Critic’s Choice

Lecture

Critic's Choice The Safekeep

Elaine Newton, Professor Emeritus of Humanities at York University, Toronto

The Safekeep 
by Yael van der Wouden

In her debut novel, The Safekeep, Yael van der Wouden delivers an exhilarating and unsettling story of desire, suspicion and obsession between two women who couldn’t be more different. Set in the Dutch countryside in the summer of 1961, the novel follows Isabel, who still lives in her late parents’ home 15 years after the end of World War II. When Eva, her brother’s partner, arrives to stay for the summer, her carefree demeanor and apparent lack of refinement begin to disrupt Isabel’s carefully ordered life. As household items go missing, Isabel’s frustration grows — and the tension between the two women builds to a breaking point. Elaine Newton guides a thought-provoking discussion of this dark, elegant exploration of longing, memory and control.

This presentation is part of Elaine Newton's Critic’s Choice series.

Please note: The Thursday lecture will be held in Daniels Pavilion. The Saturday lecture will be held in Hayes Hall.

Elaine Newton

Elaine Newton

For over 40 years, Elaine has planned and conducted adult education courses throughout North America. This is the 36th season of her Critic’s Choice literature series and the 30th anniversary of her Four O’clock at the Movies series. She also initiated and taught the pioneering Artis—Naples seminar discussion program, the Questors, for 12 years. Elaine has worked as a book critic for Toronto’s The Globe and Mail, been a special consultant to the Ontario Library Association, led movie and theater discussions and served as a consultant to the North York Board of Education. She continues to conduct an annual lecture series at the Toronto Public Library and makes frequent guest appearances on TV and radio. Elaine has an enthusiastic and loyal following each season as she offers insightful commentary about contemporary fiction and motion pictures.