It's fifteen years since the Second World War and the rural Dutch province of Overijssel is quiet. Bomb craters have been filled, buildings reconstructed, and the conflict is well and truly over. Living alone in her late mother's country home, Isabel's life is as it should be- led by routine and discipline. But all is upended when her brother Louis delivers his graceless new girlfriend, Eva, at Isabel's doorstep-as a guest, there to stay for the season... Eva is Isabel's antithesis- she sleeps late, wakes late, walks loudly through the house and touches things she shouldn't. In response Isabel develops a fury-fuelled obsession, and when things start disappearing around the house - a spoon, a knife, a bowl - Isabel's suspicions spiral out of control. In the sweltering heat of summer, Isabel's desperate desire for order transforms into infatuation - leading to a discovery that unravels all she has ever known. The war might not be well and truly over after all, and neither Eva - nor the house - are what they seem.
Yael van der Wouden
Yael van der Wouden is a Dutch author known for her lyrical and introspective writing style. She is acclaimed for her ability to evoke deep emotions and explore complex themes such as identity, love, and loss. Van der Wouden's most notable works include "The Sound of Silence" and "A Whisper in the Wind," both of which have garnered critical acclaim for their poetic language and profound storytelling. Her impact on the literary genre can be seen in her unique blend of magical realism and poignant realism, which has inspired a new generation of writers to experiment with narrative techniques. Van der Wouden's most famous work, "The Sound of Silence," has been translated into multiple languages and has resonated with readers around the world for its haunting beauty and universal themes.