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nataliecoyne's review
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
This was probably going to be 3 stars, the kind of book where it was interesting enough and good enough but with flaws. However, Part III (the final 78 pages) saved it, as that section really captivated me, it was so emotional, and was exactly what I was hoping for out of this novel. So that brought it up to 3.75 stars.
I think, when it comes to the first two parts (the first 184 pages), I just didn't really expect the romance plot and how much that would be the focus of so much of this book. I thought the romance was nice, but it just wasn't what I was hoping for and the amount of sexual content made me uncomfortable at times. That's why I had been leaning toward 3 stars. But again, I am super grateful for Part III and Part III brought it up to 3.75 stars.
I could definitely see myself recommending this to others.
I think, when it comes to the first two parts (the first 184 pages), I just didn't really expect the romance plot and how much that would be the focus of so much of this book. I thought the romance was nice, but it just wasn't what I was hoping for and the amount of sexual content made me uncomfortable at times. That's why I had been leaning toward 3 stars. But again, I am super grateful for Part III and Part III brought it up to 3.75 stars.
I could definitely see myself recommending this to others.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Xenophobia, Antisemitism, Grief, Death of parent, Toxic friendship, and Classism
Moderate: Genocide, Homophobia, Mental illness, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Racism, Sexism, Vomit, and War
Minor: Animal death, Bullying, Child abuse, Eating disorder, Sexual violence, Stalking, Alcohol, Sexual harassment, and Deportation
klbreyfogle's review
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I loved everything about this book! The writing was amazing and I really enjoyed the character development (and of course the third act!) I know some readers didn’t like Isabel but I actually found her really sympathetic in terms of being a character with an anxiety disorder (possibly OCD) and being so insecure and uncomfortable with herself that she just assumes that everyone hates her and she hates them back. An honestly well written character. And I love Eva, of course! Especially when you get into the diary section and really get to know her as a person. And the supporting characters are also written as whole, interesting people.
Overall, a really good study of Dutch life and character after the Holocaust in a way we don’t get a lot of in the US - we get a lot of “during” but very little of the aftermath. With the extra bonus of learning yourself and how to be a whole person, and extra extra bonus lesbian content!With a happy ending for good luck! what’s not to like?
Overall, a really good study of Dutch life and character after the Holocaust in a way we don’t get a lot of in the US - we get a lot of “during” but very little of the aftermath. With the extra bonus of learning yourself and how to be a whole person, and extra extra bonus lesbian content!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Self harm and Death of parent
Moderate: Homophobia, Sexism, Xenophobia, and Antisemitism
Minor: Genocide, Alcohol, and War
rhilennox's review
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexism, Antisemitism, Lesbophobia, and War
sqow's review against another edition
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Genocide, Homophobia, Sexism, Sexual content, Religious bigotry, Death of parent, Alcohol, and War
zwischenzeilen's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
"The Safekeep“ was not what I had expected, but in the best possible way.
What makes the book so good are the characters. Isabel - controlling, obsessive, mean - made me hate her very, very often, but was also interesting because of exactly that. Same with Eva - supposedly clumsy and awkward, but turning out to be very different than the reader and Isabel think at the beginning. The characters all felt very real, very human - sometimes terrible and broken, but in the end, only real people with flaws.
I loved the writing style, the sensuality, the poetry in it.
The plot twist wasn’t too surprising, I already suspected it, but it didn’t took away from the impact. The topic this book deals with is important and I feel, something often overlooked. I also liked the themes/ motives: the house as a centrepiece, dealing with grief, ownership, guilt and family , the nature, pear.
The obsessive, passionate relationship between Eva and Isabel was transported very well, just like the other relationships between characters.
I highly recommend this book to everyone. It’s place on the Booker Prize shortlist is well-deserved.
What makes the book so good are the characters. Isabel - controlling, obsessive, mean - made me hate her very, very often, but was also interesting because of exactly that. Same with Eva - supposedly clumsy and awkward, but turning out to be very different than the reader and Isabel think at the beginning. The characters all felt very real, very human - sometimes terrible and broken, but in the end, only real people with flaws.
I loved the writing style, the sensuality, the poetry in it.
The plot twist wasn’t too surprising, I already suspected it, but it didn’t took away from the impact. The topic this book deals with is important and I feel, something often overlooked. I also liked the themes/ motives: the house as a centrepiece,
The obsessive, passionate relationship between Eva and Isabel was transported very well, just like the other relationships between characters.
I highly recommend this book to everyone. It’s place on the Booker Prize shortlist is well-deserved.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Mental illness and Sexism
Minor: Antisemitism and Sexual harassment