Introduction
The Safekeep by Yael van der Wouden unfolds in a quiet Dutch village in 1961, where Isabel’s disciplined life in her late mother’s country home is disrupted by the arrival of Eva, her brother’s enigmatic girlfriend. As Eva’s carefree demeanor clashes with Isabel’s order, tensions rise, leading to obsession and unearthing hidden truths about the past. Amid a sweltering summer, Isabel’s spiraling paranoia reveals a haunting mystery about the house and its occupants, intertwining history, desire, and secrets in a tale of suspense and self-discovery.
The Safekeep Synopsis
A house is a precious thing…
It is 1961 and the rural Dutch province of Overijssel is quiet. Bomb craters have been filled, buildings reconstructed, and the war is truly over. 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.
Eva is Isabel’s antithesis: she sleeps late, walks loudly through the house, and touches things she shouldn’t. In response, Isabel develops a fury-fueled obsession, and when things start disappearing around the house—a spoon, a knife, a bowl—Isabel’s suspicions begin to spiral. In the sweltering peak of summer, Isabel’s paranoia gives way to infatuation, leading to a discovery that unravels all Isabel has ever known. The war might not be well and truly over after all, and neither Eva—nor the house in which they live—are what they seem.
Mysterious, sophisticated, sensual, and infused with intrigue, atmosphere, and sex, The Safekeep is “a brave and thrilling debut about facing up to the truth of history, and to one’s own desires” (The Guardian).
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More About the Novel
| Author: | Yael van der Wouden |
| Publisher: | Avid Reader Press / Simon & Schuster |
| Genre: | fiction |
| Mode: | Complete |
Themes Explored In The Novel
Themes Explored in The Safekeep by Yael van der Wouden
- Post-War Trauma and Memory: The novel reflects the lingering effects of World War II, exploring how history, trauma, and unresolved conflicts continue to shape individuals and communities long after the war’s end.
- Isolation and Loneliness: Isabel’s solitary life underscores themes of isolation, both physical and emotional, as she navigates her world and its disruptions.
- Obsession and Control: Isabel’s fixation on Eva reveals the psychological depth of obsession, highlighting themes of control, jealousy, and the thin line between fascination and infatuation.
- Identity and Self-Discovery: The story delves into the complexities of personal identity and suppressed desires, as Isabel uncovers truths about herself and her connection to Eva.
- Secrets and Mystery: The house itself becomes a symbol of hidden truths, representing the mysterious and often unsettling revelations tied to the past.
- Relationships and Power Dynamics: The tension between Isabel and Eva reflects broader themes of power, boundaries, and the dynamics of human relationships.
- The Impact of Setting: The rural Dutch countryside and the house serve as integral characters in the narrative, shaping the mood and contributing to the sense of suspense and confinement.
This blend of psychological intrigue and historical context creates a richly layered narrative that captivates both on a personal and societal level.
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