If there’s anything redemptive about this book, and believe me, it isn’t the writing, it’s that Caro Claire Burke is able to point out the illusions under which our society now lives.
Let me go back, for a minute, to the annoying writing. First we’re in a contrived setting perfectly marketed for Instagram. Then, we’re in Natalie’s youth, wearing prairie dresses and long braided hair. Then we’re back in Instagram heaven, followed by her days as a college student at Harvard, and suddenly…bam! Where are we, exactly? Natalie doesn’t know. She doesn’t even know the children who call her Mama. The narrative is so disjointed it feels awkward and surreal.
Natalie herself is unreliable. She proclaims to be a Christian, yet scattered throughout the mental dialogue she discloses are untold passages like these, found within the first 28 pages:
…that stupid little bitch.
Sorry, Lord. Sorry, sorry, sorry.
and
Jesus fucking Christ, it’s cold.
Then: Sorry, Lord.
I’m all for forgiveness for a profane mouth. But, at some point, this “Sorry, Lord,” loses its sincerity.
The further I read, the more distraught I became. Her husband will find no job; they go to live with his parents. He spends his days practicing yoga and watching porn. He eventually sleeps with the woman who films Natalie’s content. Content, you know, carefully staged to present a facade of what life is like on the farm. Where it ought to be natural and wholesome, if not downright dirty and difficult.
Is there nothing of value in this book which is being applauded on too many feeds, news articles, and bestseller lists? Is this what our society is able to relate to, and even call a good book: a cheating, lazy husband; a college where education is not valued; a home where nurture is an illusion created for content; a scornful slant on faith?
I am baffled by its popularity, and I am disgusted I read as much as I did.
As I said in my own review (June 8), Natalie is a poisonous character and you will, at some point, be repelled by having to see the world through her eyes. But she's an unreliable narrator, which I think is a clever way of exploring the way people make a false opposition between what Natalie calls "angry women" and what the internet now calls "tradwives." Really I think the biggest problem with this novel is the marketing. Some editor tried to be too clever and the book is not reaching the audience it should in the way it should.
ReplyDeleteFor me, the marketing is the least of its problems. How does such contemptible writing even get published in the first place? What is worthy, what is honorable, what is portrayed here? Nothing of value as far as I’m concerned. Certainly, I shouldn’t have picked it up after Honoré de Balzac which I read for Paris in July a week early. Off to read your thoughts.
DeleteWriting reviews of bad books is not very satisfying or fun, but I'm glad you provide that service sometimes. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteI don’t think the integrity of my blog would be very high if I praised every book that I read. And, since I am not getting paid for any reviews, I don’t have to be beholden to any publisher or author for their book sales. Actually, Gretchen, writing this was rather satisfactory; I can’t let mediocrity slide without comment, even (especially!) as it applies to my own self. We are called to be better. xo
DeleteI haven't read this one, and based on the two reviews I've read (yours and https://litlove.wordpress.com/2026/06/08/yesteryear-or-my-fantasy-is-better-than-your-fantasy/), I won't be picking it up. I think there could in theory be something redemptive in reading about odious people behaving badly, if it sheds new light on contemporary values or helps us understand the shallowness of influencer culture or something. But it sounds as if this book didn't do that.
ReplyDeleteThank you for giving me the link to Victoria’s post; she writes so eloquently, and insightfully (as you do), and I was glad to read her thoughts on this. What a travesty done in the name of literature.
DeleteI have seen many posts on this book, always good reviews. After having read your post, I am not sure I need to read it.
ReplyDeleteThe bulk of the people who have read it are fond of it. I have never been one of the masses, and that used to make me feel left out. Now, I feel relieved. I only “needed” to read it to see what the hoopla was about. Now, once again, my opinion of popular bestsllers is confirmed. They are not for me.
DeleteM, I never seem to fall in love with the latest MUST-READ, and Yesteryear is no exception. I was intrigued at first, but the more I read the more I disliked the writing, the characters, and the story itself. I don't understand what there is to love about the book. I'm just glad that I was provided with a copy of the book and didn't actually spend money on it. Such a disappointment.
ReplyDeleteNadia, you are a balm to my soul. Like-minded, and sympathetic to my viewpoint, we often mirror each other. Much to my relief!
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