Now....Review Time, Break it down!
This is my first Herman Koch novel. The cover says he also the New York Times best selling author of The Dinner, and after reading this novel I'm intrigued. I would check out more from this author.
Summer House With Swimming Pool actually takes place in Europe, not in California like I thought for the first few chapters. The book starts with Dr. Marc Schlosser in his doctor's office. My first impression of this guy was 'narcissistic sociopath'. I would never want a guy like this for my doctor. The story then backtracks three years to the time he meets Ralph Meier and receives the invitation to stay with the Meiers for a brief vacation.
I loved the relationships in this story and how they entertwined. Dr.Marc remains a cad, but his wife and daughters have a likeable quality. It's a carefully crafted plot expertly written.
My only questions at the end were about Marc and Judith. I would've liked more resolved between these two. Did Marc's wife ever find out what happened? Did Judith continue seeing him? And I'm still a little foggy on what really happened with daughter Julia on the beach. Was the crime for real, or did her boyfriend implied she made up the story?
Over all, three and a half stars out of five.
