Caro Claire Burke’s 2026 novel, Yesteryear, has swiftly become a sensation, topping the New York Times hardcover bestsellers list and inspiring an upcoming film adaptation starring Anne Hathaway. The narrative follows Natalie Heller Mills, a “tradwife” influencer who, after portraying a 19th-century pioneer lifestyle online, mysteriously awakens in 1855, compelled to live the very life she had been showcasing to her millions of followers.
On the surface, Yesteryear offers a satirical portrayal of figures like Hannah and Daniel Neeleman, the “trad” homesteading duo behind the immensely popular Ballerina Farm brand. Many readers interpret the novel as a critique of the hypocrisy some influencers exhibit by marketing traditional ideals through modern consumerism—a lifestyle they themselves may not fully embody. However, the novel delves deeper, exploring the genuine human desires and tensions that underpin our digital personas.
To gain insight into the realities of influencing within the homesteading and outdoor spaces, I spoke with three distinct digital creators:
- Katie Boué: An author and influencer with a half-acre homestead near Salt Lake City.
- Jill Winger: Podcaster, author, and the mind behind the widely acclaimed The Prairie Homestead.
- DJ Brandt: Professional free-ride mountain biker, self-described as “half influencer and half mountain biker.”
These conversations shed light on the complexities of modern influencing, revealing that their experiences differ markedly from the character of Natalie Heller Mills.
Authenticity in the Digital Age
In 2026, it’s widely acknowledged that online personas are curated versions of reality. Despite this, audiences often form parasocial connections, investing emotionally in these digital representations. Influencers navigate this by either embracing the curated nature of their content or striving to present a more authentic self.
Yesteryear highlights the tension between these approaches. A pivotal scene set in a Target store with an in-store Starbucks illustrates this conflict. Natalie, who portrays a disdain for modern consumerism, is confronted by a classmate who points out the discrepancy between her online persona and her real-life actions.
When discussing the “real” versus “online” aspects of their lives, Boué, Winger, and Brandt shared their perspectives:
- Katie Boué: Emphasizes the importance of treating her audience with respect by sharing the full truth, including the less glamorous aspects of homesteading.
- Jill Winger: Acknowledges the challenges of maintaining authenticity, especially when personal events, like her recent divorce, don’t align with her established online persona.
- DJ Brandt: Strives to remain authentic while balancing sponsorships and audience expectations, ensuring that his content aligns with his true self.
Passion Before Persona
Natalie Heller Mills is portrayed as a deeply flawed character, driven by personal insecurities and external pressures. Her journey in Yesteryear raises questions about the origins of online personas—whether they stem from genuine passion or are crafted for commercial gain.
In contrast, the real-life creators I spoke with emphasize that their online presence grew organically from their passions:
- Jill Winger: Started her journey in 2010 with no grand aspirations, simply sharing her excitement about homesteading.
- DJ Brandt: Began sharing his mountain biking experiences online out of love for the sport and the community, leading to sponsorships over time.
- Katie Boué: Moved to a new property in 2020 during the pandemic, seeking open spaces and a return to hands-on activities, which she shared with her audience.
Influencers Engaging with Their Own Narrative
Given that Yesteryear delves into the world of influencers, I inquired whether the creators had read the novel:
- Katie Boué: Found the portrayal of the influencer’s duality entertaining and relatable, noting the importance of authenticity in content creation.
- Jill Winger: Appreciated the novel’s exploration of the complexities of influencer life, especially the balance between personal life and online persona.
- DJ Brandt: Was not familiar with the novel or the Neelemans but expressed interest in exploring it further.
In conclusion, Yesteryear serves as a thought-provoking exploration of the challenges and contradictions inherent in the influencer culture, particularly within the homesteading and outdoor communities. By juxtaposing the fictional narrative with real-life experiences, it offers a nuanced perspective on authenticity, passion, and the human desire for connection in the digital age.