Yael van der Wouden
Fiction 2022| 462 pages
Sorry, my friend Mary, I simply did not like this book, which takes place in Holland in 1961. I found it overly sensual and overly sexual. I am not prudish, there was just such suddenness and surprise in the critical relationship, it did not resonate as true.
Our main character Isabel is cruel and biting. But she is also eccentric, which I find attractive and appealing in a way. Her foil, Eva, is milquetoast. She was blank, with no real personality, no history or background, no context. I would have liked a better explanation, a better understanding about the sudden bold passion that seems to come from nowhere and compellingly encompasses Isa and Eva.
The men, with exception of Hendrik, whom I love, are mostly non-existent and shallow. I adore Sebastian, too, Hendrik's partner!
Of course, the house is a character in itself, and how Isabel's mom obsessively decorated it with hares when she was still alive. Isa loves this house and takes exceedingly good care if it, including protecting it from thieves and keeping it very clean. The house is the pure heart of The Safekeep.
July 2025
I don’t have my reading journal with me so my reply may not be at its best.
For me, it was a challenging read of a family saga with WWII playing a background role. I knew little about the war’s impact on Holland. A little research told me it was devastating, not so much from bombings and battles but on the population and family/friends relationships. This was just hinted to in the story but I feel it played a role. I found the characters interesting although puzzling at times. As the story unfolded I grew to understand them better.
Thanks for your thoughts and the historical perspective.