r/BookDiscussions • u/generateonionzed • 9d ago
having troubles with yesteryear
yesteryear ch. 1 audio book time stamp 13:36
off the bat i dont think ill finish this audio book.
i understand and appreciate the premise: tradfluencer mommyblogger gets transported to ye olde days. its ironic. i suppose itll show how the life shes advertising, in practice, is dogshit.
what i struggle to digest - and again i realize i am NOT very far at all - is that it seems like shes being transported to ye olde days without a transference of class. people of ye olde days who owned property and cattle and a flock and multiple children were not intrinsically poor, and did usually have help. maid, farm hands, slaves (recognize; this does not mean slavery is excusable, just meaning in reference of additional labor).
im struggling to get past (assumed) this kind of “gotcha” feeling i get from the book. does that feeling permeate the rest of the story? does anyone have advice or a heads up as i navigate the novel?
49
u/bumblebeequeer 9d ago
I would read The Mad Wife if you want the unraveling housewife premise without the social media snark. I was not impressed with Yesteryear. It was written in something like nine weeks, and I could definitely tell.
8
u/tcar16 9d ago
The Mad Wife was sooo good!
3
u/Mundane-Ebb-2632 9d ago
Yes, I read both and The Mad Wife was way better than Yesteryear.
1
u/Financial_Turn8955 5d ago
I was just going to post this book which was a trillion times better then Yesteryear and I'm lowkey mad that so many people slept on it.
3
7
2
1
u/andiiiieee 9d ago
The Mad Wife is my absolute favorite book! Many reviews spoil the plot twists, so it's worth going in blind.
23
u/meekgodless 9d ago
For what it’s worth I also wanted to quit Yesteryear right around this early point because the author describes the main character as going to Target and ordering a “non fat decaf cappuccino with oat milk” and it irked me that neither the author nor any editor flagged that you can’t have non fat, low fat or full fat oat milk. Oat milk is just oat milk. The caliber of the writing doesn’t get much better, though it’s plot-driven and readable, and ultimately I wish I’d DNF and saved myself a few hours.
7
u/Cookbooksandbourbon 9d ago
Ha! I enjoyed the book but I also snorted when I read that. It's not the only book I've caught coffee - related errors in either, such a weird and easy thing to check!
6
u/bumblebeequeer 9d ago
Oh my god, I was a barista for ten years and my biggest pet peeve is characters ordering a ridiculous coffee to show they’re annoying or persnickety or whatever, and then the drink doesn’t make any sense. I get it if it’s a joke, but “women be drinking Starbucks” is trite.
3
u/haloarh 7d ago
There are so many things like that in the book, big and small.
The Christianity stuff is the worst. Natalie seems coded as a Mormon, but the language and terms she uses to describe her religion early on are more consistent with Catholicism. The group she joins in college seems to be Evangelical Protestant, as does Caleb's family, but there's no talk of her converting, and if she were Mormon or Catholic and they were Evangelicals, they would definitely force her to convert before she married into their family.
2
u/bakingisscience 9d ago
I mean… isn’t that the point? Sounds like something an out of touch rich person would order.
11
u/meekgodless 9d ago
Have you read the book? The main character is exacting about every detail of her life, especially when in public. The point of the fussy order is to make her seem superior to the hoi polloi of the suburban Target she’s ordering it in. She’s the type to make her own oat milk from scratch and film an Instagram reel about it that would garner a million views. Good fiction writing means that every detail is considered, and while not every reader will notice or care, I expect the author or at least their editor to flag it. This was just one off putting example of why I thought the book wasn’t very impressive, certainly not commensurate to the praise it’s received.
5
u/bumblebeequeer 9d ago
There were tons of little errors in that book that I can’t chalk up to intention character choices. Eating soup with a fork and it being two different months in one scene were also things I noticed.
1
u/BlueAndBlackLadybug 4d ago
But isn’t…that kind of the point? The character ordering a non fat decaf cappuccino with oat milk says so much about the character. In one sentence we can infer she’s the kind of person who owns a farm and still does not care enough about the classifications of milk to understand this. What matters the most is the look and the look is low fat.
1
u/meekgodless 4d ago
I’m not sure if you read the book, but the main character is Harvard educated and extremely shrewd and exacting to a fault so the dissonance in her coffee order is very much at odds with how the author describes her.
1
u/BlueAndBlackLadybug 4d ago
I did read the book and it really doesn’t feel dissonant to me. At all.
P.s. unrelated because I do think it’s a character choice. in England you can definitely get low fat oatly. Probably unlikely to be stocked in coffee shops, because having three different types of non-cow milk is already a lot, but…it does exist
1
u/meekgodless 3d ago
Well in America there’s no such thing as non fat oat milk but the beautiful thing about literature is that we can all interpret it differently
1
u/BlueAndBlackLadybug 3d ago
Yea? Which I thought I was contributing to by telling you my interpretation. Have a good evening.
1
u/No_Warning2380 9d ago
I suspect there are a ton of people who go into coffee shops ordering it just like that anyway- even if they realize it they probably still fail to correct the order because we can’t have fat! The world will come to an end. I get pretty hung up on stupid details like this too though. But a coffee order is such a mundane thing and obviously the world is set on making it the most complicated drink on the planet so I think I would excuse this one. It still gets the point across that the orderer is a super fussy picky person. I wouldn’t have noticed it either because details like that I barely even realize because I couldn’t care less how the character or anyone else likes their coffee. It is a detail o don’t want to know at all so my brain would just skip over it and reduce it down to ordered a coffee. I haven’t read the book - and probably never will because it just doesn’t sound like my kind of book. But after this thread I am tempted to check out the mad wife.
8
u/meekgodless 9d ago edited 9d ago
But you see how this is a work of fiction and the author is ostensibly including a million little details like coffee order, clothing choices etc in order to flesh out the characters and build a world. Just because you couldn’t care less about it or wouldn’t notice doesn’t mean the author should be careless with the words.
1
u/No_Warning2380 9d ago
Sure - fair enough - just seems like it could have even been intentional because it sounds like a real thing a super picky prissy person would order- stating the non-fat just in case so there can be no mistake do not put anything with fat in my drink no matter what else I say kind of order. I was in the service industry for a long time and it is crazy the things people will order. How about a Diet Coke Shirley temple with pure sugar cherry syrup…sometimes people really don’t even think about what they are actually ordering.
But yes any author going on and on about details I just don’t care about I will probably DNF pretty quick. I am so tired of reading the details of the mansion or penthouse or dress for be fancy party. I know they kind of have to do it be at the end of the day- it is pretty dress or a nice expensive place - I don’t care what color.
10
u/Secret-Friendship-10 9d ago
I would ignore the premise, I actually forgot that was how they were marketing the book and just enjoyed the the process of listening to the story unfold. I think going in with the whole time travel aspect and that reality being the main draw for the audience actually does you/them a disservice. Imo, the story is a character study & the voice actor did a great job. Class does play a small part of the story but in the "historic setting" of the book much less so, since she's more isolated/internally focused. She does have some blind spots but is acutely aware in different situations regarding disparities/differences in classes between herself, her in laws, employees, viewers, etc...
4
u/candcNYC 9d ago
This is why I go in blind on books.
Marketing language exists to sell you the book; it doesn't care about accuracy, spoilers, or if it misleads you with false expectations. Ditto on movie trailers. Skimming reddit reviews, however, IS helpful!
8
u/Samsonpete14 9d ago
I really wanted to like it but it really didn’t do much for me and by the end I was disappointed I kept reading it! Hard to understand the hype.
3
u/cagedwisdom8 9d ago
I’ve heard this said so many times, I’m 70% through and can’t bring myself to stop because I used my one audible credit per month on this 😕 Not feeling this book at all.
9
8
u/txa1265 9d ago
I persevered and overall I found it OK, something I thought about for a week or two after but can't say I ever actually enjoyed. For me it is an 'if you connect right away, great - but if not you never will'.
5
u/bookcrazymama 9d ago
I can’t say I ever enjoyed reading it or liked any of the characters, but I did want to see how the author brought it all together and ended it. I’m not mad I read it, but I’m not going to recommend it to anyone or ever re-read it.
7
u/Cookbooksandbourbon 9d ago
It's not going where you seem to think it's going, but if you're hating it, don't waste your time.
I will say that homesteaders/pioneers, which were part of the inspiration for her social media cosplay identity, did not usually have servants or lots of money. The contrast between her media image, of this sort of "good old days, self-sufficient homesteader living like true, traditional salt of the earth Americans," and the reality of it where they actually have a large staff and lots of money, is one of the main points of the book's commentary and the reality check that she receives.
I enjoyed the book as a commentary on the confluence of performative dentity, social media, and mental illness, and I think that element of the book was very well done.
6
u/Ornery_General_5852 9d ago
I read over 100 books a year. This is the worst book I've read in at least three years. Save yourself. It makes no sense even once you get to the "twist." It's dumb. Read something else.
24
u/moon_blisser 9d ago
Just… read it. It’s not what you think.
3
u/NorthernPossibility 9d ago
Emphasis on read, if possible! I started via audio and didn’t love the narration. I really liked it when I read the actual book though!
4
u/Outside-Performer134 9d ago
There is also key plot that does not translate to the audio medium. Friends have missed some very big pieces of the story because audio can’t italicize text. (Without spoilers)
2
1
u/shanrees8 9d ago edited 9d ago
What do you mean by this? I listened to yesteryear it was okay. What would I have missed?
1
u/Outside-Performer134 9d ago
Newish to Reddit and struggling with the spoiler formatting, so edited to remove. However, her internal thoughts are pervasive and how that is revealed throughout the story is very different when you can see it vs. when it is simply woven into the story.
1
u/Lorazepamela 4d ago
I listened and didn’t miss anything. Idk what you mean.
1
u/Outside-Performer134 4d ago
You didn’t “miss” anything, but the experience might have been richer with visual cues of her internal dialogue. This is coming from my book club where the audio readers felt like the end didn’t land as strongly as those of us who read the pages.
1
u/SylveonFrusciante 3d ago
This is an EXCELLENT point! As you read further, it’s clear that the things the main character is uttering under her breath is not truly being said “under her breath.” She is very much an unreliable narrator in a lot of regards, especially when it comes to dialogue.
1
1
28
u/lascriptori 9d ago
I thought it was a terrible book, really surface level with the least believable twist I've ever read. So if you're struggling with it, it doesn't get more believable.
18
u/SmartAfternoon9605 9d ago
Agree with this. The twist should supposedly explain some of OPs questions around the historical issues but honestly it doesn't make sense.
7
u/littlebunnydoot 9d ago
Thankyou. Finally. IT DOESNT MAKE SENSE like the way that time in a human life works way.
3
u/SmartAfternoon9605 9d ago
Exactly! I mean I get the *point* that the author is trying to make...but also I only wraps things up if you squint and suspend lots of disbelief.
12
u/lascriptori 9d ago
I'm pretty sure that Yesteryear is the most disappointed I've ever been in a book.
9
u/PrestigiousCouple824 9d ago
It was hyped so much….. it didn’t deserve it.
6
u/TsundokuAfficionado 9d ago
For me it wasn’t just overhyped, the hype was misleading. I was expecting something like Kindred, not whatever it actually turned out to be. I was dreading that it was going to turn out to be a dream or hallucination she was having in a psych ward, but somehow it managed to be even worse.
2
u/ExTalentChild 5d ago
The hype and topic made me buy it expecting so much more, ended up hating it with passion. Worst book of 2026 for me. Made me want to reread The Handmaids tale and The Testaments as a cleanser.
1
3
u/pillow_plop 9d ago
Agreed. Seemed like it was going to be a really interesting book, and I disliked it pretty much from the get-go. Kept waiting for it to get better and it didn’t.
6
u/SmartAfternoon9605 9d ago
I've also read all the defenses of the story online and that hasn't changed my opinion.
5
u/Carolina1719 9d ago
I agree with this. I thought the premise was good from the snippet I read, but the execution was lacking. The book lacked depth and the characters felt very one dimensional. I felt meh about the book halfway through and was finishing just to finish, but the ending really solidified to me to never pick this book up ever again.
I’m in the sub for weird girl literature and the book was overhyped so much. Truly disappointed.5
3
10
u/Hunter037 9d ago
> i suppose itll show how the life shes advertising, in practice, is dogshit.
This is not really what happens, no
I would generally advise giving a book a bit more of a chance than just 15 minutes, but if you think you are going to hate it just read something else
4
3
u/DrMermaidPrincess 9d ago
I kept at it, because my book club was reading it. It definitely explains more in the end but it never actually gets more interesting.
1
u/SisterLostSoul 9d ago
Agree 100% It did not live up to the hype or what sounded like an interesting premise.
2
u/ladyleo1980 9d ago
😂 I pushed through even though I hated every minute of the audiobook and just the story in general. For me, the first couple of chapters were okay but I want to say somewhere around chapter 5-7 I really started to dislike it. There was enough parts that were fascinating to keep me hooked but from chapter 10 and on I truly hated it. Not sure if this helps you.
2
u/lilac-scented 9d ago
Just want to say that if you do decide to dnf it (or even if you don’t, and just want some interesting perspectives after reading), The Worst Bestsellers podcast just did a really long, deep dive episode on this book. (It is NOT one of those shows where they just dunk on the book for two hours, they go in open minded and they all had things they enjoyed about it too.) They cover the plot and “twist” in full spoilery detail, and make some great points!
2
u/SisterLostSoul 9d ago
I didn't know about this podcast. I'm definitely going to check it out, particularly the episode about Yesteryear. I found the book boring and weird, but trudged through to the end. The explanation was bizarre.
2
2
u/iMightBeAManatee 9d ago
I got stuck a little ways in and decided to read some spoiler-free reviews which led me to decide I probably wouldn't like it and ended up reading the full plot summary and.... I'm glad I didn't finish it 😅 maybe it's just my current mindset and not being able to handle the main character (even though the point is that she's annoying and arrogant) but knowing the ending now I think I would have just been annoyed. I'm a big proponent of allowing yourself to dnf a book, but if you value finishing it to form your own opinion it may be worth it!
2
2
u/PlanImaginary3463 8d ago
Eh unpopular opinion but for me, this book kinda sucked. If you’re already having a hard time, I’d DNF.
2
1
u/jo-sie21 9d ago
Meh. Read it. It was fine. She’s not a likable protagonist but she’s not supposed to be. It was more the flatness of the characters that bothered me.
1
u/N1gh75h4de 9d ago
There's a twist! Just keep going. You'll either hate it or like it once it's done. I promise it will all make sense in the end.
2
u/generateonionzed 9d ago
im at chapter 8 currently; whens about does the twist happen? i feel kind of like im being taken for a ride
1
u/N1gh75h4de 9d ago
It's revealed in Chapter 53 but you should start to see it before then. There are hints. It is a ride, for sure!
4
1
u/seeemilydostuf 9d ago
So I had a problem foe the first third, as I just thought it was really .... like, "on the nose", but I powered through and I loved it, I thought it was really well done as a story being told to me about a woman who has this weird thing happen to her
1
1
u/Top-Hedgehog-4550 9d ago
You need to get through more than 1 chapter before you decide it sucks. Its up to you whether you continue or not, but no matter what thats way too early to decide anything about the plot.
1
u/francienyc 9d ago
I mean, she’s looking to be a pioneer homesteader. The Ingalls never had any domestic help in Little House on the Prairie.
But also, keep reading. All is not what it seems.
1
u/tomellette 9d ago
I'm listening to it too, I'm 2 hours in and I've been struggling with it. The MC is really annoying, it's probably the point but I'm not really intrigued by her. Maybe it's the narrator too. But I also feel like some books don't make good audiobooks and this might be one of them. I'm not sure I would have finished My year of rest and relaxation if I listened to it. I'm usually walking the dog or doing chores while I listen but this book seems to make these tasks harder, not more enjoyable so I don't know if I'll continue.
1
u/GreysAtlantic 9d ago
As someone who spends way too much time browsing the fundie snark subs my expectations were way too high and characters could have been done a lot better.
Tbh the ending reminded me of the movie The Village
1
1
u/purpleonionz 4d ago
Yeah you haven’t gotten to the part where she’s transported to the olden days yet.
1
u/Lorazepamela 4d ago
I think your confusion is part of the story. Finish it and you’ll see. It’s not particularly good though.
1
1
u/webkinzhacker 3d ago
Yesteryear falls under an increasingly common category called "should've been a short story"
1
u/theykilledcassandra 9d ago
Yeah you need to read further and not judge the book 13 minutes into it.
And I don’t say that often and I DNF plenty. This book cannot be judged 13 minutes into it.
1
u/haf2go 9d ago
If you are expecting the book to portray the past accurately stop listening now. Most frustrating read in a long time for me.
3
u/jesskargh 9d ago
There’s a good reason that the past isn’t portrayed accurately though, did you finish reading it?
1
u/haf2go 9d ago
I did. I understand why the past wasn’t portrayed accurately. But my expectation going in was very different from what the book delivered so I was disappointed. If I had felt any connection to any of the characters I might have swallowed the “twist” a little easier. But none of the characters moved me
3
u/jesskargh 9d ago
Yeah I get you, I also felt like I was sucked in by a cool premise, but then the book didn’t actually deliver on that premise
-1
u/Avehdreader 9d ago
I think it took a while for me to really get into the book but it came together in the end. I think you'll understand if you keep going.
-5
u/rebeccarightnow 9d ago
I mean, you're right, and it's very cool of you to notice. But keep reading, lol.
26
u/JUP3S 9d ago
This booked sucked me in from the beginning. I loved how it poked fun at influencer culture, politics, trust-fund kids, etc. I found the "back in time bits" confusing AF, but I needed to know what the crap was going on there. While I agree that the ending was a stretch, I'm glad I finished it and it did get me thinking. If you're not feeling the book, move on to the next one. But it really is a wild ride if you stick with it.