Yesteryear: A GMA Book Club Pick

Excited to reread now that the ending is known.

Wow, a rollercoaster that I did not want to get off. Such a great read!

Totally addictive, not worth the time. The ‘punch line’ mystery ending that you’re waiting for, for the entire book, is an absurdly stupid and shallow ‘lesson’ if you can even use that word, for our day and age. This book violates all the qualities of a truly good story, and a commentary on morals that contributes to our society in any way- including being simply entertaining - it is not.

Thrilling, well written and original.

There is no substance or lasting impression. The entire plot line is flawed and unbelievable, which may be the point. The main character is completely unlikable, which may also be the point, but there is no story arc that does anything but fill the spaces between the covers. I prefer books that leave me pondering its meaning for days. This book is not one of those.

I genuinely sat in complete astonishment and had to take a few minutes to actually process this story and what it was that I had just read. How fully entranced I’d been throughout the entire process and unbelievably impressed by how cleverly and brilliantly the plot unfolds. Then the overwhelming feeling of horror hit hard when I began to contemplate the full extent of how tragic and brutally irresponsible and reckless not to mention the instability and level of selfishness that these parents have exhibited. The sheer neglect from an education, medical care, social interaction and overall general welfare and wellbeing of those last 4 children born on Yesteryear and how could this happen and be allowed to continue without any authority or agency for child welfare get involved? Then I remember what Clementine had confessed to her parents when serving them the warrant to take the last four children and it was because Doug, their wealthy grandfather, their father’s father had used whatever political affiliations he had left and his wealth to prevent them from being investigated or prosecuted. It’s surreal to even imagine how traumatic the introduction and transition into the present modern society it would be for those kids and some is best expressed by Mary when she’d not only been shocked to see an actual vehicle but to get into one and ride it. As an 18 wheeler flies past them at the end of their parents property heading onto the highway, she screams in terror. Her fear understandable in her belief they’d not only be run over but of the sheer speed mass and disbelief of moving vehicles like this driving near another. The movement alone would be a shock to both body and mind. This is just one example of how extreme their isolation and oppression was under their parents care. I also found myself feeling such compassion and empathy for Clementine who even as a very young child seemed to have had a keen awareness to the unstable, unhealthy and extremely oppressive environment they’d been living under while Natalie was an influencer promoting a completely staged false narrative of her family life and mental stability. In retrospect, the author subtly weaves into her narrative from the very beginning Natalie’s mental instability and unhealthy behavior beginning with the the fact she had no friends to speak of her entire 18 years heading off to college. Her mother appears to overbearing and strictly devoted to her disciplined religious beliefs that are fundamentally patriarchal and demand submissiveness from the women. Yet, it is actually Natalie who’s belief in this lifestyle is the more supportive one and while she does show herself to be a walking contradiction regarding this kind of ideology because she’ll undermine demean and insult her husband, other women and her father in law in her mind and thoughts yet constantly will ask forgiveness from God as well in her prayers. She’s clearly delusional about absolutely everything in retrospect but the author has written this so well that it isn’t until the end is revealed that we can see the glaring truth that was otherwise hidden under the narrative and POV of Natalie’s that was the predominant voice in the story. Though the clues of the questions from her mother, Nanny Louise, the entire situation and exposure that the producer will end up airing on prime time and the lawsuit she will bring onto Natalie for being strangled and assaulted after Caleb reveals his affair and love for her. Her extreme disinterest and glimpses of disgust then the quick retraction and amended promise of love when thinkinh yo herself. Admitting she didn’t recognize her own baby, Jessa when she first entered a room she was in with the nanny and not knowing the personality or temperament of her two youngest children because she’d hired Louise when they were a little over 1 year old and the other was a few months old. All this she’s admitted internally and she’s six months pregnant again. The fact she was impregnating herself for all of her pregnancies besides the first and likely the last 4 should’ve been the moment I recognized how unstable she was and toxic the marriage was. This is by far the most compelling books I’ve read in years with relevant subject matter that directly addresses actual topics of present day. The rise of the tradwife ideology, patriarchal ideology and reversing decades of women’s rights and equality of humanity seems to have gained a momentum and influence or perhaps just raised their voices loud enough for rest to hear? I’m not here to argue either way, I am just stating I appreciate the authors choice of subject and find it is applicable to present day and her writing ability is of a caliber all on its own. I’ve been thoroughly blindsided and completely obsessed with how much I love this book and how much it has ignited within me to reflect on regarding this subject matter and the story overall. I’m WOWED. Bowled over. Can’t praise this book enough!!!!