Caro Claire Burke’s first novel, “Yesteryear,” follows a contemporary tradwife influencer who showcases her idyllic farm life to 8 million followers. However, her life takes an unexpected turn when she wakes up in the 1800s with no modern amenities and no way back.
The term “tradwife” refers to influencers on platforms like TikTok and Instagram who embody traditional wife roles, focusing on homemaking and a conventional lifestyle. Burke discussed this trend on an episode of “Bookends with Mattea Roach,” highlighting how the ideal of a woman prioritizing family and marriage has gained popularity in current culture and politics.
The protagonist of “Yesteryear,” Natalie Heller Mills, exemplifies this trend, offering a nuanced exploration of fame, tradition, and femininity. Burke, an American author, delved into Natalie’s character, exploring themes of femininity, performance, and the upcoming film adaptation involving Anne Hathaway.
While some view the term “tradwife” negatively, Burke explained the complex discourse surrounding tradwives and feminism. She noted that while some perceive tradwives as submissive, those who monetize their traditional lifestyle online can wield a form of power. The financial success of these influencers adds another layer to the discussion of traditional gender roles and empowerment.
Burke shared insight into creating Natalie as a character, describing her as ambitious, intelligent, bigoted, and with a rigid moral framework. The acknowledgment section of the book mentions Anne Hathaway’s instrumental role in shaping Natalie’s character, emphasizing the collaborative process of developing the story’s themes.
The book’s conclusion, written with a future daughter in mind, reflects on the intergenerational transmission of womanhood lessons. Burke expressed comfort in the idea of future generations carrying on these lessons, symbolizing a baton pass of empowerment and resilience in a challenging cultural and political landscape.