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Six For Seven: A South African Dinner
What are you served for dinner while in the company of a lecherous reverend, an aging beauty queen, a gay lottery presenter, a guru, a shrink, a few reporters, and an odd assortment of South African parodies? Why, dinner of course! The rest is just dessert!
This novel takes a quirky look at South Africa, its inhabitants, and the comedy that is politics. This is what some real South Africans are like. Some you may like and they will be back in their own book series.
Do join us! Dinner is served, settle in, and get to know everyone at the table.
_________________________________________________
It's not a book just for South Africans, but for anyone with a keen sense of humour who appreciates a sharp wit. Six For Seven runs parallel to Aeonosphere so if you enjoy this one, Tom and Annie's story continues ....
This novel takes a quirky look at South Africa, its inhabitants, and the comedy that is politics. This is what some real South Africans are like. Some you may like and they will be back in their own book series.
Do join us! Dinner is served, settle in, and get to know everyone at the table.
_________________________________________________
It's not a book just for South Africans, but for anyone with a keen sense of humour who appreciates a sharp wit. Six For Seven runs parallel to Aeonosphere so if you enjoy this one, Tom and Annie's story continues ....
- GenresSouth AfricaFiction
318 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 23, 2014
7 people are currently reading
36 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
September 6, 2015
Almost the entirety of this novel takes place around a dining table where a number of disparate characters discuss, argue and flirt over a long meal. Naturally, much is said and even more is intimated by allowing us to be privy to the thoughts of those whose point of view we are currently reading. It makes for a most unusual book. Initially I admit I found some of the conversation stilted. Later I tried reading it to myself in my version of a South African accent (that’s where it’s set) and it began to feel more alive. I felt that the author got into his stride in the second half of the book which flowed much better for me.
The author admits to a quirky sense of humour. Much is based on puns which are not my thing at all so it wasn’t a rib-tickler for me but its strength lies in its illumination of the workings of the South African political scene and the lawlessness and police corruption which accompany it. That’s not to say it was a heavy-handed political diatribe – not a bit of it. Wry observation was interspersed with details of the personal lives of the diners. The denoument was a bold exploration of the following eighteen months. I don’t want to spoil it by saying how but I’ve not seen a story wrapped up in this way before. A good sneaky peek through a window on South Africa.
The author admits to a quirky sense of humour. Much is based on puns which are not my thing at all so it wasn’t a rib-tickler for me but its strength lies in its illumination of the workings of the South African political scene and the lawlessness and police corruption which accompany it. That’s not to say it was a heavy-handed political diatribe – not a bit of it. Wry observation was interspersed with details of the personal lives of the diners. The denoument was a bold exploration of the following eighteen months. I don’t want to spoil it by saying how but I’ve not seen a story wrapped up in this way before. A good sneaky peek through a window on South Africa.
October 10, 2015
Six For Seven certainly isn't the usual sort of book I would normally go for but for some reason the blurb intrigued me so I thought I would give it a go.
The story pretty much is a group of people sat round a table eating dinner, making small talk.
There is a variety of characters, some more interesting than others. Each chapter introduces the reader to each character and then alternates between them until the evening is over.
The story actually made me feel like I was also a part of the evening, getting to know each diner and party to all the stories they were telling.
The dinner conversation certainly was interesting, some parts more than others and with an underlying sense of humour in parts.
A few of the characters intrigued me and would certainly like to see more books with them in. I especially liked the chemistry that was going on between Tom and Annabelle and these two definitely deserve a novel of their own.
Six For Seven certainly made for a different and enjoyable read and would certainly read more by the author.
The story pretty much is a group of people sat round a table eating dinner, making small talk.
There is a variety of characters, some more interesting than others. Each chapter introduces the reader to each character and then alternates between them until the evening is over.
The story actually made me feel like I was also a part of the evening, getting to know each diner and party to all the stories they were telling.
The dinner conversation certainly was interesting, some parts more than others and with an underlying sense of humour in parts.
A few of the characters intrigued me and would certainly like to see more books with them in. I especially liked the chemistry that was going on between Tom and Annabelle and these two definitely deserve a novel of their own.
Six For Seven certainly made for a different and enjoyable read and would certainly read more by the author.
May 11, 2015
Really enjoyed this. An unusual book, for certain, and next to impossible to characterise, but a lot of fun regardless. A variety of figures sit down at the dinner table and one by one we enter their worlds and perch inside their minds as they parry the rapier-thrusts of repartee and try to guide the conversation where they want it to go. In less skilled hands, the gentle digs and the verbal dexterity might get tiresome, but because we have a chance to see inside these characters and understand what's going on underneath the rhetoric, it retains an enjoyable tension to the end. The characters themselves, for all their mutual participation in the kind of evening Oscar Wilde would have enjoyed, are varied and (with one notable exception) immensely likable; the exception is important: you don't want to like everyone.
This is probably one of the oddest books I'll read this year, but I suspect it will be one of the better ones, too.
This is probably one of the oddest books I'll read this year, but I suspect it will be one of the better ones, too.
August 2, 2015
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I throughly enjoyed this book. I am not familiar with the politics or way of life in South Africa so this book was both highly amusing and informative. I loved getting to know the quirky group of dinner guests as they got to know each other. This is such a unique book thanks to both the way it is written and the eclectic characters. I quickly grew fond of a number of the characters and I am thrilled to learn some of them will be returning. I laughed constantly while reading this book and will look forward to reading more from this author.
I throughly enjoyed this book. I am not familiar with the politics or way of life in South Africa so this book was both highly amusing and informative. I loved getting to know the quirky group of dinner guests as they got to know each other. This is such a unique book thanks to both the way it is written and the eclectic characters. I quickly grew fond of a number of the characters and I am thrilled to learn some of them will be returning. I laughed constantly while reading this book and will look forward to reading more from this author.
June 13, 2017
Read this review and more on my blog at [Roxie Writes].
'Six For Seven (647): A South African Dinner' by Jo Roderick
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5
Finished on June 5, 2017
GIVEN FREE COPY IN EXCHANGE FOR HONEST REVIEW
FREE on Kindle Unlimited | $3.99 on Kindle | $13.49 in Paperback
BOOK DESCRIPTION:
What are you served for dinner while in the company of a lecherous reverend, an aging beauty queen, a gay lottery presenter, a guru, a shrink, a few reporters, and an odd assortment of South African parodies? Why, dinner of course! The rest is just dessert!
At the Wynberghs' well-to-do home, they host a dinner party with friends. Getting to know one another, sparks new friendships, relationships, and discussions about life in turbulent South Africa.
MY REVIEW:
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
My best friend is South African, so I know a little about what life is like there. But since I have never been there myself, and since the American school system doesn't teach much more than a basic, peripheral lesson about apartheid and Nelson Mandela (or at least that was my experience), I don't know as much as I should. It was an enlightening experience reading this novel and getting a better, more cohesive glimpse into life as a South African. It was insightful while still being humorous and a compelling look into human nature.
Roderick's characters are interesting and well-developed. I liked how each chapter is devoted to a single character's point of view. The majority of this novel is made up of dialect, and he writes dialog well. It flows naturally and feels like what you would experience at an actual, real-life dinner party. The only parts that felt slightly stilted to me were the inner dialog. Perhaps I'm odd, but I've never been someone who has such intense inner-speak with myself like these characters do. I mean, I get why they do it -- to keep the flow of the narrative going -- but after a while, I felt like it was sort of beating me over the head with it.
This is a satirical novel, I understand that, and the majority of this book is quite funny. Roderick seems to have a pretty good sense of humor. As I said before, I don't know much about what life in South Africa is like, so there was a lot of stuff I couldn't grasp completely, but there was something I didn't find funny -- the way they joked about mental health. One of the characters is a therapist. She speaks very condescendingly about her patients, and when the other partygoers speak derogatory of them, too, even calling them names, she does nothing to stand up for them. As someone who has seen mental health professionals for decades, I sincerely hope that none of them speak about me or any of their patients like that when they are off the clock. It's extremely unprofessional and, frankly, gross. Perhaps the culture is different in South Africa, and I'm simply not understanding something about it, but I'd like to think that stuff like that is universally frowned upon. I would have liked to see one character -- just one -- stand up and say something about how it wasn't cool to say those things, but no one did, and it was highly disappointing to me.
With that said, overall, I still enjoyed this book. Roderick crafts characters well and writes dialog even better. Concluding the book with newspaper articles was a unique touch, too. I look forward to reading more of his work and finding out what the fate of some of these characters may be.
'Six For Seven (647): A South African Dinner' by Jo Roderick
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5
Finished on June 5, 2017
GIVEN FREE COPY IN EXCHANGE FOR HONEST REVIEW
FREE on Kindle Unlimited | $3.99 on Kindle | $13.49 in Paperback
BOOK DESCRIPTION:
What are you served for dinner while in the company of a lecherous reverend, an aging beauty queen, a gay lottery presenter, a guru, a shrink, a few reporters, and an odd assortment of South African parodies? Why, dinner of course! The rest is just dessert!
At the Wynberghs' well-to-do home, they host a dinner party with friends. Getting to know one another, sparks new friendships, relationships, and discussions about life in turbulent South Africa.
MY REVIEW:
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
My best friend is South African, so I know a little about what life is like there. But since I have never been there myself, and since the American school system doesn't teach much more than a basic, peripheral lesson about apartheid and Nelson Mandela (or at least that was my experience), I don't know as much as I should. It was an enlightening experience reading this novel and getting a better, more cohesive glimpse into life as a South African. It was insightful while still being humorous and a compelling look into human nature.
Roderick's characters are interesting and well-developed. I liked how each chapter is devoted to a single character's point of view. The majority of this novel is made up of dialect, and he writes dialog well. It flows naturally and feels like what you would experience at an actual, real-life dinner party. The only parts that felt slightly stilted to me were the inner dialog. Perhaps I'm odd, but I've never been someone who has such intense inner-speak with myself like these characters do. I mean, I get why they do it -- to keep the flow of the narrative going -- but after a while, I felt like it was sort of beating me over the head with it.
This is a satirical novel, I understand that, and the majority of this book is quite funny. Roderick seems to have a pretty good sense of humor. As I said before, I don't know much about what life in South Africa is like, so there was a lot of stuff I couldn't grasp completely, but there was something I didn't find funny -- the way they joked about mental health. One of the characters is a therapist. She speaks very condescendingly about her patients, and when the other partygoers speak derogatory of them, too, even calling them names, she does nothing to stand up for them. As someone who has seen mental health professionals for decades, I sincerely hope that none of them speak about me or any of their patients like that when they are off the clock. It's extremely unprofessional and, frankly, gross. Perhaps the culture is different in South Africa, and I'm simply not understanding something about it, but I'd like to think that stuff like that is universally frowned upon. I would have liked to see one character -- just one -- stand up and say something about how it wasn't cool to say those things, but no one did, and it was highly disappointing to me.
With that said, overall, I still enjoyed this book. Roderick crafts characters well and writes dialog even better. Concluding the book with newspaper articles was a unique touch, too. I look forward to reading more of his work and finding out what the fate of some of these characters may be.
September 28, 2015
This is another book that I am at a loss as to what to say about initially. During reading a book I have been asked to review, I occasionally make notes about things I want to say in my review, or at least have some idea about what I am going to say once I have finished but, apart from "I thoroughly enjoyed reading it" I came away from the book initially thinking nothing, And that, I believe is how it should be. There should be no room for formulating a review during reading. It is important to read the whole to be able to discuss a book (the main reason I do not review books I don't finish). What this also illustrates is that this book captivated my attention completely - it helped that I was stuck on a plane for most of the time! Anyway, I am just going to ramble on and see where this takes me...
The book is set during a dinner party. We have the hosts, their employees and guests. An eclectic mix of people. Among the guests we find a guru, a reverend, a psychologist, two journalists and a celebrity couple all very different people and, over deliciously prepared meals, we see them discuss and debate all the taboo subjects, whilst also (some anyway) gratuitously flirting with each other. All this taking place in spoken word and actions whilst, as the reader, we are also privy to certain characters' inner dialogue which spices it up somewhat. Sparks fly, people are offended, connections are made. There is a good deal of politics and corruption, religion, and sexuality discussed but, instead of being preachy, it is delivered in such a way as to be often tongue-in-cheek and so doesn't come across as heavy. I would say that it gave me a small peek into South Africa and her ways and lifestyles but with the reservation that the data stems only from one source.
The characterisation was brilliant. All the different characters were well described and unique. The way they interacted and debated felt real and true to their individual personalities. Some of the observations into the ways of life were also brilliant especially those about the less political subjects - perfectly parodied. Each chapter is written from the perspective of one of the characters and was done in a way that the transition between chapters was seamless and did not come across as forced. By the end of the meal (and coffee) I found that I had got to know several of the characters quite well and I actually felt like I was sat in the room with them at times.
I also found the author's style of writing very easy for me to read. Whether it is the language used (local words notwithstanding) or us being on the same wavelength with regard to humour and social observation, I don't know. I don't need to analyse it either. Whatever it was, it just worked.
And the end of the book, the newspaper clippings of what happened next (near and distant future) to some of the characters was brilliant. Much better than a chapter each in an epilogue - hats off to the author for that!
I understand that the author is taking some of these characters on into future books. I would definitely be up for reading more about them, Especially Tom who I believe already has his own series starting. Definitely putting that book on my TBR.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The book is set during a dinner party. We have the hosts, their employees and guests. An eclectic mix of people. Among the guests we find a guru, a reverend, a psychologist, two journalists and a celebrity couple all very different people and, over deliciously prepared meals, we see them discuss and debate all the taboo subjects, whilst also (some anyway) gratuitously flirting with each other. All this taking place in spoken word and actions whilst, as the reader, we are also privy to certain characters' inner dialogue which spices it up somewhat. Sparks fly, people are offended, connections are made. There is a good deal of politics and corruption, religion, and sexuality discussed but, instead of being preachy, it is delivered in such a way as to be often tongue-in-cheek and so doesn't come across as heavy. I would say that it gave me a small peek into South Africa and her ways and lifestyles but with the reservation that the data stems only from one source.
The characterisation was brilliant. All the different characters were well described and unique. The way they interacted and debated felt real and true to their individual personalities. Some of the observations into the ways of life were also brilliant especially those about the less political subjects - perfectly parodied. Each chapter is written from the perspective of one of the characters and was done in a way that the transition between chapters was seamless and did not come across as forced. By the end of the meal (and coffee) I found that I had got to know several of the characters quite well and I actually felt like I was sat in the room with them at times.
I also found the author's style of writing very easy for me to read. Whether it is the language used (local words notwithstanding) or us being on the same wavelength with regard to humour and social observation, I don't know. I don't need to analyse it either. Whatever it was, it just worked.
And the end of the book, the newspaper clippings of what happened next (near and distant future) to some of the characters was brilliant. Much better than a chapter each in an epilogue - hats off to the author for that!
I understand that the author is taking some of these characters on into future books. I would definitely be up for reading more about them, Especially Tom who I believe already has his own series starting. Definitely putting that book on my TBR.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 11, 2016
I received this book for free for an honest review. This is not my usual type of read, but I really enjoyed it.
It seemed strange that an entire book could be set at a dinner party- but it worked. We get to meet the characters as the guests arrive and throughout the evening and the different courses we pop in and out of their heads, getting to know them from the inside so to speak as well as through the eyes of the others. The conversation is fast paced and funny and the people feel like real people you might know, all be it somewhat exaggerated at times.
I also liked the quirkiness of the end and I will definitely be looking out for more by this author.
My one quibble is that at times the usual kindle spelling/grammar mistakes appear and they do grate a bit as it can interrupt the flow
It seemed strange that an entire book could be set at a dinner party- but it worked. We get to meet the characters as the guests arrive and throughout the evening and the different courses we pop in and out of their heads, getting to know them from the inside so to speak as well as through the eyes of the others. The conversation is fast paced and funny and the people feel like real people you might know, all be it somewhat exaggerated at times.
I also liked the quirkiness of the end and I will definitely be looking out for more by this author.
My one quibble is that at times the usual kindle spelling/grammar mistakes appear and they do grate a bit as it can interrupt the flow
July 2, 2015
The author introduces you to a number of characters quite early on but it didn't take long before I knew them. I loved how this book progressed. It takes skill to keep a reader hooked all the way through a book when there isn't big action taking place. The conversations were great and the humour kept a grin on my face throughout, one of my favourite examples of this humour is: "My shoes taste terrible! I must find a tastier brand if I am going to keep embarrassing myself with such rampant regularity." I love the way the author wove the threads of their lives through the story so each new chapter brought a little more of each character. I have to say I am very curious about Tom & Annabelle. I have already picked up another book by this author on my kindle and look forward to reading it.
August 14, 2015
One day we will probably have Amazon Kuisine and be able to eat the food in books. I loved this dinner party and was only sorry I couldn't try the food. The author gives us prologue notes explaining this is not an average novel. The layout and technique worked perfectly on my Kindle and I enjoyed the thoughts of all the diners. Without giving anything away we draw right back at the end and the reader is in for a few shocks.
I would like to read more by this writer.
I would like to read more by this writer.
May 4, 2015
This book is really funny. It is out of the ordinary so maybe not everyone will agree, but it is well written and flows well. There are lots of characters and I like the way each chapter tells me which one is the focus. The surprise is how the book ends. Guess youll have to wait and read it. NO SPOILERS!
May 17, 2015
I was lucky enough to get a copy of this through THE book club and really enjoyed it. I knew very little of SA but felt the characters gave a good insight into what it was like to live in SA. The book was funny and flowed like a real dinner party. The ending was very well done. I would highly recommend.
May 9, 2015
Being South African I was curious about the book. Some of the characters are a bit over the top but really funny. The politics are sadly a real issue for our country. This comedy novel is a little out of the mainstream but very wellwritten. The end of the book is especially interesting. I found the book very satisfying.
May 12, 2015
What a dinner party! I'd love to be invited to a dinner party with such a diverse mix of characters.
I enjoyed this book. The writing was so beautifully descriptive that I could picture the house and gardens.
This book has made me want to discover more about the history and geography of South Africa.
I would definitely recommend this book to my friends.
I enjoyed this book. The writing was so beautifully descriptive that I could picture the house and gardens.
This book has made me want to discover more about the history and geography of South Africa.
I would definitely recommend this book to my friends.
August 19, 2016
I actually really enjoyed this book. It is very different, well written and funny. I have very little knowledge of the South African setting for the dinner party, but actually that didn't matter at all. A really interesting, thoroughly enjoyable read. I received a copy from THE Book Club in exchange for an honest review.
May 5, 2015
I thoroughly enjoyed the banter in this book. The author has a wicked sense of humor and it shows. It is an interesting look into life in South Africa. The end of the book holds a few surprises for the reader.
October 7, 2015
An excellent book, well worth a read - now I'm hungry.
January 28, 2024
People are invited to a dinner. The book tells about the people and their thoughts as they relate to the others at the party
December 15, 2016
This book introduces you to numerous people at a dinner party being held in South Africia and the variety of personalities that people have sad how they interact.
I enjoyed this book which does covers some big issues but in no real depth as it is I believe book 1 in a series. It is definately well worth the read.
I enjoyed this book which does covers some big issues but in no real depth as it is I believe book 1 in a series. It is definately well worth the read.
May 13, 2015
An unusual and amusing comedy of manners set in South Africa. Not my usual choice of book but it is a clever concept and I was very taken by the lively dialogue and characters.
Looking forward to seeing what else Mr Roderick has up his sleeve.
Looking forward to seeing what else Mr Roderick has up his sleeve.
January 3, 2017
Great book
Entertaining, very different from everything I read before, great way to get to know some cultural background of South Africa
Really recommend it
Entertaining, very different from everything I read before, great way to get to know some cultural background of South Africa
Really recommend it
April 1, 2017
This was very different from my normal read so I wasn't sure if I was going to enjoy it. I needn't have worried it was great.
The book is set in South Africa and an evening meal where you are introduced to each of the characters one by one, and then each chapter alternates between each of them throughout the evening. It worked really well as you got a great insight into individuals personalities, it was interesting to see how some of them tried to steer the conversations there way or push their points of view on others. There are a mixture of subjects discussed, including politics which I found fascinating.
Overall a great book, 4.5 stars rounded up to 5.
The book is set in South Africa and an evening meal where you are introduced to each of the characters one by one, and then each chapter alternates between each of them throughout the evening. It worked really well as you got a great insight into individuals personalities, it was interesting to see how some of them tried to steer the conversations there way or push their points of view on others. There are a mixture of subjects discussed, including politics which I found fascinating.
Overall a great book, 4.5 stars rounded up to 5.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews