Such a well-crafted book. That ending so brilliant and the lead up….Loving these videos! Such great reviews from both of you. Really fascinated with Simon’s reread experience. Thank you both for this! ❤❤❤
I love your channel and your sons channel. I don't get to read much contemporary fiction so you really keep me in touch with stuff and this book sounds fantastic.
Louise, I’ve not seen you quite so moved before. That alone will make me read this! Thank you both for these wonderful videos. They really make my day when I see them. (Speaking of Greek tragedy, we saw Oedipus last Saturday with Mark Strong and Lesley Manville and it was superb. I agree with you about the incredible impact of these plays)
The Safekeep…. Thinking about it almost 4 months since I read it. I can’t help seeing parallels to what has been happening in Israel, Gaza & Lebanon. Places destroyed by war , changed by war , the inherited generational trauma.
It is such a joy to read along with two of you. This is the first year I have read through the Booker shortlist before the prize giving, excited to see who wins ( I have even begun to watch the BBC coverage of the Booker in the 80’s & 90’s - it is my new comfort watch. The commentary from the review panel definitely don’t hold back especially Germaine Greer) 🤍
The Safekeep was a book I liked a lot but I cannot say I loved it. That may be in part because I had figured out the big “twist” long before part 3 and part because I struggled to like most of the characters. Definitely an impressive debut but not on the top of my shortlist rankings. I think though that this is my favorite of the shortlist videos you’ve done so far. Your side by side thoughts were really fascinating. Looking forward to more!
Thank you. I really enjoyed the rigidity and awkwardness and didn’t like the characters much either but found their behaviour fascinating. I saw nothing coming 🤭🤦🙏🙏🙏📚📚📚💛💛💛
So glad you loved this -- it felt profoundly poignant to me. It's my favorite so far of the shortlist, although I'm still working through it. I also can't believe it's a debut; what a gift she has! 💚 (I hope we see a new book soon!)
So interesting! Louise, you really tippy-toed right up to the line of not giving away the central secret of the book in your update after finishing. Well done! Simon, I’m intrigued about your comments about the ending. I may have to go back and refresh my memory of it because I don’t recall anything redemptive. But I’m famous for not remembering details of a book after I’m done reading it. For me, this was absolutely a book of three parts, which I would summarize as 🥱😮💨😱. I loved it. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for me.
About to watch your thoughts on this book. For me this should be the winner. A story that has stayed with me since I read this book in July and cannot wait to read more by this author. Looking forward to hearing what you both thought.
The Safekeep is my favorite from the short list. (Tbf I’ve not read Held but I wasn’t as interested unless it wins). I cannot believe this is a debut. It was incredible and I am hoping this one takes it home next month!
Another great video! Loved watching it. ☺️ I’m on the fence about The Safekeep. I liked the historical plot and the societal messages but I did not connect with the characters. I found them quite flat and didn’t care for any of them. The house was the best character! Plus I did not like the many convenient plot drivers or the predictable ending.
I loved the awkwardness but agree they’re not easy to empathise with. I’m afraid my disbelief was completely suspended and I saw none of it coming 🤭🙏🙏🙏📚📚📚💛💛💛
I loved this book and found it hard to put down. The awkward dinner was brilliant, and the character building immersive. It's hard to talk about without spoilers. This, a debut novel?! I'll read anything from this author from now on.
I thought, “Oh dearie me” when I learned that Simon would be discussing this book with his mum because as he said, “the sex is A LOT.” However, it’s not gratuitous, just A LOT.😆
I really struggled with this one. The characters didn’t resonate with me, and the discomfort of the circumstances didn’t help me either. It must be me, though, although I realize not every book is for everybody. I ended up skimming this beyond about 40% and the development of the plot seemed contrived. I just found it self-indulgent and disingenuous. I was angry. Can you tell? 😳 Thanks to both of you for your excellent analysis as always. I found your thoughts very interesting.
Couldn't find this novel on Amazon. Is it out in the U. S. now. ? Sounds like a must read. I read Held and thought that one was phenomenal. Anyone please tell me where can I find The Safe Keep?
I really liked to book especially the pacing as Eva’s narrative deepened…but I struggled with the explicit lengthy sex scenes…it took me out of the story and I felt I didn’t need to be hit over the head to get it…great debut!
Such a well-crafted book. That ending so brilliant and the lead up….Loving these videos! Such great reviews from both of you. Really fascinated with Simon’s reread experience. Thank you both for this! ❤❤❤
Thoroughly enjoyed doing it too 🙏🙏🙏📚📚📚💛💛💛
I love your channel and your sons channel. I don't get to read much contemporary fiction so you really keep me in touch with stuff and this book sounds fantastic.
I'm so glad! 🙏🙏🙏📚📚📚💛💛💛
Louise, I’ve not seen you quite so moved before. That alone will make me read this! Thank you both for these wonderful videos. They really make my day when I see them. (Speaking of Greek tragedy, we saw Oedipus last Saturday with Mark Strong and Lesley Manville and it was superb. I agree with you about the incredible impact of these plays)
Oh wow, I’m so envious. Hope to get to see that production but not sure if I’m going to manage to be in the right place at the right time 🙏🙏🙏📚📚📚💛💛💛
I'm really keen to read this now, ty for sharing you guys' thoughts!
Our pleasure 🙏🙏🙏📚📚📚💛💛💛
Loved this video because when I finished the book...i was blown away and wanted to talk to someone about it!
Brilliant 🤩
The Safekeep…. Thinking about it almost 4 months since I read it. I can’t help seeing parallels to what has been happening in Israel, Gaza & Lebanon. Places destroyed by war , changed by war , the inherited generational trauma.
Absolutely 👍 🙏🙏📚📚📚💛💛💛
Such an excellent book!
It really is! 🙏🙏🙏📚📚📚💛💛💛
It is such a joy to read along with two of you. This is the first year I have read through the Booker shortlist before the prize giving, excited to see who wins ( I have even begun to watch the BBC coverage of the Booker in the 80’s & 90’s - it is my new comfort watch. The commentary from the review panel definitely don’t hold back especially Germaine Greer) 🤍
I did not know that this coverage was available. Must have a look 👀
Essentially obsessed with y’all’s prize videos and particularly love this year’s Booker ones 📖 🪱 💚
So glad they’re going down well 😊
Loved your reviews and so pleased that you both really enjoyed this book too🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳
It's so good! 😊
The Safekeep was a book I liked a lot but I cannot say I loved it. That may be in part because I had figured out the big “twist” long before part 3 and part because I struggled to like most of the characters. Definitely an impressive debut but not on the top of my shortlist rankings. I think though that this is my favorite of the shortlist videos you’ve done so far. Your side by side thoughts were really fascinating. Looking forward to more!
Thank you. I really enjoyed the rigidity and awkwardness and didn’t like the characters much either but found their behaviour fascinating. I saw nothing coming 🤭🤦🙏🙏🙏📚📚📚💛💛💛
Pat Barker's 'Regeneration' Trilogy is an excellent read when it comes to the effect of wars on a people/country/landscape.
For some reason, I’ve only read the first in the trilogy 🤔🙏🙏🙏📚📚📚💛💛💛
Such a great, important book. Glad you loved it as well.
👍🙏🙏🙏📚📚📚💛💛💛
My favorite of the Booker Short List!
🙏🙏🙏📚📚📚💛💛💛
So glad you loved this -- it felt profoundly poignant to me. It's my favorite so far of the shortlist, although I'm still working through it. I also can't believe it's a debut; what a gift she has! 💚 (I hope we see a new book soon!)
Glad you enjoyed it too 🙏🙏🙏📚📚📚💛💛💛
I am so so excited to read this book now! Also loving these vlogs and I can’t wait to hear your thoughts on James.
I can’t wait to find out what Simon made of James 🙏🙏🙏📚📚📚💛💛💛
What an incredible novel, I enjoyed this so much, and really enjoyed your review
Glad you enjoyed it! 🙏🙏🙏📚📚📚💛💛💛
So interesting! Louise, you really tippy-toed right up to the line of not giving away the central secret of the book in your update after finishing. Well done! Simon, I’m intrigued about your comments about the ending. I may have to go back and refresh my memory of it because I don’t recall anything redemptive. But I’m famous for not remembering details of a book after I’m done reading it.
For me, this was absolutely a book of three parts, which I would summarize as 🥱😮💨😱. I loved it. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for me.
Adoring your emoji summary! Brilliant 🤩 🙏🙏🙏📚📚📚💛💛💛
About to watch your thoughts on this book. For me this should be the winner. A story that has stayed with me since I read this book in July and cannot wait to read more by this author. Looking forward to hearing what you both thought.
Brilliant video 😊
Thank you! 😀
The Safekeep is my favorite from the short list. (Tbf I’ve not read Held but I wasn’t as interested unless it wins). I cannot believe this is a debut. It was incredible and I am hoping this one takes it home next month!
🙏🙏🙏📚📚📚💛💛💛
Another great video! Loved watching it. ☺️ I’m on the fence about The Safekeep. I liked the historical plot and the societal messages but I did not connect with the characters. I found them quite flat and didn’t care for any of them. The house was the best character! Plus I did not like the many convenient plot drivers or the predictable ending.
I loved the awkwardness but agree they’re not easy to empathise with. I’m afraid my disbelief was completely suspended and I saw none of it coming 🤭🙏🙏🙏📚📚📚💛💛💛
Loved this book 📖🪱💚
This is the one I am most excited to read but there are still 15 people ahead of me in the library. Something to look forward to.
Do hope you’re further up the queue by now 🙏🙏🙏📚📚📚💛💛💛
I loved this book and found it hard to put down. The awkward dinner was brilliant, and the character building immersive. It's hard to talk about without spoilers. This, a debut novel?! I'll read anything from this author from now on.
So glad you loved it too 🙏🙏🙏📚📚📚💛💛💛
This one is my favorite and my vote to win, but doubtful they will choose it. I also was shocked it was a debut.
🙏🙏🙏📚📚📚💛💛💛
I thought, “Oh dearie me” when I learned that Simon would be discussing this book with his mum because as he said, “the sex is A LOT.” However, it’s not gratuitous, just A LOT.😆
😂😂😂🙏🙏🙏📚📚💛💛💛
I'd love to see it win The Booker.
Maybe she wrote short stories before her debut? Placed it on the want to read list. Just started Felicia's Jouney by William Trevor.
Do hope you’re enjoying Felicia’s Journey 🙏🙏🙏📚📚📚💛💛💛
I really struggled with this one. The characters didn’t resonate with me, and the discomfort of the circumstances didn’t help me either. It must be me, though, although I realize not every book is for everybody. I ended up skimming this beyond about 40% and the development of the plot seemed contrived. I just found it self-indulgent and disingenuous. I was angry. Can you tell? 😳 Thanks to both of you for your excellent analysis as always. I found your thoughts very interesting.
This book clearly divides opinion. You’re not alone, there have been quite a few comments along these lines 🙏🙏🙏📚📚📚💛💛💛
Couldn't find this novel on Amazon. Is it out in the U. S. now. ? Sounds like a must read. I read Held and thought that one was phenomenal. Anyone please tell me where can I find The Safe Keep?
Try Blackwell's UK they have free shipping.
@@barbaralemon4170 Yes, it has been released in the US. Different cover for the US edition.
Thanks
Thanks
I really liked to book especially the pacing as Eva’s narrative deepened…but I struggled with the explicit lengthy sex scenes…it took me out of the story and I felt I didn’t need to be hit over the head to get it…great debut!
Re the sex, I did worry about recommending the book to friends, but I needn't have worried. 😊
Phew 😮💨
I haven’t read this one, it sounds a bit unsettling and I need peace in my life right now😂
That’s fair enough 🙏🙏🙏📚📚📚💛💛💛
Do you mean that the sex scenes aren't 'gratuitous' ?
I think so… 🙏🙏🙏📚📚📚💛💛💛