Caro Claire Burke's debut novel, Yesteryear, has captured widespread attention since its release on April 7, quickly becoming a No. 1 New York Times bestseller and a "Good Morning America" book club pick. The story of fictional tradwife influencer Natalie Heller Mills caught in the past resonates with many, with film rights sold to Amazon MGM in 2024. Anne Hathaway is set to star and produce.
Success and Book Tour
Burke, who has a background in fiction writing and social media, has been touring extensively. "Ask me in 10 years," she says about the whirlwind tour across the U.K. and U.S., including stops in Waco, Texas, and Salt Lake City, Utah. Her podcast, "Diabolic Lies," co-hosted with Katie Gatti Tassin, explores themes relevant to her book, such as feminism and the "Texasification" of America.
Unexpected Bestseller
Burke did not anticipate Yesteryear's rapid rise to bestseller status. "I had no expectation of making the New York Times bestseller list," she admits. Instead, she hoped for enough success to secure another book deal. The novel's unexpected popularity left her "totally dissociative," a surreal experience she expects to process fully in the future.
Crafting 'Yesteryear'
The title, Yesteryear, came to Burke naturally, inspired by her discussions about tradwives on TikTok and previous writing. Despite selling the book during a politically tumultuous period in 2024, Burke concentrated on creating a timeless story. "I turned my blinders on," she explains, ensuring the novel would remain engaging years later.
Influences and Adaptation
Conversations with Anne Hathaway and other artists helped Burke refine themes like performance and surveillance. She describes Natalie, her protagonist, as having a transactional relationship with religion, reflecting broader ideas about tradwives. The film adaptation, with Hathaway's involvement, promises to stay true to the book's essence. Burke, an executive producer, praises screenwriter Hannah Friedman for her work on the screenplay.
Burke's insights into Yesteryear reveal a complex narrative woven with personal and societal reflections, resonating with contemporary audiences while setting the stage for its forthcoming film adaptation.
Source: https://variety.com/2026/film/features/yesteryear-caro-claire-burke-tradwife-anne-hathaway-1236748015/
