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The Dinner Party
This Passover Seder is not just any Passover Seder. Yes, there will be a quick service and then a festive meal afterwards, but this night is different from all other nights. This will be the night the Golds of Greenwich meet the Rothschilds of New York City.
The Rothschilds are the stuff of legends. They control banks, own vineyards in Napa, diamond mines in Africa, and even an organic farm somewhere in the Midwest that produces the most popular Romaine lettuce consumed in this country. And now, Sylvia Gold's daughter is dating one of them.
When Sylvia finds out that her youngest of three is going to bring her new boyfriend to the Seder, she's giddy. When she finds out that his parents are coming, too, she darn near faints. Making a good impression is all she thinks about. Well, almost. She still has to consider her other daughter, Sarah, who'll be coming with her less than appropriate beau and his overly dramatic Italian mother. But the drama won't stop there. Because despite the food and the wine, despite the new linen and the fresh flowers, the holidays are about family. Long forgotten memories come to the surface. Old grievances play out. And Sylvia Gold has to learn how to let her family go.
The Rothschilds are the stuff of legends. They control banks, own vineyards in Napa, diamond mines in Africa, and even an organic farm somewhere in the Midwest that produces the most popular Romaine lettuce consumed in this country. And now, Sylvia Gold's daughter is dating one of them.
When Sylvia finds out that her youngest of three is going to bring her new boyfriend to the Seder, she's giddy. When she finds out that his parents are coming, too, she darn near faints. Making a good impression is all she thinks about. Well, almost. She still has to consider her other daughter, Sarah, who'll be coming with her less than appropriate beau and his overly dramatic Italian mother. But the drama won't stop there. Because despite the food and the wine, despite the new linen and the fresh flowers, the holidays are about family. Long forgotten memories come to the surface. Old grievances play out. And Sylvia Gold has to learn how to let her family go.
304 pages, Paperback
First published April 26, 2016
135 people are currently reading
3578 people want to read
About the author
Brenda Janowitz
16 books821 followersBrenda is the author of eight novels, including THE GRACE KELLY DRESS, which has been optioned for film by Hallmark/ Crown Media, and THE AUDREY HEPBURN ESTATE, which was chosen as the Reader’s Choice by the CBS New York Book Club with Mary Calvi. Her work has also appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Real Simple, The Sunday Times (UK), Salon, Redbook, USA Today, Bustle, The Forward, the New York Post, Publisher’s Weekly, Hello Giggles, Writer’s Digest Magazine, WritersDigest.com, and xojane. She is the former Books Correspondent for PopSugar.
Brenda attended Cornell University and Hofstra Law School, where she was a member of the Law Review. Upon graduation from Hofstra, worked for the law firm Kaye Scholer, LLP, and did a federal clerkship with the Honorable Marilyn Dolan Go, United States Magistrate Judge for the Eastern District of New York.
Brenda attended Cornell University and Hofstra Law School, where she was a member of the Law Review. Upon graduation from Hofstra, worked for the law firm Kaye Scholer, LLP, and did a federal clerkship with the Honorable Marilyn Dolan Go, United States Magistrate Judge for the Eastern District of New York.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 288 reviews
April 21, 2019
Oh My!!!
A delicious holiday family ‘drama-dinner’ from hell....
with plausible - beguiling - flawed - lovable characters. ...
with laughable - embarrassing/cringing dialogue scenes, dipped in warmth.
“The Dinner Party” is witty and charming. It’s filled with relatable family dynamics.
TOTALLY ENJOYABLE page turning family novel.
Sylvia and Alan Gold were having a Seder gathering for Passover at their house in Greenwich, Connecticut.
Sylvia > bossy, righteous, controlling - *Matriarch-Goddess* planned an “elevated holiday meal”.....fancier & flashier than all past years....
because....
their youngest daughter, Becca’s new boyfriend was a Rothschild.
Sylvia wanted to present her home, her family, in a certain way: “elevated”!!
For over a month - Sylvia spent energy and money preparing to impress the Rothschilds family. Henry was coming with his parents.
Sylvia went all out:
A cleaning crew came came to dry clean the draperies. Painters freshen things up. Rugs were professionally cleaned. New towels in the bathrooms.
Special cloth napkins and cocktail napkins were purchased.
The Silver was polished, flowers bought, and an ‘elevated’ chef was hired to cook and serve the meal.
Alan: He’s a medical doctor and a son of Holocaust parents. His kindness towards his family is huge.
He genuinely is understanding for everyone’s quirks. But don’t ask him to kill any bugs.
Sarah, the oldest child said to her mother....
“This isn’t a Seder, it’s a dinner party”.
Ouch!! - but true!!!
Henry being a Rothschild was very important to Sylvia. Very image oriented.
Even when Sylvia learned that
Henry didn’t attend school - was expelled from Florida State for cheating - didn’t work - didn’t do charity work - wasn’t embarrassed- nor ashamed ....
Sylvia was still too enamored by the fact that Henry was *A Rothschild*!
Others attending the ‘dinner party’:
Sarah - the oldest daughter of the Golds. She’s watching her mother bend over backward for her sister, Becca’s ‘special’ beau, Henry Rothschild...
but barely acknowledges
Sara’s, Italian-American-boyfriend and his family’s existence.
Joe - Sarah’s non-Jewish live-in boyfriend.
Not a prize for Sylvia’s daughter.
Valentina - Joe’s mother.....
NOT a ‘Sylvia-prize-guest’. But...Valentina has some killer-funny-embarrassing lines!
Not attending - Dominic, Joe’s Father ( he’s in prison for two months for ‘accidentally’ shooting a cousin while hunting). Sylvia’s ‘hide-away wish’ - from the Rothschild’s family.
Dominique is definitely a ‘no-prize’ for goodie-too-shoes judgmental- Sylvia.
Others attending:
Ursella and Edmond Rothschild ( Henry’s parents): Down to earth people. Sylvia could take a lesson.
Ursella doesn’t try to hide the fact that she thinks her son Henry is a lazy slacker.
Edmond wants to give his son a break - leave him be.
Chef Michael: his food choices - Frog Legs - to represent the pharaoh in Egypt - was ‘not’ a hit prize traditional Jewish food choice.
Sylvia want to kill her Chef.
Plus, he couldn’t cook or prepare the traditional dishes nearly as well as Sylvia...
So what was the point?
Giedon: Golden middle child/son of the Gold family. He’s wasn’t an expected guest. He’d been in Sri Lanka as a volunteer physician working with ‘Doctors Without Borders’.
He surprised his family and made it home after all.
Just in time to be part of the drama.
This was my first book by Brenda Janowitz ...
In honor of Passover - I thought it might be fun to read. It was!!!
Nobody needs to be Jewish to enjoy this novel. The characters are believable - even with some
tongue in cheek moments.
Most likely memories will surface for many Jews... from years of Passover dinners themselves... it did for me....
but there is something in this novel for everybody.
I enjoyed the subtleties of the family generations. There are reasons parents parent the way they do.
Janowitz’s storytelling included just enough background about each set of parents - rich - poor - war - or not - Jewish - or not.
The background created compassion for how nutty and lovable our families can be.
Happy Passover and or Easter to all!!!
A delicious holiday family ‘drama-dinner’ from hell....
with plausible - beguiling - flawed - lovable characters. ...
with laughable - embarrassing/cringing dialogue scenes, dipped in warmth.
“The Dinner Party” is witty and charming. It’s filled with relatable family dynamics.
TOTALLY ENJOYABLE page turning family novel.
Sylvia and Alan Gold were having a Seder gathering for Passover at their house in Greenwich, Connecticut.
Sylvia > bossy, righteous, controlling - *Matriarch-Goddess* planned an “elevated holiday meal”.....fancier & flashier than all past years....
because....
their youngest daughter, Becca’s new boyfriend was a Rothschild.
Sylvia wanted to present her home, her family, in a certain way: “elevated”!!
For over a month - Sylvia spent energy and money preparing to impress the Rothschilds family. Henry was coming with his parents.
Sylvia went all out:
A cleaning crew came came to dry clean the draperies. Painters freshen things up. Rugs were professionally cleaned. New towels in the bathrooms.
Special cloth napkins and cocktail napkins were purchased.
The Silver was polished, flowers bought, and an ‘elevated’ chef was hired to cook and serve the meal.
Alan: He’s a medical doctor and a son of Holocaust parents. His kindness towards his family is huge.
He genuinely is understanding for everyone’s quirks. But don’t ask him to kill any bugs.
Sarah, the oldest child said to her mother....
“This isn’t a Seder, it’s a dinner party”.
Ouch!! - but true!!!
Henry being a Rothschild was very important to Sylvia. Very image oriented.
Even when Sylvia learned that
Henry didn’t attend school - was expelled from Florida State for cheating - didn’t work - didn’t do charity work - wasn’t embarrassed- nor ashamed ....
Sylvia was still too enamored by the fact that Henry was *A Rothschild*!
Others attending the ‘dinner party’:
Sarah - the oldest daughter of the Golds. She’s watching her mother bend over backward for her sister, Becca’s ‘special’ beau, Henry Rothschild...
but barely acknowledges
Sara’s, Italian-American-boyfriend and his family’s existence.
Joe - Sarah’s non-Jewish live-in boyfriend.
Not a prize for Sylvia’s daughter.
Valentina - Joe’s mother.....
NOT a ‘Sylvia-prize-guest’. But...Valentina has some killer-funny-embarrassing lines!
Not attending - Dominic, Joe’s Father ( he’s in prison for two months for ‘accidentally’ shooting a cousin while hunting). Sylvia’s ‘hide-away wish’ - from the Rothschild’s family.
Dominique is definitely a ‘no-prize’ for goodie-too-shoes judgmental- Sylvia.
Others attending:
Ursella and Edmond Rothschild ( Henry’s parents): Down to earth people. Sylvia could take a lesson.
Ursella doesn’t try to hide the fact that she thinks her son Henry is a lazy slacker.
Edmond wants to give his son a break - leave him be.
Chef Michael: his food choices - Frog Legs - to represent the pharaoh in Egypt - was ‘not’ a hit prize traditional Jewish food choice.
Sylvia want to kill her Chef.
Plus, he couldn’t cook or prepare the traditional dishes nearly as well as Sylvia...
So what was the point?
Giedon: Golden middle child/son of the Gold family. He’s wasn’t an expected guest. He’d been in Sri Lanka as a volunteer physician working with ‘Doctors Without Borders’.
He surprised his family and made it home after all.
Just in time to be part of the drama.
This was my first book by Brenda Janowitz ...
In honor of Passover - I thought it might be fun to read. It was!!!
Nobody needs to be Jewish to enjoy this novel. The characters are believable - even with some
tongue in cheek moments.
Most likely memories will surface for many Jews... from years of Passover dinners themselves... it did for me....
but there is something in this novel for everybody.
I enjoyed the subtleties of the family generations. There are reasons parents parent the way they do.
Janowitz’s storytelling included just enough background about each set of parents - rich - poor - war - or not - Jewish - or not.
The background created compassion for how nutty and lovable our families can be.
Happy Passover and or Easter to all!!!
March 27, 2017
$6.76 for paperback on amazon now 3/27- wonderful book https://www.facebook.com/suzyapproved...
July 14, 2019
If you like reading about (minor) family dramas and enjoy holiday celebrations, this book is for you. It was, in fact, the description of the Jew celebrations what I found more interesting and of course, the wonderful idea that people from different religions can get along just fine.
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August 17, 2017
Brenda Janowitz has woven together a beautiful tale about family, secrets, and forgiveness in a manner that only a master storyteller can do.
The story begins with Passover Seder but it's not just any Seder because the Gold family is entertaining THE Rothschilds of New York. Sylvia Gold literally is the typical mother as she busies and prepares and retouches her home and worries and begins again until the final moments before her guests arrive. As they walk through door each guest brings with them their own secrets, their own worries and tensions until you can feel it smoldering off the pages. Naturally these secrets must come out - you knew this, right? It's family. There is turmoil, grief, anger and hurt feelings.
The story ends with Rosh Hashanah, the Last Supper. For members of the Gold and Rothschilds families it would appear to be more literal than figurative. But what happens to these families is nothing short of a miracle.
While the story revolves around Jewish holidays, the message is universal: love, forgiveness, family and turning the other cheek. Janowitz handles all of these with humor and grace. I hope you will like this story as much as I did.
The story begins with Passover Seder but it's not just any Seder because the Gold family is entertaining THE Rothschilds of New York. Sylvia Gold literally is the typical mother as she busies and prepares and retouches her home and worries and begins again until the final moments before her guests arrive. As they walk through door each guest brings with them their own secrets, their own worries and tensions until you can feel it smoldering off the pages. Naturally these secrets must come out - you knew this, right? It's family. There is turmoil, grief, anger and hurt feelings.
The story ends with Rosh Hashanah, the Last Supper. For members of the Gold and Rothschilds families it would appear to be more literal than figurative. But what happens to these families is nothing short of a miracle.
While the story revolves around Jewish holidays, the message is universal: love, forgiveness, family and turning the other cheek. Janowitz handles all of these with humor and grace. I hope you will like this story as much as I did.
April 26, 2016
It's fitting that I read The Dinner Party during the first days of Passover. Really, I read it in less than a day, if you don't count the time spent in a Seder or sleeping. I just couldn't put it down! The short chapters that alternated between the large cast of characters helped things along, as I wanted to see what was happening for everyone throughout the story. Each chapter gave a lot of valuable information that built up to the climactic moment.
The family dynamic in this story was great and felt realistic. I remember being in a situation similar to Sarah's when I was only a little younger than she is. I'm just thankful that Sylvia wasn't my mother. Despite her being a primary character, it was hard to find her likable through most of the story. Perhaps that was the catalyst that moved everything along, and she did have some sympathetic moments. I was seeing her through Sarah's eyes a lot. In any case, I found her character shift to be interesting and a bit surprising, based on what she was like when she and Alan first met.
I loved all the descriptions of location and food, and even enjoyed picturing some of the fashion choices. I could definitely relate to a lot of the Jewish factors and understood the humor at certain times throughout. The book had a This is Where I Leave You feel, even though I've only seen the movie.
I'll admit it's my first time reading a Brenda Janowitz novel, but it won't be my last!
In case Hollywood comes calling...
Sylvia: Jennifer Grey
Alan: Victor Garber
Valentina: Annabella Sciorra
Sarah: Lola Kirke
Becca: AnnaSophia Robb
Henry: Emory Cohen
Joe: Miles Teller
Gideon: Skylar Astin
Ursella: Lisa Kudrow
Edmond: Elias Koteas
The family dynamic in this story was great and felt realistic. I remember being in a situation similar to Sarah's when I was only a little younger than she is. I'm just thankful that Sylvia wasn't my mother. Despite her being a primary character, it was hard to find her likable through most of the story. Perhaps that was the catalyst that moved everything along, and she did have some sympathetic moments. I was seeing her through Sarah's eyes a lot. In any case, I found her character shift to be interesting and a bit surprising, based on what she was like when she and Alan first met.
I loved all the descriptions of location and food, and even enjoyed picturing some of the fashion choices. I could definitely relate to a lot of the Jewish factors and understood the humor at certain times throughout. The book had a This is Where I Leave You feel, even though I've only seen the movie.
I'll admit it's my first time reading a Brenda Janowitz novel, but it won't be my last!
In case Hollywood comes calling...
Sylvia: Jennifer Grey
Alan: Victor Garber
Valentina: Annabella Sciorra
Sarah: Lola Kirke
Becca: AnnaSophia Robb
Henry: Emory Cohen
Joe: Miles Teller
Gideon: Skylar Astin
Ursella: Lisa Kudrow
Edmond: Elias Koteas
April 21, 2016
The tension in this book is subtle. For the first part of the novel, the tension comes from a family wanting to impress another family at Seder. The Golds’ daughter, Becca, is dating Henry, who is a Rothschild—a prominent family. Becca is hard-working and going to medical school, but Henry got kicked out of college and now is doing nothing—not working, not going to school, and not worrying about his future one bit. Other tension in the book comes from another daughter, Sarah, being with a non-Jew who took over his father’s garage, which is not prestigious enough for Sarah’s mother. There is a son, Gideon, who is in Sri Lanka with Doctors Without Borders. The family drama is understated and sometimes you just what to throttle these people, but it’s an interesting read.
April 21, 2019
I bet Sylvia Gold designed the cover of this book. Funny and poignant story about the dreaded holiday gathering. Golden child Gideon, Stuck in the middle child Sarah, and Baby Becca all bring their significant others to Passover dinner and we watch the good time roll or rather unfurl. Each member of the gathering has enough baggage to fulfill a Louis Vuitton dream come true. The perfect Martha Stewart dinner complete with fried frog legs to represent the plagues of Egypt rapidly unravels as resentment grace the table instead of chopped liver.
Janowitz captures the nuances of each child and their place in the family- the powerful expectations demanded of them by their family members and the unreal pressures that squash the life from them. What should be a dinner filled with the traditions and joy of holidays celebrated with the ones you love deteriorates into a casserole of hurt and disappointment.
The book ends with another holiday dinner, bringing resolution to some and not to others, making it a realistic microcosm of life in any household on any holiday, regardless of religion. Read in a few hours with some laugh out loud moments, as well as a few cringe-worthy in-law situations.
Janowitz captures the nuances of each child and their place in the family- the powerful expectations demanded of them by their family members and the unreal pressures that squash the life from them. What should be a dinner filled with the traditions and joy of holidays celebrated with the ones you love deteriorates into a casserole of hurt and disappointment.
The book ends with another holiday dinner, bringing resolution to some and not to others, making it a realistic microcosm of life in any household on any holiday, regardless of religion. Read in a few hours with some laugh out loud moments, as well as a few cringe-worthy in-law situations.
May 30, 2016
I was in the mood for something light and fluffy and this was certainly that.
Yes, it was kind of a sweet little family saga, but ultimately the plotting and characterisations were so un-nuanced, full of clichés and stereotypes that you could just see every twist coming a mile off, and nothing really convinced. And the writing itself was pretty basic.
I was going to say that Jewish people aren't really like this, but then I don't think people are really like this full stop.
It passed a couple of hours. And I've read worse.
Yes, it was kind of a sweet little family saga, but ultimately the plotting and characterisations were so un-nuanced, full of clichés and stereotypes that you could just see every twist coming a mile off, and nothing really convinced. And the writing itself was pretty basic.
I was going to say that Jewish people aren't really like this, but then I don't think people are really like this full stop.
It passed a couple of hours. And I've read worse.
October 25, 2016
This hilarious story of a family seder where anything can happen -- and does - will have you laughing out loud at the drama and comedy of a family get-together (we can all relate!) So much fun!
May 5, 2016
I don't know what I was expecting - but a contemporary novel involving a Jewish family prepping for Pesach! I wanted to read it.
This is a stereotype-ridden romance novel, lazily written. Spoiled rich boy who can't manage as an adult; social climbing mother who spurns the loving partner of one daughter solely b/c he's not of the tribe; handsome older doctor who only loves the nurse who's too busy for him; and on. Even with 15 minutes of my lunch break left, I went back to work rather than read more. If you know me, that says a lot . . .
Apologies to readers who love this book, and to Janowitz who surely put work into it. it's just not for me. I might soldier on, given the season. If later chapters win me over, I'll recant.
Toast points at the seder table? And the whole thing about the 4 questions - The youngest recites the 4 questions. So, it's not big deal that the big sister would prefer not to. This whole book feels like the 1950s, despite its contemporary setting. The timing is incongruent - The mother wouldn't have marched with MLK if she's about 50 now and has kids in their 20s. I know it's a heartwarming story about resolving family relationships. Enjoy it if it's for you. it's not for me.
This is a stereotype-ridden romance novel, lazily written. Spoiled rich boy who can't manage as an adult; social climbing mother who spurns the loving partner of one daughter solely b/c he's not of the tribe; handsome older doctor who only loves the nurse who's too busy for him; and on. Even with 15 minutes of my lunch break left, I went back to work rather than read more. If you know me, that says a lot . . .
Apologies to readers who love this book, and to Janowitz who surely put work into it. it's just not for me. I might soldier on, given the season. If later chapters win me over, I'll recant.
Toast points at the seder table? And the whole thing about the 4 questions - The youngest recites the 4 questions. So, it's not big deal that the big sister would prefer not to. This whole book feels like the 1950s, despite its contemporary setting. The timing is incongruent - The mother wouldn't have marched with MLK if she's about 50 now and has kids in their 20s. I know it's a heartwarming story about resolving family relationships. Enjoy it if it's for you. it's not for me.
April 1, 2018
🍷DELICIOUS🍴So, I bought this book last summer and purposely waited until this week to read it....and what a beautiful story! Of course, this tale of a Connecticut family’s Passover Seder (and so much more!) can be read any time of the year, but it was delightful to read it now, and to learn more about a faith and holiday that was pretty unfamiliar to me. Janowitz writes fabulous contemporary fiction, and THE DINNER PARTY is my favorite of her books so far ~ she completely nails the complexity of family dynamics with grown children, including in-laws, potential in-laws and the sometimes hilarious mishaps that come at family gatherings.
•
If you appreciate contemporary fiction about food and family, faith and traditions, I HIGHLY recommend this one. LOVED IT 💗
•
If you appreciate contemporary fiction about food and family, faith and traditions, I HIGHLY recommend this one. LOVED IT 💗
June 24, 2018
This was a light read about a wealthy mom who wants her children to have great success in life. Probably every mothers wish. However I let my own children find their way rather than directing them with every decision they make (like they would let me anyway). I could connect only when I see the children fighting with each other. This family was just like mine, two girls and a boy. I enjoyed this easy read and would definitely read another by her.
January 23, 2016
LOVED! Absolutely fell head over heels for the characters and the story. Definitely add this one to your bookshelf!
April 27, 2017
3.5 stars
I know nothing about Jewish holidays, but any mother trying to impress a child's new boyfriend's parents can only mean disaster. And this did not disappoint. A Passover gone awry - a dysfunctional family- they all cracked me up. The chapters are short. A fun easy read that deals with every day issues. I enjoyed it, but it's not for everyone.
I know nothing about Jewish holidays, but any mother trying to impress a child's new boyfriend's parents can only mean disaster. And this did not disappoint. A Passover gone awry - a dysfunctional family- they all cracked me up. The chapters are short. A fun easy read that deals with every day issues. I enjoyed it, but it's not for everyone.
May 17, 2016
I hate to give less than three star reviews, but I'm perplexed by all the four star (and higher) reviews on GR for this novel. Truly befuddled.
Sure, it's a likable enough read. It's light and theoretically fun and...well, maybe that's it. The characters are cardboard cutout stereotypes (overbearing mother always eager to please, unmotivated spoiled rich kid with a chip on his shoulder, etc...) and the writing is fluffy. I'd argue this is at an 8th grade reading level.
It's not to say this was a bad book or poorly written - it's not - it's just not my cup of tea, I suppose. And frankly, I read a lot of light, fluffy, beach reads, so it really means something when I think it's TOO light and has no substance.
It wasn't for me. That said, there are an exorbitant amount of reviewers who believe this is one of the best books they've ever read (really?!) so make the decision that's best for you.
Sure, it's a likable enough read. It's light and theoretically fun and...well, maybe that's it. The characters are cardboard cutout stereotypes (overbearing mother always eager to please, unmotivated spoiled rich kid with a chip on his shoulder, etc...) and the writing is fluffy. I'd argue this is at an 8th grade reading level.
It's not to say this was a bad book or poorly written - it's not - it's just not my cup of tea, I suppose. And frankly, I read a lot of light, fluffy, beach reads, so it really means something when I think it's TOO light and has no substance.
It wasn't for me. That said, there are an exorbitant amount of reviewers who believe this is one of the best books they've ever read (really?!) so make the decision that's best for you.
August 14, 2016
This book about a Passover seder gone awry had me cracking up. I love that the chapters are short because I just devoured them, as I eagerly dove into the next character's point of view (although it does lead to the problem of "Oh, I'll just read one more before going to bed," making me stay up way past my bedtime).
What I admired about this book is how every character is flawed, yet you love each one anyway. While some are extreme versions, I did see my own family and my own Passover seders at my grandmother's house in this story.
This was a delightful read. Anyone who wants a fun family story will enjoy it.
What I admired about this book is how every character is flawed, yet you love each one anyway. While some are extreme versions, I did see my own family and my own Passover seders at my grandmother's house in this story.
This was a delightful read. Anyone who wants a fun family story will enjoy it.
January 10, 2016
Another homerun by Brenda Janowitz! I LOVE her books!
August 2, 2017
3.5 stars. A very funny story about a Passover Seder that goes terribly wrong. The flawed characters made this story interesting and "the dinner party" one that I wish I could have attented. It's a quick read with short well written chapters.
May 17, 2016
From this deceptively simple story of a family gathering, Long Island author Brenda Janowitz scaffolds a big-hearted, universal tale taking place in the suburban home of Alan and Sylvia Gold, who are hosting Passover Seder for the Rothschilds of Manhattan.
“The Dinner Party” (St. Martin’s Press), centers on matriarch Sylvia, who is alternately proud of, and frustrated by, her three high-achieving adult children: Gideon, Sarah and Becca. Although Sylvia has considerable wealth and status, she is desperate to impress the even wealthier, higher-status Rothschilds, whose son is newly dating Becca.
The interactions and overreactions that ensue in this sophisticated yet light-hearted novel weave a highly comic yarn that is part comedy of manners, part social parody, part morality play.
Janowitz, 42 and a mother of two married to a pediatric cardiologist, was a lawyer before making the switch to writing. She published her first novel at 33.
They author says she decided to try a different tack and “lean in” to the Jewish material for this latest work. She just didn’t expect it to get so many laughs.
“My first two books were intentionally funny, like I was trying to do a joke per page, and for this I’m trying to go more upmarket women’s fiction,” she says. “So I didn’t intentionally make it funny.”
But the humor, which is considerable, and the Jewish references, which are fundamental to the tale, are both secondary to Janowitz’s main goal with the novel.
Janowitz uses the Passover Seder meal as a metaphor for the theme of letting go — in this case, for the characters to let go of their destructive obsessions, their treadmill ambitions, their stifling expectations and their restrictive grievances.
“I’ve really realized that readers want three things: they want plot, they want twists, they want to be entertained.”
Janowitz said she would be hosting the Seders at her home this year, mirroring her pretentious, overbearing yet ultimately redeemed character Sylvia. But in this case life does not imitate art: instead of frogs legs, fois gras and deconstructed potato pancakes, Janowitz’s will serve gefilte fish, matzoh ball soup, brisket, poached salmon and string beans.
“I’m hoping I’ve hit the right balance there,” Janowitz said of her menu, and of her goal to draw universal themes from a Passover dinner comedy.
***
Janowitz will be reading from her novel on Monday 23rd May at Westport Women’s Club, Connecticut, and signing books on June 4th at the Turn of the Corkscrew booth at ‘Eat. Shop. Rock.’ Rockville Centre, NY.
“The Dinner Party” (St. Martin’s Press), centers on matriarch Sylvia, who is alternately proud of, and frustrated by, her three high-achieving adult children: Gideon, Sarah and Becca. Although Sylvia has considerable wealth and status, she is desperate to impress the even wealthier, higher-status Rothschilds, whose son is newly dating Becca.
The interactions and overreactions that ensue in this sophisticated yet light-hearted novel weave a highly comic yarn that is part comedy of manners, part social parody, part morality play.
Janowitz, 42 and a mother of two married to a pediatric cardiologist, was a lawyer before making the switch to writing. She published her first novel at 33.
They author says she decided to try a different tack and “lean in” to the Jewish material for this latest work. She just didn’t expect it to get so many laughs.
“My first two books were intentionally funny, like I was trying to do a joke per page, and for this I’m trying to go more upmarket women’s fiction,” she says. “So I didn’t intentionally make it funny.”
But the humor, which is considerable, and the Jewish references, which are fundamental to the tale, are both secondary to Janowitz’s main goal with the novel.
Janowitz uses the Passover Seder meal as a metaphor for the theme of letting go — in this case, for the characters to let go of their destructive obsessions, their treadmill ambitions, their stifling expectations and their restrictive grievances.
“I’ve really realized that readers want three things: they want plot, they want twists, they want to be entertained.”
Janowitz said she would be hosting the Seders at her home this year, mirroring her pretentious, overbearing yet ultimately redeemed character Sylvia. But in this case life does not imitate art: instead of frogs legs, fois gras and deconstructed potato pancakes, Janowitz’s will serve gefilte fish, matzoh ball soup, brisket, poached salmon and string beans.
“I’m hoping I’ve hit the right balance there,” Janowitz said of her menu, and of her goal to draw universal themes from a Passover dinner comedy.
***
Janowitz will be reading from her novel on Monday 23rd May at Westport Women’s Club, Connecticut, and signing books on June 4th at the Turn of the Corkscrew booth at ‘Eat. Shop. Rock.’ Rockville Centre, NY.
April 21, 2019
4.75 Stars. Perhaps The Dinner Party isn't a "life-altering" read, but it's a quick and fun ride with lots of spirit to keep readers entertained and just enough substance to nourish the soul.
The pacing starts out a bit slow as Sylvia prepares every last detail of the Golds' annual Passover Seder; I was afraid this was going to be another My Dinner with Andre. But thankfully there is much more to the story than that. This dysfunctional Jewish family proffers wonderful, subtle messages about why we do or don't like "certain" people and deem them more or less worthy of ourselves (and our children) than their social/ethnic underlings. Then they just as cleverly break down those barricades while barely budging their underlying prejudices. It wasn't exactly subtle, but neither was it clichéd. I'd say exactly the right balance was struck.
I found every single character to be delightful in his or her own quirky way–even Sylvia. I laughed out loud so many times I lost count. The ending is delish–pure chocolate babka to those faux latkes presented in Seder #1.
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway. Thank you St. Martin's Press for the advance copy.
The pacing starts out a bit slow as Sylvia prepares every last detail of the Golds' annual Passover Seder; I was afraid this was going to be another My Dinner with Andre. But thankfully there is much more to the story than that. This dysfunctional Jewish family proffers wonderful, subtle messages about why we do or don't like "certain" people and deem them more or less worthy of ourselves (and our children) than their social/ethnic underlings. Then they just as cleverly break down those barricades while barely budging their underlying prejudices. It wasn't exactly subtle, but neither was it clichéd. I'd say exactly the right balance was struck.
I found every single character to be delightful in his or her own quirky way–even Sylvia. I laughed out loud so many times I lost count. The ending is delish–pure chocolate babka to those faux latkes presented in Seder #1.
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway. Thank you St. Martin's Press for the advance copy.
November 15, 2016
Loved this book! It is a snapshot into the life of a family between Passover and Rosh Hashanah, and how they deal with love, expectations, disappointments, and more. The main family is Jewish, and then there are other two other families that play a pivotal role, one Jewish, and the other Italian Catholic. I am Italian and grew up in a town that was almost half and half Italian and Jewish. To say I saw so much of my own family and my best friends' families and our upbringing is a huge understatement! I really loved the matriarch of this novel, Sylvia. Indeed, I loved all of the women in this novel. I enjoyed reading about their relationships, their disappointments in each other, their love, and their forgiveness. I found myself getting choked up at times, and definitely laughing out loud at other times. I am glad that the author didn't tie up every single storyline with a neat little bow at the end also. Very satisfying read!
June 13, 2016
Nice, quick read about family dynamics, forgiveness, secrets & love- all of my favorite things! Would recommend, but glad it was a library book. I did appreciate the character development & the characters were fairly relatable.
April 12, 2016
Such a great novel about love and family. You will find yourself laughing out loud and tearing up with the Golds.
August 17, 2022
4.5 stars
This was a great book by Brenda Janowitz. It’s a funny yet relatable. You really feel for many of the characters in the story. The Go,do, especially the wife Sylvia, really wants to impress the Rothschilds (yes that family), the parents of their daughter, Becca’s new boyfriend. So they create an elaborate dinner party, which is really just a sophisticated and elevated version of their Passover Seder. I love how we really get to learn about all the characters through different sections in the book from their point of views. There is the middle sister Sarah, who has been dating a man, Joe, who does not meet the approval of her parents. Their older son, Gid, has been away working as a doctor for Doctors Without Borders in Sri Lanka and has been away for a few years. We meet Joe’s mom, an Italian American woman, who’s really a fish out of water here. We get to know Henry, who’s not all he’s cracked up to be and his parents.
Things quickly get out of hand, and that adds to the humor and the drama. I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.
This was a great book by Brenda Janowitz. It’s a funny yet relatable. You really feel for many of the characters in the story. The Go,do, especially the wife Sylvia, really wants to impress the Rothschilds (yes that family), the parents of their daughter, Becca’s new boyfriend. So they create an elaborate dinner party, which is really just a sophisticated and elevated version of their Passover Seder. I love how we really get to learn about all the characters through different sections in the book from their point of views. There is the middle sister Sarah, who has been dating a man, Joe, who does not meet the approval of her parents. Their older son, Gid, has been away working as a doctor for Doctors Without Borders in Sri Lanka and has been away for a few years. We meet Joe’s mom, an Italian American woman, who’s really a fish out of water here. We get to know Henry, who’s not all he’s cracked up to be and his parents.
Things quickly get out of hand, and that adds to the humor and the drama. I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.
August 3, 2017
Almost read in one sitting - it reminded me of some of my favorite Lifetime/Hallmark movies.
November 5, 2017
A disappointing book that started out well, but ultimately deteriorated.
The dinner party is a family Seder in a middle-aged couple's home, attended by their three adult children and their partners, and some of the parents of the partners. The mother's high expectations are deflated by assorted reveals, leading to months of anger and disappointment until things resolve at the Rosh Hashanah dinner.
Everything felt off about the characters in this novel. Their behaviors and relationships just weren't believable, especially the mother of the family. I can believe a mother would be that terrible, I just didn't buy this mother acting out so outrageously. It all read like a bad play with miscast actors. Recommended only for the pretty cover.
The dinner party is a family Seder in a middle-aged couple's home, attended by their three adult children and their partners, and some of the parents of the partners. The mother's high expectations are deflated by assorted reveals, leading to months of anger and disappointment until things resolve at the Rosh Hashanah dinner.
Everything felt off about the characters in this novel. Their behaviors and relationships just weren't believable, especially the mother of the family. I can believe a mother would be that terrible, I just didn't buy this mother acting out so outrageously. It all read like a bad play with miscast actors. Recommended only for the pretty cover.
March 16, 2017
A fun, laugh out loud read.
December 18, 2015
Posted first to Blog Critics as Book Review: 'The Dinner Party,' A Novel by Brenda Jonowitz.
In The Dinner Party by Brenda Janowitz, we are introduced to two different families coming together for the first time. The connection of their children to each other creates an occasion that both families feel can only help them. Each has differing reasons to push the relationship. The dinner party is set for the Passover Seder and will be the night the Gold's of Greenwich meet the Rothschild’s of New York.
Silvia’s youngest daughter has recently begun dating and Silvia is beside herself with joy. The invite to the new boyfriend is customary but when she finds out his parents will also attend she knows that the first impression is the best one. Her life becomes consumed in making the party one that will be the stuff of legends. Yet she has other concerns. What does she do with the inappropriate boyfriend of her other daughter Sarah, as well as his Italian mother? Despite all her hard work, the food the wine, the linen and the potential drama, she understands that holidays are really about family.
Can she release her inner grievances and find a way to allow her family to live their own lives. As each family works at making the moment function, can they allow the demons that invade their lives to be set aside and create the atmosphere necessary for such a momentous occasion.
Janowitz does an amazing job of bringing us the need and misunderstandings between differing families and their interactions. She develops her characterization so that you can relate to many of the difficulties, and it draws you into the inner workings of the drama being played out. You are drawn to her characters and their flaws just as a moth to a flame. There is tenderness beneath the actions that are drawn out, and connections that are not expected, but suddenly become real.
If you enjoy literary drama and stories of people with differing agendas you will find this a wonderful fit for your library. The characteristics and flaws are so real and the concern and agenda twisted beneath the surface stay with you. Janowitz brings us a poignant story of love and family that is different than the norm.
In The Dinner Party by Brenda Janowitz, we are introduced to two different families coming together for the first time. The connection of their children to each other creates an occasion that both families feel can only help them. Each has differing reasons to push the relationship. The dinner party is set for the Passover Seder and will be the night the Gold's of Greenwich meet the Rothschild’s of New York.
Silvia’s youngest daughter has recently begun dating and Silvia is beside herself with joy. The invite to the new boyfriend is customary but when she finds out his parents will also attend she knows that the first impression is the best one. Her life becomes consumed in making the party one that will be the stuff of legends. Yet she has other concerns. What does she do with the inappropriate boyfriend of her other daughter Sarah, as well as his Italian mother? Despite all her hard work, the food the wine, the linen and the potential drama, she understands that holidays are really about family.
Can she release her inner grievances and find a way to allow her family to live their own lives. As each family works at making the moment function, can they allow the demons that invade their lives to be set aside and create the atmosphere necessary for such a momentous occasion.
Janowitz does an amazing job of bringing us the need and misunderstandings between differing families and their interactions. She develops her characterization so that you can relate to many of the difficulties, and it draws you into the inner workings of the drama being played out. You are drawn to her characters and their flaws just as a moth to a flame. There is tenderness beneath the actions that are drawn out, and connections that are not expected, but suddenly become real.
If you enjoy literary drama and stories of people with differing agendas you will find this a wonderful fit for your library. The characteristics and flaws are so real and the concern and agenda twisted beneath the surface stay with you. Janowitz brings us a poignant story of love and family that is different than the norm.
December 24, 2015
The Dinner Party by Brenda Janowitz is definitely a must read. I hardly know much about the Jewish way of life and thought this was very interesting. Readers like myself will be drawn deep into the Jewish lifestyle and heritage and one woman tries to pull off the best dinner party. Many mothers can relate easily to the preparations and the tasks of setting up and cookking for any celebration but for Sylvia it means so much to her. She's a mother who wants the very best for her family. Her children are grown adults with a special someone in their lives. I loved how Brenda Janowitz captured the family life in a real life like way, that brings humor and tears to all. A mash of different cutures is also, brought to readers, in this beautifully told tale. The Dinner Party is full of drama and love, that will fill readers with a sense of awe. Brenda Janowitz is indeed a talented writer whose words will leave readers coming back to her world again and again. Overall, I highly recommend this brilliant piece of fiction to all.
March 9, 2017
This is the endearing story of a high-achieving family from Connecticut and all the rivalry and competition and expectations they put upon each other -- always out of love, of course. Sylvia the matriarch is struggling to accept her adult children's decisions about who they intend to spend their lives with, while feeling the passing of time and the sacrifices made for her family. Why can't they all just do what she wants? There's humor, tenderness and forgiveness. The closing sentences brought a tear to my eye and reminded me that sometimes being the first to say, I'm sorry, is the most wonderful gift you can give to a loved one.
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