The Safekeep is a historical fiction novel by Dutch author Yael van der Wouden. The story follows 28-year-old Isabel, who lives alone in a large mansion after her mother’s death. Her brothers, Louis and Hendrick, live in Hague and visit occasionally. Isabel is meticulous and prefers being alone as it allows her to keep her mother’s possessions untouched. She diligently maintains the house and keeps a list of its contents, even distrusting her housemaid, Neelke. When Louis asks Isabel to let his girlfriend, Eva, stay at the house, she resents the idea. Isabel tries to refuse but eventually agrees, openly showing her dislike and unwelcoming attitude.
Though, Eva remains unfazed by Isabel’s rudeness and continues to engage in conversation. Isabel soon finds it difficult to maintain her hostility and is drawn to Eva’s carefree nature. Her true feelings become clear when Eva's friendly kiss makes her feel different and not repulsive like Johan’s.
As Isabel begins to fall for Eva, she becomes distracted, failing to notice that items from the house are slowly disappearing. As time passes, Isabel becomes serious about Eva but notices that as Louis's arrival date approaches, Eva starts to distance herself. This pains Isabel, and she also realizes that some items are missing from the house. Isabel suspects Eva of the thefts and asks her to leave. However, after researching the house's history, she learns it once belonged to Eva's family. Eva had deliberately hidden her Jewish identity to reclaim her mother’s treasured possessions. Isabel understands Eva’s feelings, as she also values her own mother’s belongings. In the end, Isabel confesses her true feelings to Eva and asks her to return home.
