A ridiculously short review of Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke despite the fact that I have SO MUCH to say about this book.
It boils down to this: are we only ‘allowed’ to be ‘authentic’ in the way that is currently socially acceptable? Is Burke’s depiction of authenticity unpalatable?
I think Burke has nailed some very uncomfortable truths. Fascinating stuff.
Can’t wait to discuss this book (in person) with anyone who has read it.
4/5
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Hmm… I’d swung against reading this but may have to think again
I feel it’s one of those books that’s going to define the reading year… so if you’re keen to be a part of that dialogue, get on it (I read it in two days – might not be the greatest writing but some really challenging ideas and therefore, engrossing).
I look forward to the longer response Kate.
For me it was more about performance so I’m curious which version of Natalie you think might have been her authentic self – I’m not sure she knew in the end – I certainly didn’t! I will leave you a paragraph from my review:
“The reader quickly realises that there are many, many versions of Natalie – the Natalie she thinks she is versus the Natalie she really is, plus the online Natalie and the Natalie that others perceive. There’s the Natalie she wishes she could be and the Natalie she becomes when she thinks someone is watching her. Most of us are like this to a degree, in that we might choose to dial up or tone down certain aspects of our personality depending on the company we are in. However Natalie takes this several steps further, honing her front-facing performance to the nth degree.”
In some ways I don’t think she knew but if I wanted to go deeper, I’d say that like someone with narcissistic traits, Natalie had no idea that other people aren’t walking around like she is, in constant conflict about who they are. We get glimpses of that when she’s in contact with other characters (her sister, her room mate, Shannon) but essentially, she’ll never know what authentic/ true is.
My comment about authenticity is also in reference to some of the things that Natalie does (particularly in terms of her thoughts about her children, and what unfolds with Shannon) that really challenges our view of how women ‘should’ behave.
I know other readers have felt ripped-off by the ending – I didn’t. I thought the whole thing was engrossing. Might not be the best thing I’ve read this year but I was completely engaged and I had so many thoughts as I was reading, so what more can you ask for?!
I appreciate the concept here, but I can’t get past the time-travel bit and I won’t be reading this one. Sorry!
Without spoilers can I say… don’t make assumptions (about the time travel bit)??
You’ve got me intrigued Kate!