14% I'm really gonna need this to pick up a bit.
15% this main character is giving me anxiety. She's so paranoid about everyone.
23% 😳
55% honestly. I'm having an okay time. But not really in a spicy mood, and it's giving the spice.
57% let the banging commence every other page.... I guess.... (**this did slow down a bit**)
59% okay... I love them and am honestly dreading how this book will end. I feel like this is not a happy ending book. Normal People by Sally Rooney style.
66% okay. That's fine... go ahead and rip my heart out. Thanks, that's cute. Out of nowhere.
Final thoughts: I had a pretty good time with this book. It kept me engaged and I really liked the "twist" at the end. Just going into the book not a single character was likeable. But by the end and getting to know them you see where they come from and their upbringing. I have quite a bit of highlights throughout the book. Beautiful writng.

I wasn’t sure what to think about this book when I first started but the bathroom scene in the beginning was an absolute hook for me! (I won’t elaborate on the scene but when you read it, you’ll know.) At first there were a few parts of the story that I thought were odd. However, the author tied them together beautifully towards the end of the story. Everything made sense! I thought the characters had great development, and it didn’t end at all like I expected. Also, it was just spicy enough to add to the book without taking over the story. I thought it was very well done!

Very interesting book.It's like a love story And a mystery Together. It takes place in a town called o. V. ER ISS. In holland. During the war the family was split up because it was too dangerous for the children to live in amsterdam. Though her mother sent them to live in this town with her uncle who purchased house for them L S.A. BEL what's the most affected?Because She was the only girl her older brother named Louis. Henry the baby so she took care of them all. Things got really crazy at one point. Louis decided to leave. So was her mother.Their mother came and henry decided to leave as well. This was a really interesting book because a lot of people had a lot of different ties in this book. L S.A. BEL It's in the house by herself because her mother died when she was a very strict routines and kept the house immaculate. Add a maid coming from town everyday C l e a n and cook. Lewis was given the house by the uncle but. But he left her sister lived there. She was not lonely or anything like that. Things start to change when Louis But his girlfriend e v a to stay at the house while he was out on a business trip. Things became really strange at this point. L S.A. BEL was getting really annoyed with her because she was in her mother's room and Was very disorganized and slept late.And this was really getting on her nerves. Henry was gay. Can you find out how all this ties are in the book. Eve and l s a b e l started a l Love affair. E v a was taking things out of the house and this was really annoying her as well. Very interesting.How you find out why this Woman was attached to this house. There's a history behind it. That's very interesting.. Eve Super terribly during war 2. She lost her family.. That was really interesting part of the book.Because it's very important to understand this.How this whole book gets tied together.

1961
Two women, one house....

The Safekeep is a book that slowly won me over. It's a book about a house and two women, Isabel and Eva who find themselves living in the same home in the Dutch countryside. The home belongs to Isabel's family and when her brother Louis arrives with his girlfriend, Eva. When Louis must leave for work, the two women are left in the home together and things become interesting. Isabel beings to notice that things have started to go missing, and she has her suspicions. As her suspicion grows as does her infatuation....

This book was like a slow-moving meandering stream for me. It felt slow but was not stagnant. As the plot progresses secrets, lies, obsession, suspicion, and desire blooms. The idea of "home" means many things for many people. Isabel clings to her family home and loves what it holds inside.

There is not a lot of action in this book, unless of course you count the sex scenes. This is a character study of the two women, the house, what unfolds, and what is revealed. This book does go in a direction that I did not see coming, and I did appreciate where it went and found it to be thought provoking.

This was a heavy read. The beginning of the book took me a while to get into. The storyline and especially Isabel, as a main character, were slightly offputting. Enter Eva, and things slowly started to develop. By the end, I was reluctant to put the book down.

A brilliant tapestry of desire, suspicion, and obsession. The novel deftly explores the aftermath of WWII and the hidden scars. This is a story that will linger with you.
Many thanks to Avid Reader Press and to Netgalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

This was an intriguing, compelling, utterly surprising read about connection, sex, displacement, and the meaning of home.

Thank you to Avid Reader Press / Simon & Schuster and NetGalley for an electronic advanced readers copy of this novel.

In the 1960s, Isabel is living in the Dutch countryside in a house her family fled to during the war. Her mother passed away, leaving Isabel to live a solitary life without much excitement. Her brother Louis upends her routine by dropping off his girlfriend Eva to stay with her while he goes on a trip.

Isabel is affronted by Eva's behavior, she is loud, pushy and wants to get to know Isabel more. Isabel is rude and standoffish and doesn't know what to make of Eva. And to her knowledge, things start disappearing from the house - is it Eva or Isabel's maid?

The Safekeep by Yael van der Wouden, is a fascinating tale of female relationships, the aftermath of war and confronting the past. It's hard to review this book without giving away spoilers. It's well written but kind of maddening at the same time.

THE SAFEKEEP by Yael van der Wouden had me hooked from the start. The main character came across as a tad neurodivergent (though perhaps just neurotic). The strained family dynamic felt believable. I loved the characters and found them to be uniquely quirky. The premise of the story was compelling, too. Tragedies that happened years earlier hover over the opening chapters of the story, storm clouds sure to burst open. Though the story is told in a quiet, understated way without huge plot twists, I was intrigued and really kind of excited to see how the story would unfold and how the events of the past would factor into the now of the story.

But about 40% in, the story stopped delivering for me. The tension that had built so nicely at the beginning with unanswered questions fizzled out. I think the main problem was structure. The questions raised in the opening chapters were answered before the end, but they were withheld too long. If this novel had been told from the start as a back and forth between the two female characters and weaved the past with the present sooner, it would have held my attention better and would have been more satisfying for me.

I had hoped more from the setting, too. So many scenes in the house felt repetitive, and though this house is so important to the family and the main character, the location and time period didn't seem to matter as much as I had hoped.

Overall, the story itself fell flat for me. That said, the writing is quite strong and there's a lot to like about it. I'm certain other readers will love this book. I'm looking forward to reading more from this author in the future.

I received a free digital ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

#TheSafekeep #NetGalley

This is the beautifully written story of Isabel and Eva — and of the house (Isabel’s childhood home) they inhabit a while together, a house which plays a major role in the storyline. I found the relationship between Isabel and Eva intriguing (although confusing at times); however, the plot seemed to move way too slowly, until the last quarter or so of the novel. I almost stopped reading, but I am glad that I got to the end because the last part of the novel I found to be the best. All in all, this was a good read, and I am interested to see what the author does next.

Analytically probing, "The Safekeep" delves into the dynamics of devotion to a household and the intricacies of an intense, bordering on obsessive, relationship between two women in 1961 Netherlands.

Isabel, having spent most of her life in the familial three-story house in rural Dutch terrain, now resides there alone as an adult orphan. Her solitary existence, coupled with a stringent demeanor and rigid rules, sets the stage for a month of strained cohabitation when her elder brother's girlfriend, whom Isabel vehemently dislikes, is compelled to stay in her absence.

The narrative is crafted with precision, gradually building anticipation towards the climactic crescendo of its third act. Upon completing the novel, I found myself compelled to revisit earlier chapters in search of the subtle hints and foreshadowing artfully dispersed throughout.

Imagery and language within the text reach remarkable heights, with several instances of evocative turns of phrase and symbolic descriptions that resonate deeply.

While the prose generally maintains its allure, occasional redundancies prompt speculation regarding their intended purpose—whether deliberate stylistic choices or oversights in the editing process.

Delving into the book's thematic undercurrents risks divulging spoilers, yet the nuanced exploration of complex subjects leaves a lasting impression, warranting anticipation for its wider reception upon release.

While the conclusion may leave some readers wanting, its foundation may feel somewhat precarious. To elaborate further would risk revealing pivotal plot elements, thus I implore readers to experience the narrative firsthand.

Gratitude is extended to NetGalley for granting access to the Advance Reader Copy in exchange for an honest critique.

A exquisite debut a haunting story of a house .of two women who becomes involved .A beautifully written book that slowly drew me in to their claustrophobic world .#netgalley #avid press

The setting: "... 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.... Living alone in her late mother’s country home, Isabel knows her life is as it should be—led by routine and discipline. But all is upended when her brother Louis brings his graceless new girlfriend Eva, leaving her at Isabel’s doorstep as a guest, to stay for the season..." And so it begins.

The house belongs to Louis--who flits from girlfriend to girlfriend, but Isabel wants it and in fact, is obsessed with the house and its belongings--where she has lived since childhood.

Billed as a psychological suspense story? Not quite. But definitely dark.

Isabel is a loner, prickly, obsessive, likely repressed, and definitely peculiar. Wooed by Johann--a neighbor--just not interested [because of a storyline and in general]. She strikes me as very immature.

Social expectations for women--at that time--on target. Her brothers are free/r; Hendrik is gay [though never said; he does have a "friend" and is not accepted in greater society [there is a scene...].

A novel in parts; liked the first the best, the second quite repetitive [all the sex scenes], the third--took me by surprise--until I figured it out, -- an interesting turn I did not see coming.

The first part of the novel I quite liked in part because I thought many of the descriptions were wonderful:
"violently peroxided bob"
"sighed out smoke"
"Eva took up space with a loud restlessness"
"her perfume bullied"


But not enough for me, I didn't really enjoy. I did love the cover [but one can't judge!].
A debut novel; curious to see where van der Wouden ventures next.

Thanks netgalley for a copy of this book. I liked the beginning and the end. The middle was kinda long for me and hard to get thru. Isabel lives in a big family house. Her brother starts dating a woman, Eva, who needs a place to stay while he’s gone. Isabel and Eva do not get a long. The middle of the book is a lot of their relationship and it’s redundant. Towards the end you start to see their motives with each other. The ending did wrap up nicely

I rate this book 2.5 stars rounded up. I liked the ending, but did not like the two chapters of graphic sex scenes. This book is historical fiction set in 1961 Netherlands. Isabel lives alone in her mother's country home. She has two brothers, Hendrik and Louis. Then Louis brings his girlfriend Eva to stay with Isabel while he goes to Europe on business. Isabel is not happy with this arrangement. The book explores how WWII affected these 4 people. The graphic sex scenes were sufficiently distracting that I almost did not finish, but I wanted to see how the plot ended.
Thank You Avid Reader Press / Simon & Schuster for sending me this eARC through NetGalley.

My first impression the early chapters of Yael van der Wouden’s debut novel, The Safekeep, was confusion and uncertainty. The reader is immersed in the action immediately. Names are thrown about with no introduction of who the characters are or how they are related to one another. None seemed particularly likeable. In fact, it took quite a long time before I felt any sympathy toward any of them; I think “like” would be too strong a word.

The story is set in a quiet Dutch town in 1961. Although World War II ended more than a decade earlier, it still feels like the post-war period, especially to some of these characters. Isabel lives alone in the home where she grew up with her mother and brothers. She has a young woman who cleans for her several times a week, but otherwise, she is there in the house alone. When her brother, Louis, invites her to dinner to meet his Eva, new girlfriend, she reluctantly tags along. Isabel seemingly goes out of her way to be rude to Eva, and when Louis eventually announces that he must go away on business for a month and requests that Eva come stay with Isa, one can almost feel the frost!

After Eva arrives, cherished items begin to disappear. A knife. A spoon. A bowl. Isa wonders if it’s the maid, but she suspects Eva. Their relationship is chilly until one night when they have dinner with Isa’s brother Heinrich and his partner Sebastian. Suddenly, the temperature between the two women rises. Isa, who has been trying to spurn a male suitor, suddenly finds herself with feelings she has never experienced before. The relationship between the women takes some very unexpected turns as Eva’s past is eventually revealed. The pears on the cover could symbolize femininity, love, and loss.

In The Safekeep, Jews, who lost so much, are still trying to reclaim their place in the world and to rebuild their families and their lives. Much of Europe has suffered the scourge of the war, and as a new decade begins, a new social order is emerging. Homosexuality Is not accepted in most places, however.

Even though I had read the blurb, the sudden transformations in the relationship between the women were unexpected. There is much sensuality and passion, anger, and angst. There is also sexual content and language.
For me, this book read hot and cold, but as a debut novel, it shows promise. I did like the way the women’s stories tied together toward the end.

I received a digital copy of The Safekeep in exchange for my honest review. My thoughts and opinions are my own. Thanks to NetGalley, Avid Reader Press/Simon & Schuster, and Yael van der Wouden.

3.5 stars

Absolutely absorbing! Writing, stunning. And I do love me a book with a house at the center--a house that has more history than suspected. Desire is threaded throughout the story. Also, the character development is A+, effortlessly fluid. Such a delicious read!!

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.