The Safekeep

De: Yael van der Wouden

Narrado por: Stina Nielsen, Saskia Maarleveld

* SHORTLISTED FOR THE 2024 BOOKER PRIZE *
* 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).

Reseñas de la Crítica

"Nielsen creates a pervasive sense of disquiet that will keep listeners off-balance until the final moments...Nielsen excels at conveying Isabel's fragility and Eva's enigmatic persona, making listeners question each woman's motives. In a brief appearance, Saskia Maarleveld narrates Eva's diary entries with barely suppressed rage. This slow-burn work of historical fiction packs a powerful punch."

Wow! This is a wonderful listen!

This book is beautifully written with a taut, intense plot on top cooking hot and a bread-crumb tra subplot happening underneath. In the end, it all surfaces and the reader is faced with a whole host of intense feelings. I loved it.

Great book!

Terrific story!Complex, gripping, struggles with etetnal truths. Best book I have read in a very long time!

Great story and excellent historical perspective

But, as other reviewers have said, I could have done without the explicit sex scenes, just unnecessary in the character development and honestly boring. However, I appreciated learning more about the experience of the Dutch Jews during the holocaust. I thought I had heard it all - but beyond the horrific camps, the everyday life of these folks as they tried to hide and protect their families just reveals how shitty they were treated on multiple levels by supposed neighbors and fellow citizens and their government. Very, very sad. So ultimately a great revealing book.

really kept My attention

the narrative was so well written. the story has a great twist. company and they discover that one

Great Plot Twist, Unique Perspective on Events Surrounding The Holocaust

Like every fantastic sapphic romance, the chemistry between these two characters is undeniable! What sets them apart from others though, is the depth of their connection and emotional bond. One of my favorite pairings of all time, for sure.

5/5 🔥 The heat between them is intense, but this story is told in a way that makes every encounter between them feel absolutely necessary. This is not one of those books that’s just filled with excessive cheap sex scenes. That doesn’t mean the spice isn’t plentiful (bc it def is), but they’re all very intense and emotionally charged, which I loved.

The setting of this story in the post-WWII era Dutch countryside offers insight into certain aspects surrounding the Holocaust that you don’t often hear about. Before this book, I don’t think I’ve ever read/seen a book, movie, etc. based around WWII that focused on what was left behind by Holocaust victims when they were forced out of their homes and had to leave all of their earthly possessions and memories behind. And to see how the survivors who made it out of camps alive had to deal with that and try to get their lives back (all while working through their own grief over their families, culture and still being at a legal/societal disadvantage), was a very thought-provoking and impactful experience.

All around a very unique love story and fantastic listening experience with 2 of my top fav narrators! It’s deep, sorrowful, sexy, heartfelt, and heart-achy. I loved the intersectionality between being Jewish and queer in the post-WWII era. [Eva’s diary entry where she’s praying for her feelings to go away literally gave me chills!]