BOOKCLUB NOTES: The Safekeep by Yael Van Der Wouden

This sparked a great conversation and scored an average of 4.2 stars ✨
The media reviews called it a romance, thriller, historical, coming of age - we thought it had shades of all of them (less so thriller).

We talked about blame and redemption, especially when shaped by a particular narrative or memory. We discussed to what degree the characters deserved our empathy - they were unkind but had both experienced hardship.

We found the historical context interesting (and lesser known generally in the UK). Some predicted a twist and some were completely blindsided (including both of your hosts 🫠). It was thought provoking and made for two interesting evenings!

The wines were a big hit this month. Attendees on night one couldn’t get enough of Mataburro’s Quartet Blanc - a skinsy Macabeo & Viognier blend from winemaker Laurent, who initially did not want to follow in his family’s footsteps in wine production. His journey back to the vineyard reminded us of Eva’s return to her childhood home. This is an easy drinking, thirst quenching orange wine brimming with stone fruits and tropical aromas.

In contrast on night two, Bidon! Bidon! from Fora In Vigna in Veneto won the vote. The name Fora means ‘Out’ in local dialect and can refer to someone who is ‘out of their mind’, which Isabel might have felt when instigating her affair with Eva. As the relationship progresses, we see it is complex, tender and delicate - exactly how this sparkling blend of Tai Rosso (Grenache) and Garganega drinks.

We can’t wait to see you for the next one 📕🌚 We’ll be discussing I Who Have Never Known Men on 11th and 17th Sept - it’s currently sold out so DM us to be added to the wait list!