Synopsis:
‘My name is Natalie Heller Mills, and I was perfect at being alive…’
Natalie lives a traditional lifestyle – and her followers are sick with envy. Her charming farmhouse on her working ranch is artfully cluttered, her husband is a handsome cowboy, her homemade sourdough boules are each more beautiful than the last. So what if there are nannies and producers and industrial-grade ovens behind the scenes? What her followers don’t know won’t hurt them.
Then, one morning, Natalie wakes up in a strange, horrible version of reality. Her home, her husband, her children―they’re all familiar, but something’s off. Is this a hoax? A reality show? A test from God? Natalie knows just two things for sure: this isn’t her perfect life, and she must escape, by any means possible.
As darkly funny as it is shocking and gripping, Yesteryear is an electrifying examination of tradition, fame, faith and the grand performance of womanhood, from a thrilling new talent in fiction.
Review:
Yes-ter-yuck?
A satirical psychological thriller following an unravelling popular “tradwife” influencer who curates a perfect, old-fashioned life on social media. She’s all about living off the land on her farm (paid for by her father-in-law chest deep in politics) and caring for her beautiful, happy family.
It seems too perfect.
The writing was propulsive. Its commentary was blunt and on the nose. The voice was strong and immersive.
“Like a nun in a porno, it didn’t make sense but also by god, it worked.”
— Natalie describing her curated, 8-million-follower “perfect” life.
Despite having an unlikable character, it is so propulsive that you can’t help but turn the pages.
You see the indoctrination, harm, and allure of conservative politics, gender politics, money and class, technology, and social media.
I saw the twist coming. This didn’t detract from the experience, but its obviousness did make for a frustrating experience at times.
I have some conflicting thoughts about the depiction of religion. I know it was meant to be over the top and satirical, but I am also aware a lot of people truly believe this is how all faithful people act.
I would definitely recommend the audiobook due the writing style, spiralling, and repetition. I can imagine it can be strange to read if you can’t get into the head of the character.
An incredible debut that’s intelligent and sharp. The audiobook narrated truly brought this to life and suited the character perfectly.
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