When times are very, very bad, it is such a solace to have lots of books to retreat to and, yes, be buried by! As of July 1st, we are in a constitutional crisis in this country, and the majority of the Supreme Court, in their presidential immunity decision, has created it. I am reeling...
I was absolutely enchanted by my reading of Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman. I wondered why I haven't read it sooner, but I'm so very glad that I read it NOW, while I'm feeling so much despair (about our country). Eleanor is the completely original, wonderful, enjoyable, heart-warming heroine of her own story. I had no idea! I can't think of a book I have thrilled to more in the past few years. And to think I bought it on a sheer whim, when it came up for sale for $1.99 as an ebook. Then I devoured it! What great memories I have of this book to carry me forward! So, yes, I am counting it as one of my Twenty Books of Summer.
The Safekeep by the Dutch author Yael Van Der Wouden (in translation), has received many mega-starred reviews. (To see the excerpts from reviews, click on the link and scroll down to "Reviews.") It was published in June. The wide-spread, though vaguely stated words of acclaim set me on to it. The novel is set in the Netherlands in 1961, and has been widely touted as an historical novel.
Now that I've read The Safekeep in its entirety, I would agree that it is indeed an historical novel, definitely. But the first half of the novel betrays no evidence whatsoever of that fact. This half of the novel depicts the lives of Isabel and her two brothers and Eva, her oldest brother's girlfriend. Isabel, as a young woman, lives alone (and lonely) in the family house in the east of the Netherlands after her mother's death. When Isabel's brother Louis decides that Eva should stay with Isabel while he is away for 6 weeks for a work project, everything turns on its head. Why does Eva want to stay there, when she knows Isabel dislikes her and is totally antagonistic? And on that note, ensues a huge drama that reaches back to the world of the Netherlands and the Dutch people, especially the Dutch people as a whole, in World War II.
The Safekeep deserves all the high praise that has been bestowed on it. I will say that for me, at times, it was an uncomfortable read, because of the relationship that evolves between Isabel and Eva, and the deeply unfortunate aftermath. It is so worthwhile--the language and the translation is flawless. I AM so glad that I read it, and I will always remember it, so I recommend it without reservation.
Another book that I've put on my Twenty Books of Summer List.
Judith, I agree with you wholeheartedly on Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine. It was a great read and lifted up my spirits when I read it.
ReplyDeleteThe Safekeep sounds interesting also. I will look out for a copy.
Tracy, yes, it so lifted my spirits, too. I think it's likely I'll read it again. At least I know it's always available in my Kindle Fire.
DeleteSo glad I read The Safekeep--completely original, yet deep and in some ways, heart-breaking, all to do with the story of a House in the Netherlands and TWO families in World War II. A great read, but a very challenging one, in some ways, though I am so glad, so thankful, I challenged myself and completed it. In retrospect, I give it Five stars.
I loved Eleanor Oliphant too! Glad you found time to read it.
ReplyDeleteThe Safekeep sounds good--haven't heard of it, but I am intrigued.
Hi Jane,
DeleteI'm so glad that you, too, loved Eleanor Oliphant! So good to know!
The Safekeep is a deep, yet very important book, if you have any interest in the Netherlands and World War II.
It's really the story of one house and 2 families. I'm so glad I read it. So many twists and turns that I was not expecting! So very, very worthwhile.
When my book club chose Eleanor Oliphant, I groaned because it seemed a trendy choice but it was not what I expected and I couldn't put it down. I also thought the ending was well done.
ReplyDeleteI wholeheartedly agree with you about the ending to Eleanor Oliphant. I agree that once I started reading, I kept at it, for long bouts of time, day after day. It would not let me go! A great book, indeed!
DeleteHi Judith, dropping by after much too long- My life has changed in many ways these last 2 years but, my reading is now a daily thing and source of much comfort. Eleanor Oliphant was a favorite of mine - read it twice, once for book group. I also have a copy of The Safekeep so I was happy to read your thoughts.
ReplyDeleteI can’t think about November right now as I finally feel I am in a good place, and, November has the potential of upheaval. Take Care and happy reading! (Diane-Bib by the Sea)
Oh, Diane, how wonderful to hear your thoughts! I am totally in tune with your reading Eleanor Oliphant on two occasions. I could very easily do the same, and when the mood strikes, I will! I would love to eventually hear your thoughts about The Safekeep--what a book!! Not your everyday, run of the mill book at all.
DeleteI understand completely not being able to face November. OR, the months leading up to it. In many ways, that's the worst for me right now.
So glad you checked in, Diane!!
Happy reading to you, too!
Hi Judith, I'm late to your post, but I am still reeling about the presidential immunity granted by the Supreme Court and the state of things now. I do feel despair too. How is the striking of Roe and these things possible. It's more than troublesome. No person should be above the law period. I think Eleanor Oliphant would agree. I read and liked it as well. Some irreverent humor in it. I will look for The Safekeep ... I like WWII tales ... as well as being set in the Netherlands ... like Anne Frank was .... and even Audrey Hepburn .
ReplyDeleteOh, yes, I read Audrey Hepburn's bio with great interest--the suffering the Dutch endured during the "Hunger Winter, of 1944-45" being most notable.
DeleteThe Hunger Winter is a player in The Safekeep as well. I didn't stress this in my comments about the book, but, at the center of the book is a HOUSE.