Introduction
First published in April 2024 by Yael van der Wouden, The Safekeep was the winner of the Women’s Prize for Fiction 2025 and was shortlisted for many other awards. It has become universally beloved for its tale of isolation and desire set in the backdrop of the aftermath of World War 2.
A Summary
Set in the summer of 1961 in the Dutch countryside, Isabel has isolated herself in her late mother’s house, only seeing her brothers occasionally. When one of her brothers - Louis - introduces Isabel to his latest girlfriend in a long string of failed relationships, she is mocking and unwilling to give Eva a chance. Until he goes on a business trip and Isabel is forced to let Eva live in her home. No longer alone, Isabel must learn to live with another, and learn more about her own desires.
Writing Style
The writing is undoubtedly immersive, focusing on the characters more so than the plot itself. It is heavy-handed with the plot details and if you are paying attention, you’ll figure out what is happening. However, that’s not to say it is not gorgeously written. The immersion is incredible and the use of Dutch words interspersed throughout only pushes it further.
My Thoughts
I have spent a long time trying to decipher my feelings on this book into a concrete number between 0 and 5, and the more I have thought, the more difficult it has become. I’d say that in itself is impressive for a debut novel. I eventually chose a 4 because ultimately this book had a lot of impact on me and the symbolism present throughout was so clearly well-thought through.
During the first 30% of the novel, I was incredibly unsure if this would be a novel for me. I disliked all of the characters, which can be interesting, but being stuck in Isabel’s perspective was draining until I grew accustomed to it. She’s the personification of how control can isolate you, and especially in the backdrop of World War 2, her character has so much symbolism into how the need for control comes at the cost of those around you ー and eventually yourself. She has assigned meaning to the objects around her, unwilling to acknowledge the chance it may not be true, and instead chooses to obsess over them. She has no desire to use them more than necessary, but she also does not want others to enjoy them. While I was re-reading snippets of the novel for this review, I also thought of another aspect of her character that I haven’t seen anyone discuss. I believe a lot of the control she attempts to assert over the belongings of the house comes from the fact she is aware it can be taken any time her brother chooses. She cannot deal with the potential that all she has known is ultimately in the control of an irresponsible, flimsy male, so she deals with it through a facade of power. Of course at the beginning of my reading experience, I was unable to appreciate this.
I really loved the inclusion of the Dutch words into the story and I wish this had been done more often. It was so immersive and (although I am nowhere near fluent) I understand common phrases and things like that and I would have loved Wouden to include more of them. It adds a deeper layer of connotation to the story.
The best part of the book for me was the diary entries of Eva in the latter half of the novel. I adore when literature plays with its traditional format already, but this was truly amazing. The insight into her character during this part was when the symbolism clicked for me and I couldn’t get enough of it. In contrast to Isabel’s facade of control, Eva is on the opposite side. She focuses on what she has lost, and obsesses over doing anything to get it back. It isn’t a need for control necessarily, but it’s a need to avenge what she has lost. She will morph herself into whoever she needs to be to get it back and is unwilling to bend to those that don’t serve to get her towards her goals.
I do also love the sapphic storyline (obviously) and I think the sex scenes worked really well to further show us that Isabel is beginning to forfeit control for pleasure. I did see the plot twist coming, and I do believe that was due to the heavy-handedness of the writing.
Overall, I can’t help but feel that this isn’t a book that is supposed to be read ー it is supposed to be re-read.
Is The Safekeep Spicy?
The Safekeep does contain a few sex scenes that are well-written, but the book itself is more focused on other aspects of their love.
Trigger Warnings
Please note this is a non-comprehensive list and there may be triggers in this book not explicitly stated here.
- Displacement due to war
- Homophobia
- Grooming
- Death of a parent
- Sex
Recommendation
I do recommend this, but I think the marketing was really bad for this book. It’s not exhilarating, or particularly dark, as it has been marketed as, but instead a deep tale of how trauma and love interplay with one another. It’s sapphic, historical and perfect as an autumn read.
