Skip to content
Launch Sale! 25% Off Nearly Every Book
The Safekeep

The Safekeep

Van Der Wouden, Yael

Paperback

$18.99 $14.24 Save 25%
* 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).

EAN: 9781668034354
Publisher: Avid Reader Press / Simon & Schuster
Publication Date: 2025-05-27
Pages: 288
Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.6 x 0.8 inches
BISAC Subjects: Literary, Jewish,
Historical - General

FAQs

Still have questions?! Drop us an email

We ship worldwide! No matter where you are, we’ll get your favorite reads to your doorstep. We partner with reliable carriers to ensure safe and timely delivery, whether you're in the U.S. or across the globe. See our Shipping Policy page for a complete list of shipping methods and transit times.

We typically process and ship orders within 24 hours. Orders placed on weekends or holidays ship the next business day. Delivery time depends on your location and the shipping method selected. Below are our default options, with upgrades available at checkout:

Domestic Orders (U.S.): USPS Economy Mail (2–7 business days) - $3.99 for the first unit, $1.00 per additional unit.

International Orders: Standard International Mail (4–10 business days) - $14.00 for the first unit, $10.50 per additional unit.

See our Shipping Policy page for a complete list of shipping methods and transit times.

We accept all major credit cards, including Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express. For added convenience, we also offer Shop Pay for orders over $35.00, which provides flexible payment options. More details will be available at checkout.

Once your order ships, we’ll email you a tracking number so you can monitor its progress and estimated delivery date. If you haven’t received your tracking email within two days of placing your order, please check your spam or promotions folder. If it’s still missing, contact us at orders@bookpop.shop, and we’ll be happy to assist you.

Yes! You can send a gift directly to someone by entering their shipping address at checkout. We also offer a gift wrap service for $3.50 per item, and you have the option to include a personalized note with your order.

If for any reason you are not completely satisfied with your purchase, within 30 days of placing your order, we will refund you for your purchase with no questions asked. Full details can be found in our Returns and Refund Policy

Returns and Refund Contact Info:
returns@bookpop.shop
415.318.0274
5 Lindsay Circle
San Francisco, CA 94124

Recommended Titles

Bag (0)

Your bag is currently empty!

Wishlist