Avid Reader Press / Simon & Schuster
The Safekeep
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* WINNER OF THE NATIONAL JEWISH BOOK AWARD FOR DEBUT FICTION *
* WINNER OF THE 2025 WOMEN'S 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) "Remarkable...Compelling...Fine and taut...Indelible." --The New York Times - "Moving, unnerving, and deeply sexy." --Tracy Chevalier, author of Girl with the Pearl Earring - "A brilliant debut, as multi-faceted as a gem." --Kirkus Reviews A "razor-sharp, perfectly plotted" (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 1961--a 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 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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I really loved the way the author used her words. The fact that the language seemed so in control throughout but not when they were making love.
I can’t think of something to say without giving away spoilers. It’s told from a POV I hadn’t yet read. Set in The Netherlands. Recommend to readers who like this genre.
A fabulous book. I will never forget it. Brilliant writing.
Historical post war fiction that had just enough weirdness to keep it interesting but not over the top. All of the characters are peculiar in different ways which makes them more interesting. The story line is woven through some unforgettable characters and the writing is excellent. Very enjoyable
A well written, surprising, and beautiful story. I really loved it.
I really loved the way the author used her words. The fact that the language seemed so in control throughout but not when they were making love.
I can’t think of something to say without giving away spoilers. It’s told from a POV I hadn’t yet read. Set in The Netherlands. Recommend to readers who like this genre.
A fabulous book. I will never forget it. Brilliant writing.
Historical post war fiction that had just enough weirdness to keep it interesting but not over the top. All of the characters are peculiar in different ways which makes them more interesting. The story line is woven through some unforgettable characters and the writing is excellent. Very enjoyable
A well written, surprising, and beautiful story. I really loved it.
