Yesteryear is a gripping and darkly funny debut novel. It tells the story of Natalie Heller Mills, a successful tradwife influencer. She lives on a beautiful farmhouse ranch in Idaho with her cowboy husband and many children. She shares her perfect traditional lifestyle with millions of followers on social media, making homemade sourdough, wearing pretty dresses, and promoting old fashioned values. One morning she wakes up in a harsh, unfamiliar reality that looks like the year 1855. Now she must survive without modern comforts while trying to figure out if this is a hoax, a twisted reality show, a test from God, or something even more dangerous.
The book explores big themes like the performance of womanhood, the lies behind social media fame, toxic tradition, faith, and what happens when your dream life turns into a nightmare. It mixes sharp satire with thriller elements and some shocking twists.
Reader reviews on Amazon and Goodreads are mostly positive, with an average around 4 stars. Many people could not put it down and finished it quickly. They praise the clever premise, the biting humor, and how it skewers influencer culture and gender roles. Readers often say it is thought provoking, entertaining, and makes them think about happiness and authenticity. Some compare it to a mix of satire and time travel stories. A few found parts repetitive or the ending not fully satisfying, but most recommend it as a fresh and bold read.
Media reviews are strong overall. Critics call it electrifying, witty, and timely. They highlight its smart look at modern life, fame, and the gap between online perfection and real hardship. Some note it as one of the standout books of the year with a genius concept that feels very relevant.
Overall, if you enjoy smart, satirical stories with thriller vibes and strong social commentary, this book is a great choice. It is both fun and unsettling in the best way.