𝑶𝒏𝒍𝒚 𝒐𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝒘𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒈𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒅𝒊𝒅 𝒔𝒉𝒆 𝒖𝒏𝒛𝒊𝒑 𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒆𝒍𝒇, 𝒑𝒆𝒆𝒍 𝒂𝒘𝒂𝒚 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒅𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒔. 𝑺𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒏𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒃𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒎𝒆𝒓𝒄𝒚 𝒐𝒇 𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒔.

The Netherlands 1961 the war is a distant memory, life has returned to normal, as much as it can. Isabel lives in her “stately” old family home in the Dutch countryside, she and the abode are one and no one cares for it, oversees the place, protects it more diligently than she. When her brother brings his latest girlfriend Eva to meet Isabel, she isn’t much impressed, and tells her that Louis will be bored by her in no time, as is his way. When he informs Isabel that he has to oversee a conference and that Eva will be remaining at their home for an extended stay, something unravels inside of Isabel. She is an unwelcome, unwanted intruder in this museum of memories. Isabel is of the “A place for everything and everything in its place,” mindset and certainly Eva’s place is not here. Home is Isabel’s true relief, and her brother Louis has upended it all. He orders her, ‘you will be nice to her’ and her defiance is “I will be nothing to her.” As the days pass, Eva’s presence is a creep, like a fog blanketing her peace of mind. Eva makes her feel things, disturbs the atmosphere and all Isabel wants is for everything to go back to normal, to the comfort of emptiness.

Eva is lazy by comparison, free with her laughter, quick to share confidences with people, even the housekeeper Neelke who Isabel mistrusts. The house is alive at night with her energy, she is all over the place, even her blasted perfume lingers after she has left a room. She is loose in her ways, like a child without a care, unkempt. She dares to make light of the structure that Isabel keeps, does not respect boundaries, touching all the precious things that are Isabel’s ‘slivers of memory’. She dares too much! She knows it is only a few weeks, a month at most but oh how she measures the time when Louis will return. Even her voice grates on Isabel’s nerves, thinking her ‘an actress in a bad play.” Is she going mad? Why does she feel found out when Eva looks at her a certain way? About what? Why does it feel like Eva knows something untoward about her, shameful, a secret even to herself? She believes someone is stealing, things are disappearing, she is suspicious of the housekeeper and now Eva is ordering her to be nice to Neelke. Admonishing her? The gal!

Eva must not usurp her place; she will not allow it! She begins to behave strangely, obsesses over what Eva is getting up to, watches her like a hawk. Is she just a mad recluse of sorts, or are her suspicions founded? Is she just a bitter, lonely woman, projecting onto an innocent bystander? Anger bleeds into desire and it is oozing from her pores, soon she will not recognize the person Eva is driving out of her.

I loved this, it is a deceptively bucolic setting, but the head can be a minefield. The ending was moving, and really brought the start of the novel to deeper meaning. The motivations of the characters aren’t as set as we’re led to believe. Emotions have a tendency to trip people in their plans. Yes, read it. I can’t wait for her next novel and hope the characters are as complex.

A tale of obsession, desire and the darkness left by WWII.

Publication: May 28, 2024

Avid Reader Press

Simon & Schuster

I decided to read "The Safekeep" when I saw it was recommended by author, Kim van Alkemade. It's wonderfully written and reminds me of van Alkemade's writing, as well as, Emma Donogue and Sarah Waters.
The setting of the Netherlands in the 1960s isn't one I read much of, but it's not so much the setting as it is how the past relates to the here and now. The past and the house in which the MCs live are as much characters as the people. And I enjoyed the characters even though I may not have liked them all. Isabel's unpleasant, obsessive personality is hard to sympathize with, but it does lead to a nice (though hasty) redemption and keeps the atmosphere fraught. As usual, I didn't see the ending coming and now I want to re-read it for everything I missed.
I can't wait for more from Yael van der Wouden.
#NetGalley

The Safekeep by Yael van der Wouden is a forthcoming debut novel expected to be released on May 28th, 2024. Here's a glimpse into what you can expect:

Setting and Themes:

The story takes place in the Dutch countryside during the summer of 1961.
The lingering shadows of World War II and its secrets form a backdrop for the plot.
Characters:

Isabel, a nearly 30-year-old woman who has lived alone in a large house since her mother's death years earlier. when Eva, a mysterious and sophisticated woman who enters Isabel's life and disrupts the established order.

Plot and Tone:

The story unfolds as a twisted tale of desire, suspicion, and obsession.
When strange occurrences begin to happen around the house, including missing objects, Isabel's paranoia takes hold.
The novel is described as having a sensuous and suspenseful atmosphere, with a touch of intrigue and a surprising revelation about the past.
Comparisons have been drawn to authors like Patricia Highsmith, Sarah Waters, and Ian McEwan and these are SPOT ON!

Overall, The Safekeep promises to be a captivating exploration of hidden desires, the weight of the past, and the complexities of relationships. If you love a twisted slow burn, then this author is for you.

An exhilarating, twisted tale of desire, suspicion, and obsession between two women staying in the same house in the Dutch countryside during the summer of 1961—a powerful exploration of the legacy of WWII and the darker parts of our collective past.

A house is a precious thing...

This was a deliciously riveting piece of fiction involving a woman named Isabel who is desperately attached to her familial country house. It will one day belong to her brother Louis, who has not yet settled down and prefers city living. Her other brother Hendrik lives with his significant other Sebastian in city digs as well. But this house, with its prized contents like the dinner plates adorned with hares- is everything to Isabel. Louis seems to dither from girlfriend to girlfriend, but now he's shacking up with Eva. When he's called away for a business trip it's proposed that Eva stay in the country house with Isabel- to her horror and disgust. However, Eva has a strong, direct, charismatic personality that challenges Isabel and leads to unexpected consequences and intimacy. This taut, languidly unfolding tale had me in the palm of its hand and is quite possibly the best piece of fiction I've read this year.

Thank you to the publisher Avid Reader Press / Simon & Schuster for providing an advance reader copy via NetGalley.

A story that plays with the dynamics between the various characters. The main word that I kept thinking of was tension. All sorts of tensions in regards to all sorts of relationship factors, as well as with the various scenarios that play out in this book. That itself was interesting, though personally, I really did not care much for this book itself. The author writes well enough. It just didn't hold my attention all that well throughout, partly because I just couldn't get interested in some of the more important aspects of the story that were prevalent throughout the entire book. Just not my kind of story. With that said, there's no doubt that there are others who would easily disagree with me. It's not really that the story wasn't that good. Instead, it's much more that it just did not appeal to what I prefer to read. You will need to be somewhat open minded about various types of relationships that might offend some readers. Though I was not offended in anyway at all, there was enough that it just didn't capture my interest, but I did make it through the book.

Closer towards the end of the book, there was a very interesting turn of events. Of course, I'm not going to reveal what that was, but I found it to be one that makes for a good storyline. Enough of a turn that it turned out to be rather surprising and fit well into the storyline, as a whole.

As noted, though not my kind of book, this book has an interesting plot, but lost me as it moved onward. Pulled me back towards the end, but not enough to change most of my opinion about this book.

Thanks to NetGalley for a copy of the eBook in exchange for a review.

I loved this book. It fit perfectly into the very specific genre of book that I love, which is a historical fiction novel set in a remote house. I loved the tension and atmosphere in this book and genuinely was intrigued to see where van der Wouden was taking us until the end.

I most loved the descriptions of the house and the surrounding nature. Isabel's interior life was interesting as well, and I loved how her relationship with Eva was tied to the three parts of the book.

I will definitely be recommending this to my audience this summer. It feels like the perfect smart and atmospheric summer read!

Thank you to Yael van der Wouden, NetGalley and Avid Reader Press for a copy in exchange for an honest review.
While I appreciated the historical fiction aspect of this book I was slightly disappointed. I was hoping for a little more suspense. I went into the book thinking that’s what I was getting but that never delivered. With that being said It’s beautifully written and for a debut novel so well executed!

"It only takes one person to unlock the past." The Safekeep by Yael van der Wouden is a wonderful book that centers on the Dutch area called Overijssel in the 1960s. Isabel is tidy, neat, organized, punctual, and routine driven. When her brother brings home his new girlfriend, Eva, things change. Eva sleeps in late, walks loudly, is messy, and seemingly takes things from the house. Isabel ends up confronting Eva and a whole new narrative is woven. This is a fantastic book. I am Jewish and so this book hits home for me and some of my relatives. I would recommend this book to high schoolers, not my students (2nd grade). 5.5 stars for me. I will be buying the hard copy of this book when it comes out.

this uses the world war 2 elements perfectly in this story, it had everything that I wanted from a historical fiction novel. The characters felt like they were supposed to in the setting and enjoyed how the characters and world felt like it was supposed to for the period. Yael van der Wouden does a fantastic job in writing this type of book and thought it worked overall. I'm glad I got to read this and can't wait for more.

This is one of the most well-crafted books I’ve read in a long time! Loved how the author kept me on my toes with anticipation.

The narration can sometimes be slow-burn, which sometimes annoys me in other books but this was done perfectly.

There are some very spicy scenes on this book, so if this is not your jam, please take note.

Wonderful debut!!

Thanks to Avid Press, NetGalley and Yael Van der Wouden for this ARC. Having read a broad range of WWII historical fiction over the years, I was looking forward to this book because of the unique perspective it offered, and I wasn’t disappointed. Told mainly from the perspective of Isabel, who lives alone in the Dutch countryside in the early 1960s, this book also dips back in time to the 1940s when Isabel is a child, living with her parents and two brothers, Louis and Hendrik. One of Louis’s many girlfriends, Eva, comes to live with Isabel for a short period of time and while there, everything Isabel thought she knew about her home, her family, and herself are completely upended. There are twists and turns in this book that were surprising and made for an excellent read. Highly recommended.

I really enjoyed this book about obsession. Obsession in people, things, and especially a place. Eva inserts herself into Isabel's life and home without warning or permission. Isabel is fully opposed to Eva moving in for even a week. So she starts an inventory of things in the house. Isabel's obsession with the house and the things are because it was her mother's house and her things. Isabel and her brothers were separated from their mother during the war, leaving a lasting impression. Isabel then becomes obsessed with Eva very quickly. And is determined to explore the feelings she has for Eva and what it all means. While Eva has seamlessly inserted herself into the house, she is there for her own reasons. There is a love triangle between Eva, Isabel and the house.

A house is a precious thing...

There’s just something about books that revolve around houses that I absolutely love!

It’s 1961, Isabel lives alone in her beloved family home in Dutch countryside. Her mother dead, her brothers elsewhere, moved on with their lives. Isabel is stern, cold, and very set in her ways. Her life is led by order and routine. So when one of her brothers brings in his girlfriend, Eva, to stay in the house during his work trip, she’s displeased to say the least.
It was so mesmerising to experience their relationship evolve, from the initial dislike and coldness to the attraction, the DESIRE, the WANT. It was just delicious! I was at the edge of my seat the entire time just from the tension between these two women alone.
I’m in awe of the beautiful writing that made this novel feel so sensual and mysterious. The descriptions of the house, the care Isabel put into it, Eva’s own ties with it, it was all so well-crafted and made you feel like you too, know and love this house. Truly hard to believe it’s a debut novel!

For me personally the last part got a bit slow and the ending felt maybe a tad anticlimactic? Regardless, I had a great time with The Safekeep and I will read anything Yael van der Wouden writes next.

4.5

Whew. I really liked this. For me it was the perfect mix of drama, tension, romance, sex, and the plot twist made it all even better. There were some areas that I felt dragged on a bit, but overall it wasn't anything that deterred me from continuing. I look forward to reading whatever Yael van der Wouden writes in the future.

3.5- I think that it is important to start with noting that the writing in this novel is exquisite. Even in moments where nothing much is necessarily “happening”, I found myself compelled by the narrative. I also found the premise of this novel interesting and unique, and, overall, it was well worth the read. That being said, here are the things that did not work for me. I felt that the relationship between Isabel and Eva happened with an intensity that was not supported by associated relationship growth. It felt confusing, as if, at some point, it would be later explained; however, that never happened. Additionally, I thought the last 25% of the book was so interesting, and I would have liked to have seen that come in a bit earlier and have been fleshed out a little more. Lastly, I personally thought the sex scenes became repetitive; however, I am also not a big smut fan. Maybe just me?🤷🏻‍♀️

Overall, I would definitely read more from this author. Thank you to NetGalley, Avid Reader Press/Simon & Schuster, and Yael van der Wouden for this free ARC digital copy.

Thank you Netgalley & Avid Reader Press/ Simon&Schuster for an eARC ♥️


"The Safekeep" is a wildly captivating debut novel that explores the messy sides of human nature. Set in the Dutch countryside in 1961, the story follows two women, Isabel and Eva, who are total opposites but can't seem to get enough of each other. As their relationship heats up, secrets start spilling out and things get seriously twisty.

The writing is super atmospheric, making you feel like you're sweating it out in the summer heat alongside the characters. And the way the author unwinds the plot is like a masterclass in psychological suspense. Just when you think you've got it figured out and new revelations come to light and everything gets turned on its head.🤯

This book is basically a slow-burning fire that builds up to a crazy climax. It's all about desire, suspicion, and obsession, with some serious WWII vibes lurking in the background. The characters are complex and intriguing, making it hard to look away.

This book is a gripping, sexy, and seriously unsettling read. If you're into psychological thrillers with a historical twist, this one's a must-devour. Get ready to have your mind blown!

In “The Safekeep” by Yael van der Wouden, the action revolves around house ownership and what a house can mean to a family.
Isabel lives in the house, but her Uncle Karel has promised the house to her older brother Louis. Isabel muses that her house with three floors could easily accommodate her and her two brothers, one floor for each sibling.

The problem is that her feckless older brother doesn’t want to live there, and he insists his girlfriend stay there for at least a month while he travels for his job.

Mayhem ensues and just as it appears that this novel was perhaps straight out of Lawrence Durrell’s “The Alexandria Quartet,” the book shifts to the aftermath of World War II and some people’s idea of what counts as reparations.

An interesting read.

It’s 1961, and Isabel lives a quiet, solitary existence in the small Dutch province of Overijssel. After the death of her mother, Isabel lives alone in the country home, waiting for the day her brother will marry and maybe kick her out. She’s pursued romantically by a neighbor, but she has little interest in him.

Led by routine and discipline, her ordered life is upended when her brother leaves his girlfriend with Isabel for a few weeks. Eva is everything Isabel isn’t, and Isabel despises her. As small things start disappearing from the house, spoons, a knife, a bowl, Isabel becomes convinced Eva is behind it and becomes obsessed with her, which quickly turns into infatuation, which leads to a discovery that will upend all Isabel has ever known.

I really enjoyed this book. As unlikeable as Isabel can be, she’s relatable (at least to me) in many ways. Her small world and anxiety regarding changes to her ordered life resonated with me. Her feelings toward Eva and their changing relationship fascinated me, and I love the language and the way the plot unfolds. Plus, I can understand confusing feelings for someone and then becoming quickly obsessed with them.

The translation is beautiful, and the slow-ish pace builds atmosphere and plot so that when the twist comes, you can look back and see it coming, and while it reveals the dark side of humanity, there is some hope in there as well. I was rooting for Isabel and Eva, hoping that they could overcome their circumstances and have a better future. It’s out in May, so keep an eye out for it.

It took some time for me to get into this. I kept picking it up and putting it down. I found the first 2 parts to be very slow and a little boring. It could do with a little editing to make it a little less plodding.The last 1/3 of this novel saved it for me. The 3rd part was so unexpected and really moved me, changing my feelings about the story for me. I wonder what clues I might have missed along the way.

Thank you NetGalley for the arc.

3 ⭐️ bumped to 3.5

Thanks to Netgalley for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Alright, buckle up for "The Safekeep" by Yael van der Wouden – it's a wild but quiet ride through obsession, romance, post-World War 2 chaos, and the darker parts of our collective pasts.

First off, if you've seen "Portrait of a Lady on Fire," get ready because this book feels like its long-lost literary cousin. Except for "The Safekeep" deciding to take a different, more unpredictable route.

I really like that it's not all sunshine and rainbows – I'm not one for romanced novels - this book dives into the aftermath of World War 2; into complex topics, hitting you with reality checks instead of feel-good moments.

Personally, the plot fell a bit slow in the middle, but when it builds up to the third act, you'll be hooked. It kind of read like a psychological thriller for a second.

I'm eagerly waiting to see what this author comes up with next!