Yesteryear

I picked Yesteryear up largely because it was one of those books that I kept spotting everywhere. In book shops, on people’s social media feeds, and out and about. I realise that a book where a “trad wife” influencer as the protagonist makes me an unlikely target audience. But I remain intentional in my desire to read widely and diversely—both in terms of themes and authors.

With those expectations set: I loved it!

I should add, I read it over a few days while away camping, with minimal distractions. That makes it immeasurably easier to get truly immersed in a narrative. And immersed I was. I was gripped from start to finish. I had zero idea that the storyline would traverse in all the ways it did.

Though the book was clearly story-first in its crafting, the social and cultural themes that emerged throughout were fascinating to ponder. The backdrop to the book is the “trad wife” phenomenon and the romanticisation of traditional gender roles. The novel explores the intersection of modern influencer culture, authenticity, and the portrayal of domestic bliss on social media.

It goes further, though. It delves into the realities of patriarchy, motherhood, the manosphere, and so much more, all while lost in a compelling storyline that kept me on the edge of my seat.

This ended up being both a thrilling page-turner that both entertained and challenged me.