A Tanzanian book reviewer, Jane Shussa, has shared her thoughts on Caro Claire Burke's novel 'Yesteryear'. The book tells the story of Natalie, a young woman raised in a conservative Christian home, who marries young and dedicates herself to being a traditional wife. Shussa's review, published in The Citizen, offers a critical analysis of the novel's themes and characters. The book has sparked important conversations about the roles of women in marriage and the curated lives of online influencers.
Natalie, the protagonist, drops out of Harvard at 20 to marry Caleb and raise their children. She initially feels superior to her peers who choose different paths. However, she soon realizes her husband is not as ambitious or intelligent as she had hoped. To keep him engaged, Natalie starts a farm with her father-in-law's financial support, on the condition that she has more children. This decision sets off a chain of events that challenges Natalie's perceptions of her life and choices.
As Natalie navigates her life as a "tradwife" on a 500-acre farm, she begins to share her experiences online. Her curated life, however, hides the reality of her privilege and the help she receives. The author prompts readers to question the authenticity of online influencers' lives, including those who present themselves as traditional wives. Shussa notes that this portrayal raises important questions about the expectations placed on women, particularly Christian women, in marriage.
The story takes a dramatic turn when Natalie wakes up in 1855 and must live the life she has been pretending to lead. This twist allows Burke to explore the challenges faced by women in different eras and the enduring expectations placed upon them. Through Natalie's experiences, the author highlights the difficulties of living up to societal standards and the consequences of not meeting these expectations.
Shussa praises Burke for raising important themes, but notes that some, such as the impact of the manosphere on Caleb's beliefs and behavior, receive limited attention. The reviewer also criticizes the lack of consequences for Caleb's actions, particularly his infidelity and abuse of Natalie. Despite these limitations, Shussa acknowledges that the book successfully evokes a critical response from readers.
Throughout the novel, Natalie struggles with her internalized expectations of being a good Christian woman. She compares her life to that of her university roommate, Reena, and feels superior. However, as the story unfolds, Natalie begins to question her choices and the true nature of her online persona. The author sheds light on the tension between Natalie's online image and her real-life experiences.
Ultimately, Shussa's review concludes that 'Yesteryear' is a thought-provoking novel that challenges readers to think critically about societal expectations and the lives of online influencers. While the book has its limitations, it successfully sparks important conversations about the roles of women in marriage and the consequences of not meeting these expectations.
Key points
- The book explores societal expectations of women in marriage, particularly in conservative Christian households.
- The author prompts readers to question the authenticity of online influencers' lives.
- The novel highlights the challenges faced by women in different eras and the enduring expectations placed upon them.
