Yesteryear, the debut novel by Caro Claire Burke, has become a cultural phenomenon, dominating coffee shops, commuter trains, and WhatsApp groups. The book, which blends social satire with thriller elements, has already been snapped up for a film adaptation in an 11-way bidding war, with Anne Hathaway set to star. It tackles influencer culture, trad wives, social media, conservative religion, and feminism.
The story centres on Natalie, a tradwife influencer who broadcasts a romanticised pioneer lifestyle from her farm to millions of followers. However, behind the scenes, she relies on nannies, social media assistants, and farm staff. The novel takes a dark turn when Natalie wakes up seemingly transported to the year 1800, forced to confront the harsh realities of the life she glamorised online.
Burke’s satire exposes the curated fantasy behind influencer culture, drawing parallels with real-life figures like Hannah Neeleman, Ruby Franke, and Tara Westover. The novel critiques the use of children as content and the performative nature of online domesticity. Natalie is a fascinatingly unlikeable narrator—self-absorbed, manipulative, and emotionally detached—though her bond with her daughter Maeve and struggles with postpartum depression offer rare moments of empathy.
The shocking final twist elevates the novel into a chilling commentary on social media and motherhood. However, some plot points feel underdeveloped, such as the fate of Natalie’s sons and the exploration of the manosphere. Despite occasional pacing issues, the IndyBest Book Club praised the book’s pacy plot, real-life parallels, and unsettling originality.
