The Dinner Party

'A profoundly confronting novel which consumed me whole... tender, astonishing and unflinching' Lucy Rose, author of the Sunday Times bestseller The Lamb I remember everything that happened in those three minutes at the beginning of the evening, him and me in the kitchen. That, and what happened at the end: the knife, and what I did with it. Franca left the Netherlands behind to start her new life in England with Andrew. Andrew, whose parents lived in South Kensington but had a flat their son could 'borrow' nearby. Andrew, an old-fashioned British gentleman, who encourages her not to work but to instead focus on her writing. Andrew who suggests a dinner party with his colleagues to celebrate their big upcoming launch. A dinner party that Franca must plan and shop and cook and clean for. A dinner party during a heatwave, when the fridge breaks, alcohol replaces water and an unexpected guest joins their ranks. A dinner party where everything she once was and everything she now is comes together and she feels like she might implode.

'A profoundly confronting novel which consumed me whole... tender, astonishing and unflinching' Lucy Rose, author of the Sunday Times bestseller The Lamb I remember everything that happened in those three minutes at the beginning of the evening, him and me in the kitchen. That, and what happened at the end: the knife, and what I did with it. Franca left the Netherlands behind to start her new life in England with Andrew. Andrew, whose parents lived in South Kensington but had a flat their son could 'borrow' nearby. Andrew, an old-fashioned British gentleman, who encourages her not to work but to instead focus on her writing. Andrew who suggests a dinner party with his colleagues to celebrate their big upcoming launch. A dinner party that Franca must plan and shop and cook and clean for. A dinner party during a heatwave, when the fridge breaks, alcohol replaces water and an unexpected guest joins their ranks. A dinner party where everything she once was and everything she now is comes together and she feels like she might implode.

The Dinner Party is the ultimate guide to sophisticated home entertaining from fine dining chef Martin Benn, featuring nine expert menus for memorable feasts from relaxed gatherings to glamorous celebrations. Martin Benn (Sepia, Society) is one of Australia’s most accomplished chefs, but his passion is hosting impressive meals at home with his wife and creative collaborator Vicki Wild. In this beautifully photographed and designed cookbook, Benn applies a lifetime of culinary knowledge and technique to the Saturday night soiree, offering over 70 recipes for showstopping starters, memorable main courses, stunning sides and dazzling desserts. Discover how elements can be prepared in advance – from sauces to stocks, cocktails, wine matches and music playlists – to make hosting a breeze, with detailed menus such as Family Knows Best, The Italians Are Coming and Fancy Schmancy. Dress up, casual: anything goes! The Dinner Party: A Chef's Guide To Home Entertaining will help you create a night to remember.

The Dinner Party is the ultimate guide to sophisticated home entertaining fromfine diningchef Martin Benn, featuring nine expert menus for memorable feasts from relaxed gatherings to glamorous celebrations. Martin Benn (Sepia, Society) is one of Australia’s most accomplished chefs, but his passion is hosting impressive meals at home with his wife and creative collaborator Vicki Wild. In this beautifully photographed and designed cookbook, Benn applies a lifetime of culinary knowledge and technique to the Saturday night soiree, offering over 70 recipes for showstopping starters, memorable main courses, stunning sides and dazzling desserts. Discover how elements can be prepared in advance – from sauces to stocks, cocktails, wine matches and music playlists – to make hosting a breeze, with detailed menus such as Family Knows Best, The Italians Are Coming and Fancy Schmancy. Dress up, casual: anything goes! The Dinner Party: A Chef's Guide To Home Entertaining will help you create a night to remember.