2025 & 2026 Reading Challenge discussion

This thread is to discuss The Safekeep by Yael van der Wouden.

Pages: 272 pages

Length: 1 month (November)

Participants: Jen, Anna KR, Surabhi

Everyone reads at their own pace during a Buddy Read. Because participants can be at different parts of the book at different times, it is extremely important to mark spoilers so that the book is not ruined for someone who is not as far along as others!!!

Mark spoilers by placing {spoiler} before the text and {/spoiler} after the text but use the < and > instead of the { and }.

Hello all !
When are you all going to begin reading this book?

I've already started because it's due back at the library next week and I can't renew it. But you can start and finish any time in November and post your thoughts.

I've picked my copy up from the library and plan to start on Friday.

Same here! I too plan to start on Friday..

Same here! I too plan to start on Friday..

I finished the 3rd chapter.
I feel really bad for Isabel because she’s (view spoiler)[ all alone and is taking care of the house with always a sword on her neck. (hide spoiler)] Also, I strongly feel that there’s something fishy about Eva. But I sincerely hope that she turns out to be the best character in this.

Iv finished the first part and oh my God ! What just happened

I had a late start. Read first chapter last night and so far (view spoiler)[I don't think I am going to like Isa. She seems very uptight and grumpy. Perhaps over protective of Louis. I feel like there is going to be secrets about Eva that will unfold as the story is told. (hide spoiler)].

The writing is very accessible and flows. It doesn't feel high-brow or too literary so far.

OK, only a few pages into chapter 2 and (view spoiler)[I take back what I said about Isa - I now feel sorry for her. How awful to have Eva staying with her when Isa is so used to being on her own. Also, I am intrigued to find out why Isa pinches the back of her hand - obviously a way to cope with anxiety - but why? (hide spoiler)]

Hi Anna!
I felt the same. The flow is too good. Not too literary and not extremely loose.
It’s the best way for a reader to connect quickly to the book.

Surabhi wrote: "I finished the 3rd chapter.
I feel really bad for Isabel because she’s [spoilers removed] Also, I strongly feel that there’s something fishy about Eva. But I sincerely hope that she turns out to b..."

Comments up to chapter 4
At the very beginning I wasn't a fan of Isabels but now, like you, I feel sorry for her. (view spoiler)[There is definitely something not quite right with Isabel. The way she pinches the back of her hand and then she stuff the shirt into her mouth. Having Eva in the house is also increasing Isabel's anxiety (hide spoiler)].

Anna KR wrote: "Surabhi wrote: "I finished the 3rd chapter.
I feel really bad for Isabel because she’s [spoilers removed] Also, I strongly feel that there’s something fishy about Eva. But I sincerely hope that sh..."

I can't wait to now her side of the story. There is something really big that will come, I feel, from Isa's side. The way she pinches her hand, I really want to know that story behind it.

Surabhi wrote: "Iv finished the first part and oh my God ! What just happened"

Ok - I certainly didn't see that coming!! (view spoiler)[I was expecting something much more sinister - not Eva and Isa kissing - what?! (hide spoiler)]

I'm back from my trip and read the whole thing last week. I live in the Netherlands and found the themes and background is pretty well-trodden in Dutch literature. The really interesting thing about this is the author chose to write it in English. Ironically, the majority of libraries have the Dutch translation.

I’m halfway through the 3rd part in the book and OH MY GOD ! what a twist in the tale. I can’t believe the author made this as a plot. I don’t want to ruin it so waiting eagerly for others to finish the book so that interesting discussions can happen :)

Jen wrote: "I'm back from my trip and read the whole thing last week. I live in the Netherlands and found the themes and background is pretty well-trodden in Dutch literature. The really interesting thing abou..."

I hope you had a good trip Jen!

Do you know why the author wrote the book in English?

What did you think overall?

Surabhi wrote: "I’m halfway through the 3rd part in the book and OH MY GOD ! what a twist in the tale. I can’t believe the author made this as a plot. I don’t want to ruin it so waiting eagerly for others to finis..."

I'm so glad you posted this! I am at chapter 10 and was ready to DNF but will keep going now :-)

Nope, sorry guys - can't do it. It is a dnf for me. This is only a short book and I made it 50% of the way through and I'm just not invested in the story or characters.

Anna KR wrote: "Jen wrote: "I'm back from my trip and read the whole thing last week. I live in the Netherlands and found the themes and background is pretty well-trodden in Dutch literature. The really interestin..."

She wrote the book in English because it was the most natural for her creative expression.

I found it okay. Like I said, the LGBT+ themes and the wrestling with the aftermath of WWII are pretty common in Dutch literature. I didn't feel like this really broke new ground aside from being written in English and being shortlisted for the Booker Prize.

Jen wrote: "Anna KR wrote: "Jen wrote: "I'm back from my trip and read the whole thing last week. I live in the Netherlands and found the themes and background is pretty well-trodden in Dutch literature. The r..."

I think that is really cool. I would love to be able to speak and write in a different language.

I see that Orbital has won the Booker. Have you read that book?

Anna KR wrote: "Jen wrote: "Anna KR wrote: "Jen wrote: "I'm back from my trip and read the whole thing last week. I live in the Netherlands and found the themes and background is pretty well-trodden in Dutch liter..."

I'm 3rd in line for Orbital at the library. I might have it in 2 weeks or in 5 months.

Hi Guys,
I finished the book and I really liked the plot but the ending was a bit disappointing leaving many grounds untouched.

The aftermath of WW2 on people and how they each reacted to their grief is something I really liked about the book. I am not sure if it was really with it for the booker prize but I surely loved the book and how it portrayed the characters.

Planning to read Orbital now..