The Dinner Party

by Howard Fast

Ordinary events evolve into an intricate interplay of power and passion, idealism and ambition, when a prominent senator and his wife, their two college-age children, the wife's parents, and two key administration officials and their wives gather for dinner

Genres: Fiction, Novels

358 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 1987

About the author

Howard Fast was one of the most prolific American writers of the twentieth century. He was a bestselling author of more than eighty works of fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and screenplays. The son of immigrants, Fast grew up in New York City and published his first novel upon finishing high school in 1933. In 1950, his refusal to provide the United States Congress with a list of possible Communist associates earned him a three-month prison sentence. During his incarceration, Fast wrote one of his best-known novels, Spartacus (1951). Throughout his long career, Fast matched his commitment to championing social justice in his writing with a deft, lively storytelling style.

Pseudonyms: Walter Ericson, E.V. Cunningham

Reviews

[Piyangie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book while I was still in my teens. At that time I was too young to grasp the implications of the controversial themes the author addressed. I was very new to the concepts of homosexuality and the AIDS and this book was a sort of eye opener for me to the issues so hushed up by the society.
This was written at a relatively early time when awareness and acceptance of AIDS was felt necessary. Though I do not remember much of the story, I remember that I keenly felt the suffering and misfortune of Kid who was an AIDS victim and the difficulty he faced in confronting his parents about it. I also remember that after I read the book, I was quite undone for some time; a rare feeling I have experienced. I would love to read this again.

[Ellice · Rating 3 out of 5]

On the one hand, this book presents a pretty simplistic view of mid-1980s America, when Ronald Reagan was president and the AIDS epidemic was just getting started. Race relations, politics, old money--these are presented in a stereotypical way, and some of the characters are more like caricatures. Still, I did find myself wanting to know what happened, and engaged with certain characters, like Senator Cromwell. A product of its time, with some redeeming characteristics.

[Charles Duvel · Rating 2 out of 5]

My first time reading a Howard Fast novel. Since the novel was published in 1985 and the story pretty clearly reflects the thinking of the time regarding heavy topics like homosexuality and AIDS it is a bit dated. Still, I kept waiting for something dramatic to happen which never seemed to occur. Might be more for fans of Sydney Sheldon or someone. My final summation: Meh, did not do anything for me.

[Mary Daniels · Rating 3 out of 5]

First published in the mid-1980s, this novel is now badly dated, with its emphasis on homosexuality and the AIDS epidemic. However, it does illustrate that some of our most important moments involve human interactions and feelings rather than dramatic action. However, if you're new to the prolific writer Howard Fast, I suggest you start with "The Immigrants," the first in a long series that showcases Fast at his storytelling best.

[Maureen · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Senator and his wife and two children give a very fancy dinner party with some very influential people. The Senator and his son have never had a close relationship. What evolves at this dinner party is a relationship with his son that was never expected.
I found this book a little difficult to follow with all the different characters at the beginning. However, as I read on it was easier to understand.

[Ellen Barker · Rating 4 out of 5]

I missed this book when it came out in 1987. Thirty-seven years later, I picked it up and read it in two sittings. Howard Fast is a great writer, so of course it's great story-telling. But what struck me most that in 2024, it reads like an allegory for today.

[Angie · Rating 1 out of 5]

If this was a true Literary Guild featured alternate selection in the 80's, I have serious doubts about their choices. It was HORRID!! DO NOT BOTHER to try and read.

[Laura Padilla · Rating 1 out of 5]

The fact that the characters have VIH because they are gay it's awfully disgusting

[Laurie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this book over a long weekend while visiting my dad. The book was only okay and had I not wanted to find out how one particular problem was solved--the relationship between the senator and his son--I don't know if I would have finished this book. I think that I was expecting a story more like a Dominic Dunne historical fiction story. This book was not that. I do not know if I would read anymore by Howard Fast. I will say that this book did make me think about it for a few days after I finished it, so maybe it made more of an impact on me than I thought, i.e., that it is more memorable than I think it will be. Time will tell. I don't think I'd recommend it as "a good read".

[Angela Natividad · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm gonna start by saying Howard Fast is one of my favourite authors. In his The Immigrants series, which I read and reread when I was a kid like they were Narnia or something, Fast spent volumes exploring the topics he tries distilling in this short story: Race, sexuality, love, loyalty, family, politics, class, wealth and generational divides.

This doesn't hold a candle to the family epic he created there. It felt a little pedestrian, but I cried both times the kid with AIDS had to confront his parents. This isn't his best, but it's still damn good in-flight fare.

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting book, it takes place in the course of one day (and I was able to read it in a day), makes you think about values, politics, relationships and how people handle the prospect of death.

[Cws]

F Fas

[Kim Westheimer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just picked up this book at a library yard sale. Not the best written book in the world but despite tending toward a didactic tone the book engaged me and I read it in two days.

[Linda Branham · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very profound book. it all revolves around a dinner party... but many crises are occurring underneath the calm of the day. I don't want to spoil it but it is a good book

[Cindy · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was Howard Fast at his worst.

[Cindi · Rating 2 out of 5]

Only read it because my grandmother gave it to me. Definitely not my kind of book.

[Veronica Harris · Rating 2 out of 5]

(3)

[Papa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Love Howard Fast. Good book