"In her debut novel, The Safekeep, Yael Van Der Wouden crafts an evocative and atmospheric narrative that immediately pulled me in. The writing is lush, with a strong sense of place that gives the story an intense quality. I found she excelled at setting a mood, creating a world that feels both intimate and unsettling in the best way. The prose shines and immerses you in the quiet tensions and small mysteries that permeate the book.

However, while the style and tone are undoubtedly strong, the plot and pacing left something to be desired. The narrative unfolded in a way that felt a bit too neat, with a structure that follows a predictable rhythm. The third-act twist, while well-written, didn’t deliver the impact I was hoping for, as it was hinted at heavily throughout the story and lacked a surprising or subversive element.

Overall, The Safekeep is a solid read with beautiful writing and a haunting atmosphere. If you enjoy books that focus on mood and setting over intricate plot developments, this one might work better for you. Despite the tidy execution, it’s a well-crafted novel that would appeal to readers looking for a more atmospheric literary experience. I don't expect it to win the Booker Prize, but I am glad they nominated her, especially as a debut novelist, and am interested in seeing what she comes out with next."