At a time in my life when I have been increasingly troubled by much of the fake and AI generated garbage that now makes up so much of social media – in drops this book. A deeply disturbing debut novel of a social media influencer and her double personality. Here is my book review Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke.

NOTE – At the end of July these book review posts will move from this blog to Instagram. Reading Wednesday will continue on most Wednesdays but on Instagram. Please follow our Instagram page here.

Performance

I have long complained about travel influencers and the flawless portrayals of destinations around the world. My first hand experience knows how fake most of that is. I remember standing in Santorini Greece hoping to get a photo. But instead, waiting for an idiot influencer in a long red dress to get her windblown photo as she stood dangerously close to the edge. Such an absurd and rude performance.

Yesteryear reminded me of how hard it is to see the truth on Social Media. And the protagonist in this book, Natalie Heller Mills, is a perfectly written narcissist reminiscent of Amy Dunne in Gone Girl. Her crafted online performance is in direct contrast to her pejorative offline voice. Her life becomes one big performance.

Yesteryear Ranch

Natalie and her husband Caleb, along with their five children lead what appears to be a perfect life at Yesteryear Ranch. Growing their food organically, homeschooling the children and living without many modern conveniences, Natalie and Yesteryear Ranch become an internet sensation. Until dirty little secrets start to be revealed…pesticides on the farm, hidden modern appliances, Natalie’s lack of interest in her own children, and her disintegrating marriage.

1855

When Natalie wakes up one morning to find herself transported to a cold cabin in 1855 she believes she has been kidnapped. No running water, no electricity. And who are these children? These are not her children. When she tries to escape, she is seriously injured. But Caleb is here…older and warn down. Is it Caleb?

Book Review Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke

Some people are gonna love this book and others will not. This novel looks closely at our world, through the layers of social media’s influence on society. Additionally through narcissism and mental illness and through powerful wealthy families and American Christian values. It hits very close to home in current American politics, with narcissistic American leaders and right-wing Christian influence. Yesteryear is a deep dive into how social media has degraded societies communication skills, attention span and ability to recognize fraud from reality.

Burke has written a protagonist who will not be forgotten. Natalie Heller Mills will be remembered for her ruthless and desperate desire to appear to be someone she is not. A movie is coming starring Anne Hathaway.

Thank you for reading my book review Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke.

*****Five stars for Yesteryear by Carol Claire Burke. See last week’s book review Kin by Tayari Jones.

We are grateful for your shares, comments and pins.