A Normal Family

Experience the original version of this gripping story by reading Herman Koch’s acclaimed novel, The Dinner. The book unravels the secrets and suspicions of two families over the course of a tense, single evening meal at an upscale restaurant. Through masterful narration and shifting perspectives, Koch’s writing explores the darkest depths of human morality and the lengths to which people will go to protect their loved ones. As a reader, you’ll be privy to the raw, internal thoughts of each character, making it far easier to grasp their motivations and the gradual moral unraveling. This depth and psychological tension are often difficult for visual adaptations to fully capture. The rich, atmospheric prose and unreliable narrators build suspense, making every twist and revelation far more impactful in the original novel. By reading the book, you’ll encounter a story that defies simple answers and immerses you in complex, ethical questions. The Dinner isn’t just a family drama; it’s a fascinating examination of modern values, privilege, and the consequences of our actions—told with sharp wit and profound insight. Don’t miss the chance to discover the story in its most gripping and thought-provoking form.

The film adaptation, A Normal Family, transposes the original Dutch setting of The Dinner to South Korea, bringing changes in cultural context, family dynamics, and character motivations. This geographical and cultural shift deeply influences the moral choices the characters make and alters the underlying social commentary, giving the narrative a distinctly Korean perspective. Key plot events and character backstories are also adjusted for the film, sometimes simplifying complex subplots present in the book. For example, the intricate portrayal of the family’s past traumas and the slow revelation of secrets are given a more streamlined treatment onscreen. As a result, some nuances and ambiguous threads found in Koch’s novel are condensed or omitted for pacing. The novel’s structure heavily relies on the unreliable, internal narration of its protagonist, with layers of information unfolding through confessional thought and memory. The film, by necessity, externalizes much of this inner turmoil in dialogue and visual cues, which changes how the audience learns critical information and can impact the suspenseful build-up. Lastly, the ending in the film may diverge from the book’s original conclusion, either by offering additional closure or by altering some morally gray decisions made by the characters. This can lead to a different emotional impact for audiences and may shift the story’s core message about responsibility, complicity, and familial loyalty.