scegli come raccontarlo

Un libro. Tanti modi per ascoltarlo.

Le stesse idee di La cena. Scegli la voce, la profondità e il ritmo adatti a te. Cambia in qualsiasi momento.

Capitolo 1

A Family Dinner That Will Haunt You Forever

The Dinner, Herman Koch's international bestseller, has captivated over a million readers worldwide with its disturbing exploration of how far parents will go to protect their children. This psychological thriller became an instant sensation when published in 2009, earning praise from Gillian Flynn who called it "a European Gone Girl." The novel's chilling premise-two couples meeting for dinner to discuss their children's horrific crime-has resonated so deeply that it's been adapted into four different films across multiple countries. What makes The Dinner particularly unsettling is how Koch masterfully transforms a seemingly civilized meal into a battlefield where morality unravels course by course. As you sit down to this literary feast, prepare yourself: beneath the veneer of polite conversation and gourmet food lies a darkness that will force you to question what you might be capable of when protecting those you love.

Capitolo 2

The Reluctant Brother and the Prestigious Dinner

Paul, our unnamed narrator until later in the novel, is heading to dinner with his wife Claire to meet his famous brother Serge Lohman and Serge's wife Babette at an exclusive restaurant. From the opening pages, Paul's resentment toward his brother is palpable. Serge, a prominent politician poised to become the next prime minister of the Netherlands, represents everything Paul disdains-celebrity, privilege, and the ability to secure reservations at impossibly exclusive establishments with a mere phone call. "We're going to that restaurant," Paul tells us, making it clear this isn't just any dinner but a dreaded social obligation. The restaurant itself becomes a battleground where status and appearances will matter tremendously. Paul's contempt for his brother's public persona is matched only by his dread of the upcoming evening, which he describes as "hell itself." Walking to the restaurant with Claire, Paul savors these final moments of normalcy. He reflects on their relationship, admitting Claire is smarter than he is, while observing how they both still fret over appearances for social occasions. When they stop at a cafe for a drink, Claire expresses concern about their teenage son Michel's recent distant behavior. Paul's internal response reveals he's hiding something significant-something far worse than typical teenage troubles. When Claire presses him, he deflects, suggesting Michel is merely stressed about school exams, while worrying his face might betray the lie. What Paul doesn't initially tell us is that earlier that day, he had violated his son's privacy by searching through Michel's phone. Whatever he discovered made his head "grow cold" from the inside out. Looking into his son's "honest eyes" afterward, Paul recalls how Michel had almost died at birth, making his survival "nothing less than a gift"-a poignant memory that contrasts sharply with whatever disturbing discovery he's made.

Vedi ogni parola mentre la ascolti

Segui la lettura senza sforzo mentre ogni parola di La cena si illumina in tempo reale.

Capitolo 3

Pretension and Tension at the Restaurant

The restaurant setting becomes a character in itself-a monument to pretension that Paul despises. From the moment they arrive thirty minutes late (hoping, ironically, to beat the Lohmans), every detail of the establishment grates on Paul's nerves. The hostess's disappointment that they aren't Serge himself, the floor manager in his pale green pinstriped suit with an affected extended pinkie finger, the overly precious descriptions of food-all fuel Paul's growing irritation. When the floor manager describes olives as being "polished off with rosemary," Paul can't help but challenge the phrasing, drawing attention from nearby diners. Rather than being offended, the manager laughs genuinely, creating a brief moment of authentic human connection in this artificial environment. The menu states "Aperitif of the house, ten euros," and Paul becomes indignant, believing they were tricked into ordering expensive champagne presented as complimentary. This small deception becomes symbolic of the larger deceptions unfolding throughout the evening. When Serge and Babette finally arrive, everyone notices-the staff fusses over them, and the restaurant owner personally greets them. Paul observes Babette closely, noticing her red-rimmed eyes behind tinted glasses, signs she's been crying recently. This detail, seemingly minor, foreshadows the emotional turmoil beneath the surface of this supposedly routine family dinner. The pretension continues with the wine service, as Paul is particularly annoyed by Serge's wine connoisseur act-a persona that seemed to appear suddenly in his brother's life. When the manager breaks the cork while opening their Chablis, Paul observes Serge's disappointment at missing his chance to perform his wine-tasting ritual. The narrator reflects on Serge's transformation from a cola-drinking, belch-producing teenager to a self-proclaimed wine expert with a converted closet wine cellar and formal wine education.

Capitolo 4

The Dark Secret Begins to Surface

As the dinner progresses through elaborate appetizers and into carefully plated main courses, the conversation descends into increasingly treacherous territory. Serge, already several glasses of wine deep, displays his characteristic lack of self-awareness by openly flirting with a young waitress. His behavior grows more inappropriate as he asks if she's old enough to vote, following up with thinly veiled political suggestions about supporting "the right party" - a moment that makes everyone at the table visibly uncomfortable except Serge himself. The discussion takes an even more contentious turn when Claire, known for her sharp cultural critiques, launches into an analysis of racial representation in cinema. She specifically targets "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner?" arguing that what many consider a progressive film for its time actually reinforces racist paradigms. She methodically dissects how the movie presents Sidney Poitier's character as "the good black man" - educated, articulate, and essentially whitewashed - suggesting this portrayal merely perpetuates the idea that acceptance requires conforming to white cultural standards. Her commentary clearly makes Serge squirm, especially given his recent political campaigning in minority neighborhoods. Throughout these exchanges, Paul's internal monologue grows increasingly caustic. He observes the performative nature of the entire evening - the way his brother gesticulates while making political points, how Claire deliberately provokes reactions, and Babette's attempts to maintain peace. Yet beneath his sardonic observations, Paul recognizes something more ominous brewing. The forced smiles and careful word choices barely mask a deeper tension related to their sons - a subject everyone seems simultaneously eager to address and desperate to avoid. The carefully maintained veneer begins to crack when Paul returns from the bathroom. He finds the table's dynamics dramatically altered: Babette sits with tears streaming down her face while Claire attempts to comfort her, their hands clasped on the white tablecloth. Serge, usually so composed in public, appears visibly rattled - his politician's mask slipping to reveal genuine distress. The situation explodes when Babette suddenly wrenches her hand from Claire's grasp, spits out "unbelievable shithead" at her husband, and storms away from the table. Claire follows quickly behind, leaving the brothers in an uncomfortable silence. In this moment of forced intimacy, Serge shifts to Claire's vacant chair, physically closing the distance between himself and Paul. His statement about needing to discuss "our children" carries a weight that transforms the evening from uncomfortable to potentially catastrophic. The careful dance of social niceties gives way to something far more sinister. The tension ratchets up further when Paul discovers Michel's phone in his possession - a detail that seems minor but carries unexplained significance. The sudden call from Michel himself, using another phone to dial his own number, adds another layer of complexity to the unfolding situation. His insistence on immediately retrieving the phone suggests an urgency that goes beyond mere convenience. Before Paul can fully process these developments, Claire and Babette emerge from behind a manicured hedge, with Babette having regained some composure but clearly still shaken.

Ottieni di più da La cena

Ricevi spunti ogni giorno da oltre 100.000 lezioni
Le parole si illuminano in sincronia con l'audio
La tua libreria salvata su ogni dispositivo

Capitolo 5

The Horrific Truth Revealed

In the privacy of the men's room, Paul examines Michel's phone and discovers two missed calls from "Faso"-the nickname Michel and his cousin Rick have given to Beau, Serge's adopted son from Burkina Faso. Navigating to the videos section, Paul plays one he hadn't seen before. It shows a homeless man at a subway station being harassed and struck by Rick while Michel films. They force the terrified man to say "Jackass" after hitting him. This discovery confirms what Serge had hinted at earlier when he said "We need to talk about our children." The full horror of what their sons have done is gradually revealed through Paul's recollections and the dinner conversation: Two months ago, three boys-Michel, Rick, and initially Beau-were heading home from a school party. They stopped at an ATM where they found a homeless person sleeping. Beau left when the other two started harassing the person, who turned out to be a woman. Michel and Rick escalated their attack, throwing objects at her and eventually returning with a jerrycan containing gasoline vapors. The homeless woman died after they set her on fire. The most disturbing aspect is that security camera footage of the incident was shown on television, though the woman's death happened off-camera. While watching this footage with Claire, Paul realized one of the boys was their son Michel. When Claire looked at him, he held his breath, ready to say something that would change their lives, but she merely offered him the last of the wine-suggesting she too recognized their son but chose to say nothing.

Capitolo 6

The Parents' Moral Failure

As the dinner progresses into dessert, the central conflict emerges with devastating clarity: how should the parents respond to their sons' horrific crime? Serge, wrestling with both his conscience and political aspirations, believes they must come forward - not only for the boys' psychological wellbeing but also to preserve the integrity of his campaign for prime minister. Claire, however, vehemently disagrees, systematically attempting to minimize the incident as "an accident" or "an unfortunate series of events." She constructs an elaborate rationalization, suggesting the homeless woman bore responsibility for choosing to sleep in the ATM cubicle, and that the boys' violent reaction was merely a natural response to feeling threatened. The tension reaches its peak when Serge announces his intention to withdraw his candidacy, a decision that sends shockwaves through the carefully maintained facade of family unity. His wife Babette, devastated by this turn of events, desperately appeals to Claire and Paul to change his mind. Claire's reaction is particularly revealing - she launches into a calculated attack, arguing that Serge has no right to make such a unilateral decision when its consequences would ripple through their entire family network. She skillfully reframes his moral stand as self-serving, suggesting his apparent nobility is actually a form of narcissistic self-righteousness that would needlessly destroy Michel's future prospects. The moral bankruptcy of the parents becomes increasingly apparent through their carefully crafted justifications and evasions. Instead of expressing horror at their sons' savage attack on a vulnerable person, they engage in an elaborate dance of self-protection, focusing entirely on preserving their privileged position and their children's future opportunities. Paul's earlier interaction with Michel proves particularly damning - he had already laid the groundwork for a cover-up, telling his son to "just forget it for the time being" and offering the morally bankrupt reassurance that "as long as nothing happens, nothing is happening." This circular logic reveals the depths of their ethical failure, as they choose to define reality not by actions but by consequences, and only those consequences that directly affect them. The parents' reactions expose a profound moral rot beneath their sophisticated exterior - they've created an ethical framework where protecting family privilege trumps basic human dignity. Their discussions never seriously consider the victim's humanity or suffering; instead, they focus entirely on managing potential damage to their own social standing and their sons' futures. This selective morality, where ethical considerations only apply within their privileged circle, reveals how their apparent civilization is merely a thin veneer over fundamentally self-serving values.

Vedi ogni parola mentre la ascolti

Segui la lettura senza sforzo mentre ogni parola di La cena si illumina in tempo reale.

Capitolo 7

The Unraveling of Paul's Past

Interwoven with the dinner narrative are revelations about Paul's own troubled history, painting a disturbing portrait of psychological decline and its generational impact. Initially a passionate and well-respected history teacher, Paul's mental health began deteriorating in subtle ways before manifesting in increasingly alarming classroom behavior. His colleagues first noticed small changes - missed faculty meetings, unusual irritability with students, and increasingly confrontational discussions about historical events. His teaching methods grew progressively more erratic and inappropriate. He began using profanity in class and devising disturbing mathematical exercises, such as asking students to calculate population projections if World War II hadn't occurred and "everyone had been able to just go on fucking." He would sometimes abandon his lesson plans entirely, launching into rambling monologues about historical injustices, or abruptly walk out of class, leaving his students confused and concerned. The situation reached a critical point when Paul was summoned to the principal's office following multiple student complaints. During this meeting, he defiantly defended his controversial teaching methods, particularly his assertion that not all victims deserve equal sympathy. He had instructed students to calculate the statistical probability of "assholes" in any given population, suggesting that some war casualties might have been people who "deserved what they got" - a chilling precursor to his son's later moral reasoning. Following these incidents, Paul underwent psychological evaluation, where he was diagnosed with a specific neurological disorder. The diagnosis offered some explanation for his behavioral changes, and he was prescribed medication - though his compliance with the treatment regimen would later come into question. The final breaking point came during an incident involving his student Michel's provocative essay on capital punishment. The essay, which argued for the immediate execution of certain criminals without trial, prompted another meeting with the principal. When confronted with documentation about his previous teaching position and psychiatric history, Paul's reaction was explosive. He physically attacked the principal with shocking violence, causing severe head trauma and extensive bleeding - an assault that would effectively end his teaching career. These revelations about Paul's past establish a clear pattern of escalating violence and moral deterioration that helps explain Michel's own disturbing worldview. The parallel between father and son becomes increasingly apparent throughout the narrative, suggesting that Paul's distorted moral compass and tendency toward violence have been inherited by Michel, manifesting in new and equally troubling ways. The generational transmission of trauma and moral corruption becomes a central theme, demonstrating how parental influence can shape a child's ethical framework and behavioral patterns.

Capitolo 8

Blackmail and Betrayal

As the dinner reaches its tense conclusion, layers of deception and manipulation surface with devastating consequences. Beau, the troubled adopted son of Serge and Babette, emerges as a calculating blackmailer targeting both families. Having secretly returned to the crime scene, he witnessed Michel and Rick leaving the ATM cubicle - crucial evidence he now wields as leverage. His demands are precise and threatening, demonstrating an understanding of the political stakes involved for his adoptive father's campaign. Claire's conversation with Paul about the blackmail reveals deeper complexities in their relationship. Unaware that Paul already knows about the incriminating videos on Michel's phone, she speaks with chilling casualness about potential solutions. Her suggestion to physically harm Serge - specifically mentioning a damaged face or broken arm as injuries that would be "too much to explain" at a press conference - demonstrates a calculated understanding of public perception and political vulnerability. The revelation about Paul's medication becomes a pivotal moment. His confession of having stopped taking his psychiatric medication for months isn't met with surprise or concern from Claire. Instead, she acknowledges having known all along, expressing a disturbing preference for "my old Paul" - embracing rather than fearing his violent tendencies. This admission transforms our understanding of their relationship, suggesting Claire has been subtly encouraging Paul's dangerous behavior. The novel's disturbing climax unravels through multiple betrayals. Paul's manipulation extends beyond his family when it's revealed he bribed the restaurant manager to deny ever seeing him with his son in the garden - a calculated move to establish an alibi. The consequences ripple outward: Serge's political ambitions crumble after Claire's attack leaves him with permanent facial scarring, a physical reminder of the evening's violence. The aftermath brings additional complications as Serge and Babette launch what appears to be a heartfelt campaign to locate their missing adopted son Beau. However, his disappearance generates intense media speculation, with journalists questioning the timing and circumstances - adding another layer of public scrutiny to the families' carefully constructed facades. The truth about Beau's fate remains deliberately ambiguous, leaving readers to contemplate the full extent of the evening's tragic consequences.

Ottieni di più da La cena

Ricevi spunti ogni giorno da oltre 100.000 lezioni
Le parole si illuminano in sincronia con l'audio
La tua libreria salvata su ogni dispositivo

Capitolo 9

The Chilling Conclusion

In the novel's final pages, Paul makes a discovery that shatters his understanding of Michel's origins and Claire's honesty. While searching through old medical records, he uncovers Claire's hidden amniocentesis results - documents that reveal she had known they were having a boy months before the birth but had deliberately kept this information from him. More disturbingly, he finds a checked box labeled "Decision parents" that implies both parents were consulted about some critical choice regarding their unborn son. This revelation takes on an ominous significance given Michel's violent tendencies, suggesting genetic testing may have revealed something troubling that Claire chose to suppress or ignore. Despite Michel's unmistakable physical resemblance to Paul - from his mannerisms to his facial features - this document casts a dark shadow over their family's history. The novel's climactic scene unfolds when Michel returns home covered in blood from his encounter with the homeless woman. Rather than showing concern or horror at his son's violence, Paul finds himself laughing at Michel's retelling of the incident, a reaction that reveals his own moral decay. When Michel embraces him, calling him "Dear old dad," the moment becomes charged with disturbing complicity. This intimate father-son exchange, colored by violence and shared secrets, creates a perfect bookend to the story's exploration of family loyalty versus moral responsibility. The Dinner ultimately reveals how moral boundaries disintegrate when family ties are threatened. Through the course of a single meal - from aperitif to digestif - Koch methodically exposes the hypocrisy of supposedly civilized people, particularly those from privileged backgrounds who pride themselves on their progressive values and refined tastes. The novel demonstrates how quickly social veneers crack when protecting one's offspring becomes paramount, even when those children have committed truly monstrous acts. Koch forces readers to confront uncomfortable questions about parental love and its limits: At what point does protection become complicity? How far would any parent go to shield their child from consequences? The ending leaves readers with haunting questions about genetic inheritance, nature versus nurture, and the possibility that violence might be passed down through generations. The novel suggests that the most frightening aspect of evil isn't its obvious manifestations but rather how it can hide behind social respectability and family bonds, gradually normalizing itself until the unthinkable becomes acceptable. Through Paul's final embrace of his son's violence, Koch illustrates how moral corruption can masquerade as parental love, leaving readers to question their own ethical boundaries and what they might do if faced with similar circumstances.

Capitolo 10

The Inheritance of Violence

Throughout The Dinner, Koch masterfully explores how violence and moral corruption pass from one generation to the next. Paul's own history of violence creates a disturbing pattern that his son Michel eventually mirrors. From threatening a bike shop owner with a pump when Michel was eight, to brutally attacking his son's principal for perceived disrespect, to numerous unreported incidents of rage, Paul demonstrates a consistent pattern of solving problems through intimidation and physical force. His tacit approval of his son's actions - expressed through phrases like "just forget it for the time being" and his deliberate choice to look the other way - reinforces this inheritance of violence. The novel delves deep into Paul's psyche, revealing how his outwardly civilized demeanor masks a profound capacity for brutality. His interactions with his son showcase subtle ways that violent tendencies are normalized within their family dynamic. When Michel exhibits similar aggressive behaviors at school, Paul's response is not concern but rather a kind of quiet pride, suggesting that he views such actions as necessary and even admirable in certain circumstances. The story suggests that violence isn't just learned behavior but might have genetic components as well. Paul's diagnosed neurological disorder, which manifests in aggressive impulses, moral relativism, and an inability to feel genuine remorse, may have been passed to Michel. The mysterious checked box on Claire's amniocentesis results - a detail that haunts the narrative - hints at a genetic abnormality that both parents consciously chose to ignore before Michel's birth. This medical history adds layers of complexity to the family's story, raising questions about predetermined destiny versus free will. This exploration of nature versus nurture becomes increasingly unsettling as the novel progresses. Are Michel's actions the result of bad parenting, genetic predisposition, or a toxic combination of both? Koch offers no easy answers, instead presenting evidence that points in multiple directions. The way Paul and Claire actively shield Michel from consequences - from childhood incidents to serious crimes - suggests that their parenting choices have enabled his violent tendencies to flourish unchecked. The novel's structure, centered around an elegant dinner in an upscale restaurant, provides a brilliant contrast to the underlying savagery of its characters. The sophisticated setting - with its elaborate food presentations, wine pairings, and affected service - serves as a metaphor for the thin veneer of civilization that masks humanity's darker impulses. As each course arrives, another layer of propriety is stripped away, revealing the brutal reality beneath. In the end, The Dinner serves as a chilling reminder that beneath the facade of middle-class respectability lurks a capacity for barbarism that can emerge when our loved ones are threatened. The novel's power lies in forcing readers to confront uncomfortable questions about family loyalty, moral responsibility, and the limits of parental love - while suggesting that violence, once introduced into a family line, may be impossible to fully excise.

★★★★★

Hai raggiunto la fine di La cena

Amato da oltre 1 milione di persone

“Sono passati 23 giorni e l'ho usata ogni giorno. Ora fa parte della mia routine quotidiana.”

jayallen

Temi chiave in La cena

parental moral compromise
middle class hypocrisy
familial loyalty vs justice
violent teenage delinquency
performative social status

Citazioni da La cena

Beneath the veneer of polite conversation and gourmet food lies a darkness.
The restaurant itself becomes a battleground.
Paul's contempt for his brother's public persona is matched only by his dread.
Whatever he discovered made his head "grow cold" from the inside out.
The situation explodes when Babette suddenly wrenches her hand from Claire's grasp.

Personaggi di La cena

Paul LohmanThe narrator and cynical former teacher
Claire LohmanPaul's wife, described as sharp and observant
Serge LohmanPaul's brother and a prominent politician
Babette LohmanSerge's wife who appears emotionally distressed
Michel LohmanPaul and Claire's teenage son

Sull'autore

Herman Koch è l'autore olandese di bestseller de La cena ed è uno scrittore acclamato a livello internazionale, noto per i suoi thriller psicologici dalle tinte oscure. Nato nel 1953 ad Arnhem, nei Paesi Bassi, Koch modella narrazioni inquietanti che esplorano la moralità, la lealtà familiare e le profondità disturbanti della natura umana.

Il suo stile distintivo è caratterizzato da personaggi moralmente ambigui e da una prosa tagliente che costringe i lettori a confrontarsi con verità scomode sulla violenza, il cinismo e la facciata della rispettabilità.

Oltre alla scrittura, Koch è co-creatore della longeva serie comica televisiva olandese Jiskefet e ha recitato nel cinema e in televisione. Tra le sue altre opere degne di nota figurano Villetta con piscina e Caro signor M., che proseguono entrambi la sua esplorazione di protagonisti imperfetti intenti a difendere scelte discutibili.

La cena ha venduto oltre 2,5 milioni di copie in tutto il mondo, è rimasto per un anno nella classifica dei bestseller del New York Times ed è stato tradotto in 21 lingue. Il successo del romanzo ha portato a molteplici adattamenti cinematografici, tra cui una versione in lingua inglese del 2017 con Richard Gere e Laura Linney.

Scarica il riassunto di La cena

Ottieni il riassunto di La cena in formato PDF o EPUB gratuito. Stampalo o leggilo offline quando vuoi.

Agli utenti è piaciuto anche

Day after the Party

Nicole Trope

When the Bough Breaks

Jonathan Kellerman

Liane Moriarty

Chelsea G. Summers

Ann Patchett

Alice Feeney

Shantel Tessier

Long Island Compromise

Taffy Brodesser-Akner

FAQ su questo libro

Scopri di più

PIANO DI APPRENDIMENTO

The Anatomy of a Murderous Idea

This plan is essential for students of literature and philosophy seeking to understand the psychological depths of Crime and Punishment. It is ideal for anyone interested in the intersection of morality, criminal psychology, and the arduous path toward spiritual atonement.

1 h•3 Sezioni

PIANO DI APPRENDIMENTO

Johan Liebert

This plan provides a deep dive into criminal psychology and the mechanics of manipulation. It is ideal for students of psychology, true crime enthusiasts, or anyone seeking to understand the darkest aspects of human behavior.

5 h 34 m•4 Sezioni

PIANO DI APPRENDIMENTO

The Ethics of the Axe

This learning plan is essential for students of literature, philosophy, and psychology seeking to understand the dark intersection of ego and ethics. It provides a deep dive into the human psyche for anyone interested in the moral limits of intellectual ambition.

1 h•3 Sezioni

PIANO DI APPRENDIMENTO

Nature's Lethal Ambition

This plan offers a unique look at how humanity has harnessed nature's toxins for power, war, and status. It is ideal for history buffs, science enthusiasts, and true crime fans interested in the dark evolution of toxicology.

1 h 12 m•3 Sezioni

PIANO DI APPRENDIMENTO

Reading Dark Romance

Dark romance has emerged as a powerful literary genre that explores the shadows of human desire and complex relationship dynamics. This learning plan helps readers understand the psychological appeal of taboo themes, power imbalances, and morally ambiguous characters while developing critical analysis skills for this controversial but increasingly popular genre.

3 h 20 m•4 Sezioni

PIANO DI APPRENDIMENTO

The Long Shadow of the Holodomor

This plan is essential for anyone seeking to understand the historical roots of modern Eastern European tensions. It is ideal for students of history, political science, and human rights advocates exploring the impact of state-sponsored famine.

1 h 30 m•3 Sezioni

PIANO DI APPRENDIMENTO

Study John Kiriakou & CIA Operator Tactics

This plan offers a rare look into the high-stakes world of intelligence, bridging the gap between operational mastery and ethical integrity. It is essential for students of geopolitical history, aspiring intelligence analysts, or anyone interested in the moral dilemmas faced by those operating in the shadows.

6 h 2 m•4 Sezioni

PIANO DI APPRENDIMENTO

The Sociology of Morbid Curiosity

This learning plan provides a critical lens into the darker corners of digital social behavior and the collapse of traditional narratives. It is essential for sociologists, digital strategists, and cultural critics seeking to understand why modern audiences are drawn to transgression and chaos.

3 h 50 m•5 Sezioni

Creato da alumni della Columbia University a San Francisco

LOVED BY

1,000,000+ curious minds.

4.7

avg rating

1M+ learners

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

Scopri di piu su come si parla di BeFreed nel web

Creato da alumni della Columbia University a San Francisco

LOVED BY

1,000,000+ curious minds.

4.7

avg rating

1M+ learners

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

Scopri di piu su come si parla di BeFreed nel web

Inizia il tuo percorso di apprendimento, ora

Capitolo 4

La cena

PanoramicaPanoramica di La cena

Un libro. Tanti modi per ascoltarlo.

A Family Dinner That Will Haunt You Forever

The Reluctant Brother and the Prestigious Dinner

Vedi ogni parola mentre la ascolti

Pretension and Tension at the Restaurant

The Dark Secret Begins to Surface

Ottieni di più da La cena

The Horrific Truth Revealed

The Parents' Moral Failure

Vedi ogni parola mentre la ascolti

The Unraveling of Paul's Past

Blackmail and Betrayal

Ottieni di più da La cena

The Chilling Conclusion

The Inheritance of Violence

Hai raggiunto la fine di La cena

Temi chiave in La cena

Citazioni da La cena

Personaggi di La cena

Sull'autore

Scarica il riassunto di La cena

Agli utenti è piaciuto anche

FAQ su questo libro

What is The Dinner by Herman Koch about?

Who should read The Dinner by Herman Koch?

Is The Dinner by Herman Koch worth reading?

How does Herman Koch use structure to build suspense in The Dinner?

Scopri di più

1,000,000+ curious minds.

1,000,000+ curious minds.

Un libro. Tanti modi per ascoltarlo.

A Family Dinner That Will Haunt You Forever

The Reluctant Brother and the Prestigious Dinner

Vedi ogni parola mentre la ascolti

Pretension and Tension at the Restaurant

The Dark Secret Begins to Surface

Ottieni di più da La cena

The Horrific Truth Revealed

The Parents' Moral Failure

Vedi ogni parola mentre la ascolti

The Unraveling of Paul's Past

Blackmail and Betrayal

Ottieni di più da La cena

The Chilling Conclusion

The Inheritance of Violence

Hai raggiunto la fine di La cena

Agli utenti è piaciuto anche

Scopri di più

Panoramica di La cena