Caro Claire Burke’s first novel, “Yesteryear,” follows the story of a contemporary traditional wife influencer who shares her idyllic farm life with 8 million followers. However, her life takes a drastic turn when she suddenly finds herself transported back to the 1800s, facing the challenges of a primitive lifestyle without modern amenities like running water or electricity.
The term “tradwife” refers to a niche group of influencers found on platforms such as TikTok and Instagram. These individuals embody the traditional wife archetype, focusing on homemaking and adhering to a conventional lifestyle for their audience’s entertainment.
Burke, during a discussion on “Bookends with Mattea Roach,” highlighted how the ideal of a woman prioritizing family and marriage, often portrayed as subservient, has garnered significant attention in contemporary culture and politics. This trend has led to the rise in popularity of accounts mimicking this traditional femininity.
The protagonist of “Yesteryear,” Natalie Heller Mills, represents this trend, offering a complex exploration of fame, tradition, and womanhood. Burke, an American author, delved into the unexpected nature of her tradwife character, the performance of femininity, and the potential film adaptation featuring Anne Hathaway.
While some view the term “tradwife” as derogatory, there exists a feminist perspective on the subject that intersects with gender studies and womanhood. The discourse surrounding tradwives involves debates on choice feminism and the power dynamics at play, especially in the context of online influence and monetization.
Natalie Heller Mills, as portrayed by Burke, is a multifaceted character characterized by ambition, intelligence, bigotry, and a rigid moral framework. She struggles with emotional intelligence, both in understanding others and herself, leading to various misunderstandings and conflicts throughout the narrative.
In the acknowledgments of her book, Burke expresses gratitude to Anne Hathaway for her instrumental role in fleshing out Natalie’s character. Through discussions with talented artists and filmmakers, including Hathaway, Burke refined the themes of performance, surveillance, and femininity in her work, ultimately shaping the novel into its final form.
The author’s decision to envision a future daughter reading the book reflects the novel’s exploration of womanhood across generations. By contemplating the passing of lessons and experiences from one generation to the next, Burke finds solace in the idea of women carrying forward the legacy of resilience and empowerment amid societal challenges.
As the narrative unfolds, Natalie’s perspective on life as a baton pass prompts introspection on the cyclical nature of women’s roles in society. Burke emphasizes the importance of collective effort and generational progress in navigating complex societal issues, offering a sense of optimism and continuity in an otherwise turbulent world.
