THE DINNER

Narrator Clive Mantle skillfully delivers the story of two brothers, Paul and Serge, and their wives, Claire and Babette, as they dine in a swanky Amsterdam restaurant. From the perspective of Paul, we learn that the couples are grappling with how to handle a horrific act committed by their 15-year-old sons. The situation is complicated by the fact that Serge is a politician. Mantle portrays the individuality of each spouse and captures the tensions surrounding this family crisis. Descriptions of the dining experience and tangential backstories keep listeners in suspense about the malevolent deed for the first three hours of the book. While potentially tiresome in print, this part of the story is made engaging for listeners by the narration. Mantle’s delivery elevates the plot twists, moral dilemmas, and family relationships, making this a feast worth attending. K.C.R. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2013, Portland, Maine [Published: MARCH 2013]