The safekeep : a novel / Yael van der Wouden.
"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."--Jacket flap.
Record details
- ISBN: 9781668034347 (hardcover)
- Physical Description: 262 pages ; 24 cm
- Edition: First Avid Reader Press hardcover edition.
- Publisher: New York : Avid Reader Press, 2024.
Search for related items by subject
| Subject: | Infatuation > Fiction. Shared housing > Fiction. Siblings > Fiction. Summer > Fiction. Overijssel (Netherlands) > Fiction. |
| Genre: | Historical fiction. Novels. |
Available copies
- 0 of 1 copy available at Tsuga Consortium.
Holds
- 0 current holds with 1 total copy.
Show Only Available Copies
| Location | Call Number / Copy Notes | Barcode | Shelving Location | Status | Due Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stroud Branch | FIC Woude | 31681010375210 | FICTION | Checked out | 01/23/2026 |
- Baker & Taylor
In 1961, in Dutch countryside, Isabel lives by routine and discipline until her brother leaves his graceless new girlfriend Eva on her doorstep, and as Eva disrespects her house, Isabel develops a fury-fueled obsession that gives way to infatuation, leading to a discovery that unravels all Isabel has ever known. - Simon and Schuster
* SHORTLISTED FOR THE 2024 BOOKER PRIZE *
* WINNER OF THE NATIONAL JEWISH BOOK AWARD FOR DEBUT FICTION *
* WINNER OF THE 2025 WOMENâS PRIZE FOR FICTION *
Shortlisted for the 2025 Dylan Thomas Prize and Aspen Words Literary Prize ⢠A Best Book of 2024: The New York Times, The Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, Time, The Economist, The Globe and Mail (Toronto), Kirkus Reviews, The Independent, BookPage, The Sunday Times (London)
âRemarkableâ¦Compellingâ¦Fine and tautâ¦Indelible.â âThe New York Times ⢠âMoving, unnerving, and deeply sexy.â âTracy Chevalier, author of Girl with the Pearl Earring ⢠âA brilliant debut, as multi-faceted as a gem.â âKirkus Reviews
A ârazor-sharp, perfectly plottedâ (The Sunday Times, London) tale of desire, suspicion, and obsession between two women staying in the same house in the Dutch countryside during the summer of 1961âa powerful exploration of the legacy of WWII and the darker parts of our collective past.
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 motherâs country home, Isabel knows her life is as it should beâled by routine and discipline. But all is upended when her brother Louis brings his graceless new girlfriend Eva, leaving her at Isabelâs doorstep as a guest, to stay for the season.
Eva is Isabelâs antithesis: she sleeps late, walks loudly through the house, and touches things she shouldnât. In response, Isabel develops a fury-fueled obsession, and when things start disappearing around the houseâa spoon, a knife, a bowlâIsabelâs suspicions begin to spiral. In the sweltering peak of summer, Isabelâs 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 Evaânor the house in which they liveâare what they seem.
Mysterious, sophisticated, sensual, and infused with intrigue, atmosphere, and sex, The Safekeep is âa brave and thrilling debut about facing up to the truth of history, and to oneâs own desiresâ (The Guardian).