I really enjoyed this book. We hit the ground running so there was a bit of a learning curve, so much so I had to check I hadn’t accidentally started with book two. But I ended up loving our two main characters and their dynamic and the fact that they actually communicated with one another. Excited to pick up book two and see what characters in this world get their story next.

Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke follows Natalie Hayes Miller, an influencer with millions of followers who tune in to watch her content about her idyllic life on Yesteryear farms. With 5 kids and a 6th on the way, Natalie’s life online portrays a happy family, happy marriage, and happy return to a ‘traditional’ way of life. But everything isn’t as it seems behind the camera and when Natalie wakes up one day on an uncanny valley version of Yesteryear circa 1800s she has to examine what it really means to preach a life as a good Christian woman and mother.

Yesteryear is the book of the moment and it’s easy to see why. Part psychological thriller, part satirical lit fic, ALL social commentary, Yesteryear examines the decisive topics of influencers, trad wives, and ‘Christian’ values with themes about performance, radical conservatism and motherhood. I would say this is a book that goes broad but doesn’t go deep, introducing a lot of facets and inviting audiences to think about these topics. With an extremely unlikeable narrator, it’s clear what the author thinks on the topics and themes and there’s not necessarily a deep or new discussion on them. I would’ve really loved to see a bit more nuance, which I think would’ve actually strengthened the psychological thriller pieces of the book. For example, it would’ve been interesting to see Natalie have a meaningful conversation or relationship with a trad wife who really wanted to be in that role, rather than Natalie’s ulterior motives (be it expectations, money, leverage, or survival).

This book was extremely hooking. Once I started it I really couldn’t put it down, even despite some pacing issues and monotonous plot points in the second half. I wish we’d gotten a bit more out of the 1800s Yesteryear plot but it got quite repetitive quickly and I found myself wanting to skim to get to the main timeline.

Overall, a captivating and interesting read. Definitely one to talk to book clubs or friends about!