Yesteryear packs a punch and is different than anything you’ve ever read. It merges many different themes – Christian evangelism, politics, feminism, online influencers, exposure of children on the internet, delusion, tranquilizers, and cherishing of the traditionalism of the past– in a compulsively readable story, which I found disturbing and left me sad.

The main character in this could have been more likable. Her choices started reasonably enough, but then she becomes a “tradwife” influencer with multiple million followers on Instagram, who one day wakes up in the 1850’s living the real rendition of the life she thought she idealized.

The story alternates between time periods, with lots of questions about what is real and what are lies. What are conspiracy theories about the outside world and what is unsustainable and detrimental about an insular existence?  Caught in the crossfire are this woman’s children, who carry the brunt of all this dysfunction and skewed focus.

This book is highly popular right now and I can understand why it has people talking. It runs counter to values of authenticity, kindness, integrity, and healthy relationships, all of which I hold as very dear. But it is also a needed cautionary tale for our time. Shouldn’t we be focusing on what is best for the children?

I give this book 4 stars. It is thought provoking and gets a bit under your skin. Ultimately, it is designed for you to want to run as far from it as you can.

(And why, when the book refers repeatedly to the red barn, is it yellow on the cover?)