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On April 12, St. Martin’s Press released Brenda Janowitz’s fifth novel, titled The Dinner Party. While circling around its namesake, it is a story of family dysfunction, love, and acceptance. The Jewish household is relatable to any extended family for a story that is wonderful as a mother-daughter or women’s book club read.
Sylvia Gold is the matriarch of a well-to-do family in Greenwich. One of her daughters is bringing home a boyfriend for Passover Seder whose mother and father own most of the world’s banks. She intends to impress him and his parents with a fancy dinner and a spruced-up home. However, nothing goes according to plan and the night ends in complete disaster. Can they mend relations between family members and acquaintances, or are the connections permanently damaged?
I am a fortunate woman. My family is fairly drama-free. However, over the years I’ve noticed that many, especially larger, families often feel a strain in getting together for the holidays. Grievances are aired and old rotten memories are replayed. It’s hard for everyone to get along all the time. It’s a normal occurrence. This book really plays into that notion, but it also shows the love that all these people have for each other.
Even though Sylvia is more domineering than my own mother, I could feel the love she has for her children; emulating the love most mothers have for their kids. She wants what is best for them and is easily hurt when they don't put their trust in her. She is human, as are all the other characters in this novel. No one is one-sided; they all have dimension. You can feel what they feel and want better for them.
This book is well-written and a must read for loving families and women’s book clubs. I believe most women can relate to the love and frustration within its pages. Brenda Janowitz is a writer to watch. She brings out human emotion in her characters that makes you think about your own relationships. I highly recommend this book.