There’s one new book you’re about to see everywhere, from coffee shops to the commuter train: Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke. Only adding to the buzz surrounding the debut novel, the movie rights have already been snapped up in an 11-way bidding war, won by Anne Hathaway who will star in the leading role.
Part social satire, part thriller, the story taps into the zeitgeist, tackling everything from influencer culture and trad wives to social media, conservative religion and feminism. The novel is poised to dominate WhatsApp groups, book clubs and office water cooler conversations – which is why we’ve chosen it as the IndyBest Book Club pick for April.
I received an early proof last year and tore through the book in two sittings. It’s gripping, pacy and thought-provoking, with a memorable protagonists I loathed but was fascinated by in equal measure. Yesteryear centers around a “trad wife” influencer called Natalie. If you’ve seen the influencer Hannah Neeleman – aka @ballerinafarm – on Instagram, you’ll be familiar with her lifestyle. Natalie lives on a farm, broadcasting sourdough tutorials to her millions of followers, while home schooling her children, flirting with her handsome husband and preaching the benefits of a traditional, rustic, rural life.
Drawing comparisons with controversies surrounding Neeleman, Natalie’s reality is far more fickle: there are nanny’s, social media assistants and extensive farm staff behind the scenes. And day-to-day, she’s navigating moody daughters, internal battles about feminism and a hapless husband in a cowboy hat. Burke’s clever time traveling twist turns the novel on its head.
Previous IndyBest Book Club monthly reads provide plenty of inspiration for your TBR pile, too. So far we’ve read The Wedding People by Alison Espach. A dark and unconventional take on the romcom genre, don’t miss the IndyBest team’s full review of The Wedding People. Last month, Hooked by Asako Yuzuki divided the team with its unlikable protagonist and uncomfortable themes – but those who enjoyed it praised the build up of tension, commentary about the female experience in Japan and the character-driven plot.
As for April’s pick, we’ll be sharing our thoughts in a month’s time on Instagram (@theindybest) – so read along with us. Here’s everything you need to know about Yesteryear, which could well be the book of the summer.
‘Yesteryear’ by Caro Claire Burke, published by Fourth Estate
Natalie, the “trad wife” influencer and protagonist (think Mormon Wives or Neeleman) projects an idyllic life to her millions of followers. Living in a farmhouse on a ranch, she spends her days home cooking, filming with her cowboy husband and homeschooling her litter of six children. Then, she wakes up one day, transported back in time to 1805, where she’s forced to live the image of a “simple” settler life, just as she curated on Instagram.
Tackling pop culture ideas of trad wives, social media and the curated reality shown on Instagram, while also exploring more serious themes of religious conservatism, the debut is witty, funny and thought-provoking. It's out now, so get ready to see it everywhere this spring and summer.
The IndyBest team will be giving their verdict in early May – so you’ve got a month to read along with us.
Buy now £14.97, Amazon.co.uk
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