Yael van der Wouden: The Safekeep

Yael van der Wouden: The Safekeep

Author: Sydney Writers' Festival August 26, 2025 Duration: 52:38

The Safekeep, the debut novel from Yael van der Wouden, took the literary world by storm when it was shortlisted for the 2024 Booker Prize.

Incorporating desire, family loyalty and betrayal in this twisted tale set in post-WWII Netherlands, Yael captivates and tantalises readers in equal measure with the forbidden love between Isabel and her brother’s graceless new girlfriend Eva.

Hear how Yael uncovered unexpected secrets of the past, both familial and national, in conversation with Claire Nichols (ABC Radio National’s The Book Show).

This episode was recorded live in May at the 2025 Sydney Writers’ Festival.

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Step into the vibrant heart of Australia's largest celebration of literature, stories, and ideas with the Sydney Writers' Festival podcast. This audio companion captures the festival's dynamic spirit year-round, offering front-row access to conversations you might have missed. Each episode pulls you into the room for live, unscripted discussions with a remarkable lineup of international authors, sharp journalists, groundbreaking scientists, and provocative public intellectuals. The range is deliberately broad, reflecting the festival's own eclectic programming-you'll find deep dives into the craft of fiction alongside frank explorations of societal issues, business innovation, and cultural critique. It’s more than just author interviews; it’s where books meet the big ideas they inspire. The Sydney Writers' Festival podcast serves as a permanent record of those fleeting, brilliant moments of connection and insight, all curated by the festival team. For anyone curious about the world and the words we use to describe it, this series provides a regular dose of intellectual stimulation and narrative pleasure. Tune in to hear the arguments, the stories, and the questions that shape our contemporary conversation, all delivered with the authentic energy of the live event.
Author: Language: en-au Episodes: 50

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