The Safekeep: A Novel BY Yael van der Wouden

The Safekeep is a riveting debut set in 1961 rural Overijssel, Netherlands, where the remnants of World War II still linger beneath the surface of seemingly quiet lives. Isabel, a solitary woman who maintains a strict routine in her late mother’s countryside home, finds her world upended when her brother Louis leaves his new girlfriend, Eva, with her for the summer.

Isabel’s initial irritation with Eva’s contrasting nature—her late mornings, noisy habits, and disregard for the household's order—grows into a consuming obsession. As small items begin to disappear, Isabel’s suspicions spiral into paranoia. The tension between Isabel and Eva escalates in the oppressive summer heat, revealing deeper, more unsettling truths about their lives and the house itself.

As Isabel’s fixation on Eva deepens, it transforms into an intense infatuation. This emotional unraveling leads to a shocking revelation that questions everything Isabel believed to be true. The house, Eva, and even Isabel’s own sense of reality are not what they seem, hinting that the war’s shadow has not fully receded.

The Safekeep combines mystery, psychological tension, and sensuality into a sophisticated narrative that explores themes of desire, suspicion, and the lingering impact of historical trauma. Its evocative setting and complex characters create a gripping and unforgettable reading experience, offering a fresh and provocative take on the legacy of war and personal obsession.