When Sylvia Gold discovers her daughter Becca is dating
Henry Rothschild, son to the famous banking Rothschilds, her
excitement is at an all time high. What a perfect husband
for her daughter....better than her marrying a doctor.
Henry is single, rich and Jewish. The Rothschild Dynasty is
famous. A banking empire, vineyards in Napa, diamonds in
Africa, and recently the growers of the most popular romaine
lettuce in our country. Sylvia invites Henry, his
father, Edmond and his mother, Ursella, a former Russian
ballerina, to celebrate a Passover Seder. Dr. Gold and his
family from Greenwich, Connecticut are entertaining the
Rothschilds' of New York City. Doesn't everyone prepare for
a dinner by: repainting the inside of the house including
the front door, have the gutters cleaned, drapes dry
cleaned by professionals who also cleaned all her rugs. All
wooden floors refinished, and the marble floors polished
and resealed? And instead of cooking Sylvia hired Chef Michael.
Sylvia wanted to present her home and family in a special
way. Her husband, Alan simply asked, "How much is this
Seder costing me?"
The dinner is filled with surprises. Chef Michael should
have stayed home He is no match for Sylvia's past Seder
magic with brisket and her family is very disappointed.
Single son Gideon arrives from Sri Lanka where he is working
with Doctors Without Borders and guess who he brings to
dinner? An young African American woman named Malika also
happens to be his new fiancee. Surprise Mom! Daughter Sarah
is living
with Joe who is Italian, did not go to college and
refurbishes cars for a living. Sylvia is not pleased and wants
him to disappear. The Rothschild's are having serious
financial problems and their son, Henry is a drop out from
college and just hangs out at home with no future plans.
Brenda Janowitz writes a funny, timely story about
contemporary family, their beliefs, customs, and their
dreams for their children. I laughed and was near tears
several times as the characters sneaked into my heart. Joe,
was my favorite and his love for Sarah was precious and
lovely to watch. Sylvia gets more than she plans for as her
Seder almost turns into disaster. THE DINNER PARTY is a
recipe for a delicious read that I love and will recommend
to everyone who enjoys a fun adventure about family and
love. Mazel tov!
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.
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