The Dinner Party

“[A] powerful story of a woman’s suppressed rage that manifests over the course of one disastrous evening. . . . Raw emotion and legitimate anger . . . Van de Sandt’s exploration of the countless ways women diminish themselves so that the men in the room can take up space remains urgent, and Franca’s story, terrifyingly real.”—New York Times Book Review

“A vivid portrait of a woman’s trauma and recovery . . . As alcohol flows and tensions rise, Franca’s mental state unravels, and the narrative reaches a devastating climax. Van de Sandt weaves together Franca’s fragmented, often gruesome memories with a nuanced exploration of sexual violence. . . . Leaves readers with much to chew on.” 
 
 —Publishers Weekly

"Elegant . . . insightful prose."—Kirkus Reviews

One of Lit Hub’s Most Anticipated Books of 2025
 
“Raw, compassionate, and compelling—what a beautiful world we live in where a book can be messy and tender all at once."—Lit Hub

"A slow-burn, time-shifting, suspenseful thriller . . . Tense and compelling."—Booklist

"[A] propulsive debut . . . With sharp prose and emotional clarity, The Dinner Party is the tale of one woman coming to know about herself and about life, a breathtaking, fast-paced tale of a woman's hurt and rage and anger and despair. . . A propulsive tale of female rage and becoming."—Shelf Awareness

“A can’t-put-down tale of female rage and body autonomy.”—Town & Country

“A profoundly confronting and claustrophobic novel which consumed me whole. It’s tender, astonishing, and unflinching... Warning, dear reader, side effects may include utter speechlessness, a deep sinking feeling, and staring at walls for prolonged periods upon turning its final pages." —Lucy Rose, author of The Lamb

“An intimate, provocative, and irresistible debut. I was mesmerized.” —Jami Attenberg, author of The Middlesteins

“Mesmerizing . . . A visceral, powerful novel about grief and trauma and identity; it will make you cringe and flinch, laugh and cry.” —Naomi Kelsey, author of The Burnings

"Relentlessly engrossing and seething with suspense from the first to the very last word." —Charlotte Paradise, author of Overspill