Book Summary and Reviews of The Safekeep by Yael van der Wouden

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Cathryn_Conroy

An Extraordinary Novel: Masterful Writing and an Engrossing, Erotic Story with a Stunning Plot Twist
I could tell from the first page that would be an excellent book, but then there is a plot twist that was so unforeseen and astonishing that it transforms the novel into something truly extraordinary.

Written by Yael van der Wouden, this is the story of Isabel, a lonely, bitter, mean 20-something woman with a face so stern that "not even honey could sweeten that vinegar." It's the summer of 1961 in a small town of Zwolle in The Netherlands in the rural province of Overijssel. World War II is long over, but the wounds and scars still seem fresh. Isabel lives in the small country house she shared as a child with her widowed mother and two brothers, Louis and Hendrick. The house was purchased for them by their generous Uncle Karel. Their mother is now dead. Louis is living the bachelor life with a new girlfriend every few weeks, although he swears each one is the woman he will marry. Hendrick is gay and lives with his longtime lover, Sebastian. Isabel is alone in the house, a house that will someday go to Louis, according to Uncle Karel. But it is Isabel, not Louis, who loves and cares for this old house that is filled with secrets and cherished relics.

One day Louis begs Isabel to allow his latest girlfriend, Eva, to move into the house for most of the summer while he leaves on an extended business trip. Isabel cannot imagine anything worse. While Isabel is obsessively neat and ordered and follows a strict routine, Eva is a free spirit, who talks incessantly and walks loudly. Most troubling of all, she touches everything. And Louis has said she could stay in their mother's room—a room that has been off-limits to everyone since their mother died.

It takes a few weeks, but Eva breaks through Isabel's mighty defenses and her repressed desires, and the two become unlikely lovers—wary and frightened at first and then devoted and passionate.

But then Isabel makes a horrid accusation about Eva and soon after discovers a truth about Eva's life that changes everything in a stunning plot twist that was so shocking I actually had to close the book and just breathe for a minute or two.

The writing is masterful, the rather erotic story is utterly engrossing, and the remarkable symbolism—pay especial attention to the pears—transforms this novel into literature.

Stephanie_P

A much-needed fresh take on WWII fiction
I loved this book. It was my favorite of 2024. As a would-be writer, the author's nuanced character development - Isabel's aggressive type A traits and Eva's masterful infiltration while playing the sloppy fool - were done to perfection. PERFECTION. The love story made me swoon and the ending! Wow. I loved this. So much.

jillg

A Beautifully Written Story
Narrated by: Stina Nielsen and Saskia Maarleveld both do a wonderful reading of this beautifully illustrated debut.

A historical fiction debut about obsession and loss…

Set in the eastern
Netherlands 1960s post-war; following Isabel, an awkward and closed off 28-year-old woman living in her deceased mother’s home. Isabel’s brother brings his girlfriend, Eva, to stay with Isabel while he’s away. Isabel becomes obsessed with this forward young woman and struggles to accept her friendship.

There are romantic and erotic components in this poetic love story, (long descriptions of sensual encounters, that may offend some) with a central theme of home throughout. Touching upon relationships, unspoken truths, xenophobic and antisemitic tendencies, and misogyny.

I enjoyed her writing and found the story very compelling. Most significant is the character development of Isabel over the course of the novel. I was surprised of learning the things the Dutch government did post-war. I am looking forward to reading more from this talented author.