Caro Claire Burke’s first book, “Yesteryear,” introduces a present-day traditional wife influencer showcasing her idyllic farm life to 8 million followers. However, her world turns upside down when she wakes up in the 1800s with no modern comforts like running water or electricity.
The term “tradwife” refers to influencers on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram who portray the role of a traditional wife, emphasizing homemaking and a conventional lifestyle.
Burke discussed this cultural fixation on traditional gender roles on an episode of “Bookends with Mattea Roach,” highlighting how accounts embodying this ideal gained popularity due to societal trends.
The novel’s protagonist, Natalie Heller Mills, epitomizes this trend, offering a complex portrayal of fame, tradition, and femininity. Burke, an American author, delved into the surprising nuances of her tradwife character and the potential Anne Hathaway film adaptation during a conversation with Roach.
Some view the term “tradwife” negatively, while others analyze it through a feminist lens. Burke explored this discourse, noting the complexities of gender studies and the monetization of traditional roles in the online sphere.
When describing Natalie as a character, Burke highlighted her ambitious yet bigoted nature, showcasing a nuanced portrayal of a woman caught in her own rigid moral framework.
Burke credited Anne Hathaway for her role in bringing Natalie to life, noting how discussions with talented artists shaped the narrative themes of performance, surveillance, and womanhood in “Yesteryear.”
In the acknowledgments, Burke mentioned writing the book with a future daughter in mind, emphasizing the intergenerational lessons on womanhood portrayed in the novel.
Reflecting on the concept of passing the baton to future generations, Burke found solace in the idea of collective progress and the continuity of women’s experiences across time, offering a hopeful perspective amidst societal challenges.