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It's no secret that library staff read. A lot. And when we finish a great book we can't wait to recommend it! See what we've been reading below or visit our Staff Picks blog. You might just find your next favorite book! |
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The Safekeep
by Yael Van Der Wouden
Karen Writes: The Safekeep, Yael van der Wouden's debut, was the novel about World War II and the Holocaust that I didn't know I needed to read until I read it. The beginning of the book put me off a bit, in part, because I found the narrator less than relatable in terms of her voice (I listened to the audiobook), and also because her perspectives on life and relationships felt remote to me. (These later became understandable, if not entirely justifiable) Once I'd adapted to Isabel, however, I could not stop reading/listening to the book, or thinking about the story.
Set in 1961, The Safekeep unfolds mostly in the Dutch countryside. The war is in the past, or so it seems. Our main character, Isabel, endures a disciplined and rather mundane existence alone in her deceased mother's home. She appears to be resigned to her lot until her brother, fickle Louis, brings home the latest of his many girlfriends, Eva. She winds up staying for a season, uninvited by Isabel.
The two women are soon at odds, and when things begin disappearing around the house, Isabel, already paranoid about loss, becomes more so, blaming Eva. When the oldest brother shows up with a long-time friend, soon revealed to be his partner, the plot twists, and Isabel's paranoia about Eva morphs into infatuation with Eva. Relatedly, everything Isabel thought she knew about her home and family, history and herself, are proved questionable, if not flat-out wrong.
This is a compelling novel about a time not so removed from our own. It is also sexy and unsettling, a mystery and a thriller on several levels. I thought I knew something about the pillaging that went on during World War II; I knew nothing of this. When Eva's point of view rises up toward the end of the book, I was heartbroken, outraged, and inspired. Maybe you will feel something like this too, if you choose to read The Safekeep by Yael van der Wouden.
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The Witch's Orchard
by Archer Sullivan
Lora Says: Private detective Annie Gore is hired by Max Andrews to find his younger sister, Molly, who went missing ten years ago. Molly was the third girl to disappear in Quartz Creek, North Carolina in a matter of months. The second girl, Olivia, was actually returned days before Molly was kidnapped. In addition, apple head dolls were left in the place where all three girls were last seen. Annie warns Max that many in the small mountain town will not take lightly to someone coming in and asking questions after all these years. Soon death and physical harm descends. Will Annie be able to give Max the closure he needs to move on? The Witch's Orchard is an unputdownable mystery with a great sense of place and an interesting main character. I'm so glad that this looks to be a start to a new series. The Witch’s Orchard (2025) is a good read-alike for Northwoods (2024) by Amy Pease, the Bell Elkins series by Julia Keller, and Sharyn McCrumb's Ballad novels.
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At the library Come visit us in person and we'd be happy to help you choose something perfect just for you. |
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Just for you For personalized recommendations, fill out a Book Match form. |
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