Chapter 4 starts with Natalie at college. What do you think of how the girls treat her? Do you think these moments will influence who she becomes?
Do you think Natalie’s mom’s words “Be nice” will follow Natalie through everything?
As we read more about the children from the 1800s, what do you think of their matter-of-fact responses?
Harvard is often painted as this incredible, almost out of reach, intellectual playground. Natalie describes this space as something else entirely. What do you think of the contrast between the idealized Harvard and Natalie’s reality while there?
Do you think the dream that Natalie’s mother wove about the early settlers will continue to burst in the worst way, or do you think this timeline will have a redeeming moment?
What do you make of Mary taking charge of Natalie? Do you think that this instance is the first time Mary’s mother has forgotten who she is?
What do you think of Natalie’s dream in Chapter 11?
Natalie shares important feelings and thoughts about her experience of childbirth in Chapter 12. What do you think of Natalie’s mother’s support?
12 responses to “Yesteryear Day Two”
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Chapter 4 starts with Natalie at college. What do you think of how the girls treat her? Do you think these moments will influence who she becomes? – She was very much different from what they are used to, and people are quite easily confused when someone doesn’t fit into their box. I do think the should’ve been more accepting of her differences, but I also felt like they tried to get her to loosen up. I do think she has a warped sense of reality and by her not trying to adjust is most likely going to be influenced by who she becomes.
Do you think Natalie’s mom’s words “Be nice” will follow Natalie through everything? – I think Natalie’ thinks it would follow her through everything but also her idea of being “nice” is just a smoke screen for others on what is deemed to be nice. I think she will at some point loose herself.
As we read more about the children from the 1800s, what do you think of their matter-of-fact responses? It seems like Mary is more the mother than Natalie. They are much more in tuned with their surroundings and understand that they have a certain job and function to do whereas it seems like the past Natalie (even before the so-called amnesia) was still someone that believed she is better than the functions she needs to fulfill.
Harvard is often painted as this incredible, almost out of reach, intellectual playground. Natalie describes this space as something else entirely. What do you think of the contrast between the idealized Harvard and Natalie’s reality while there? – Well, I think that Harvard portrays this perfect, living the dream persona where your career is your main focus and then afterwards comes family. Natalie is very smart, but she doesn’t understand why someone would delay the family life or to adhere to the norm.
Do you think the dream that Natalie’s mother wove about the early settlers will continue to burst in the worst way, or do you think this timeline will have a redeeming moment? I want to believe that the timeline is going to be the one with the redeeming moment.
What do you make of Mary taking charge of Natalie? Do you think that this instance is the first time Mary’s mother has forgotten who she is? This to me was telling and already mentioned it in the earlier question. The animosity that she has towards her mom seems like this is not the first encounter where Mary was the one that had to step up.
What do you think of Natalie’s dream in Chapter 11? I think this is her actual reality which is actually her nightmare came to life.
Natalie shares important feelings and thoughts about her experience of childbirth in Chapter 12. What do you think of Natalie’s mother’s support? This makes me sad. I so hope that woman would support woman and that if someone is telling you they are not feeling right or they are sad that you listen and give them the proper advice. It feels like her mom was in this instance the catalyst for Natalie to show her she needs to be and act a certain way which led to this snowballing.
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1. The other girls were very condescending to her. They took her reserved nature as stupidity and judged her on her clothes and her religion. Very close minded of them! It is definitely an experience that stuck with Natalie. Look at how she consistently compares herself to Reena to reassure herself of her choices.
2. I think advice like that is hard to shake. Although not as extreme, it reminds me of the the FLDS victims who were instructed to “keep sweet”. Words like that are insidious. As Natalie gets more savvy, though, I think she will learn to use the facade of being ‘nice’ to manipulate people.
3. OKAY. Am I crazy to think they’ve been through this before somehow? Like, those kids are not fazed at all by how Natalie is acting! Is she stuck is some kind of Groundhog Day cycle but can’t remember? I have so many theories on this…
4. I think that’s a realization a lot of people come to. Awkward, smart kids who don’t fit in at school get told everything will be different at college. That there brains are all that matters. But people are people everywhere, and there will always be popular kids and sporty kids and kids who don’t fit in. Natalie struggles to make friends as it is. Having a frenemy for a roommate makes it worse. Retreating further into herself and not trying is the nail in the coffin for her dreams of college social acceptance.
5. I keep waiting for something of her mother’s frontier stories to give Natalie an advantage in the Yesteryear but so far no luck. I still think it could happen!
6. YES THAT’S WHAT I WAS SAYING!! It feels like this is same old-same old for the kids and Mary in particular is beyond over it.
7. It reads like a memory/premonition/flashback to what life as a fertile woman was like in the pioneer days: endless pregnancy, miscarriage, childbirth… It’s scary to think about!
8. Natalie’s mother’s support was worse than no support. Natalie needed help for post-partum depression not told to go for a jog with stitches in her birth canal!
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1. Chapter 4 starts with Natalie at college. What do you think of how the girls treat her? Do you think these moments will influence who she becomes? It’s difficult to say whether they truly treated Natalie poorly, as we’re only privy to her POV.
2. Do you think Natalie’s mom’s words “Be nice” will follow Natalie through everything? It does. Her whole persona revolves around being and appearing to be nice, but back at the ranch… (no pun intended).
3. As we read more about the children from the 1800s, what do you think of their matter-of-fact responses?
The children seem to “know their place” and focus on what’s important to keep everything functioning on the day-to-day.4. Harvard is often painted as this incredible, almost out of reach, intellectual playground. Natalie describes this space as something else entirely. What do you think of the contrast between the idealized Harvard and Natalie’s reality while there?
Natalie has a different perspective to most and thinks she’s a cut above the rest. Despite the fact that Harvard has this status, Natalie still feels she’s above it.5. Do you think the dream that Natalie’s mother wove about the early settlers will continue to burst in the worst way, or do you think this timeline will have a redeeming moment?
I’m leaning towards the timeline having some sort of redeeming moment.6. What do you make of Mary taking charge of Natalie? Do you think that this instance is the first time Mary’s mother has forgotten who she is? Definitely not the first rodeo! Mary seems to know exactly what to do each time.
7. What do you think of Natalie’s dream in Chapter 11?
At this point, I’m not sure if Natalie’s dream is in fact a reality!8. Natalie shares important feelings and thoughts about her experience of childbirth in Chapter 12. What do you think of Natalie’s mother’s support?
I don’t even think it can be labelled as support. It actually made me feel really sad, thinking there are Mothers that could actually say things like that. The jogging around the hospital took me out! -
1. They treat her like there is something wrong with her and like she is a joke to them. I do think this was the start of het “villain era”.
2. No, I think there will be a breaking point and then she will snap and no longer be nice.
3. It is almost they are used to her acting like this, like it is nothing new to them. So they just shrug and go with the flow of that moment.
4. I believe the way that Natalie acts she thinks she is superior and above everyone else. In her mind she would go to Harvard and meet people like minded. It turns out completely different and Harvard, even though it is prestigious, still have college students that want to party, have fun and not be too serious. And that fuels her thoughts about her being better and thinking about the future and having a family.
5. I would like to think there would be a redeeming moment, but to be honest, I don’t have much hope. Maybe I will be surprised.
6. No, I don’t think it is. Mary acts like she is an adult and needs to take charge. So it seems like she has seen this before and it is nothing new to her.
7. I made me think that it was actually her reality.
8. It is actually sad. She definitely had some sort of depression and her mother did not take the time to listen and understand how she felt. Her feelings got dismissed and instead she got told to go for a jog. Very much toxic parenting. -
1. Chapter 4 starts with Natalie at college. What do you think of how the girls treat her? Do you think these moments will influence who she becomes?
I think they could be kinder and more understanding of someone with a different background to them. On the other hand, I think Natalie intentionally distances herself and acts above them which has to be antagonising. I don’t think Natalie will change, given what we’ve seen of her future.
2. Do you think Natalie’s mom’s words “Be nice” will follow Natalie through everything?
Absolutely. It’s likely the distancing and acting above people as above that will follow her through life. I think her mother knows that about her and that’s why she said it.
3. As we read more about the children from the 1800s, what do you think of their matter-of-fact responses?
With the difficulty of their way of life, the amount of work, and the fact that they’ve lost their mother in a way, they’re forced to be mature above their years. They have to keep moving forward.
4. Harvard is often painted as this incredible, almost out of reach, intellectual playground. Natalie describes this space as something else entirely. What do you think of the contrast between the idealized Harvard and Natalie’s reality while there?
I think it is what she makes of it. She doesn’t seem to think the other people there, professors included, are very smart. And yet they’re all as qualified as her to be there.
5. Do you think the dream that Natalie’s mother wove about the early settlers will continue to burst in the worst way, or do you think this timeline will have a redeeming moment?
That’s an interesting question. I don’t see how it can get much better, but she’ll have to start accepting whatever is going on.
6. What do you make of Mary taking charge of Natalie? Do you think that this instance is the first time Mary’s mother has forgotten who she is?
No, she’s definitely seen this before. She’s impatient, and forced to be the grown up. That can’t be easy.
7. What do you think of Natalie’s dream in Chapter 11?
I think her mind is trying to make sense of things. Where her other children have gone. Where these new children came from. None of it adds up, and yet it somehow has to.
8. Natalie shares important feelings and thoughts about her experience of childbirth in Chapter 12. What do you think of Natalie’s mother’s support?
Going for a run is the absolute worst advice, and indicative of her mother’s superficial thoughts about womanhood. Natalie clearly has postpartum depression which is not being addressed. And yet her mother is right that she’s now responsible for a tiny human and she has to carry on.
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1. I think shes become a product of her surroundings and the way the girls tease her about her appearance and mannerisms is typical college behaviour when you’re an outsider, she was definitely not trying to fit in and they saw that as a weakness and used it against her.
2. Yessss it follows her everywhere, but its not a good follow, in times where she needs to stand up for herself or confront issues the term “be nice” is now showing us a different meaning all together.
3. The kids that grew up in the 1800s didnt have the luxuries of kids nowadays and so their straightforwardness makes sense, as they didnt get to be kids per say, it was chores, farm work and life in general, there was no play or running around, they grew up faster than they should and it showed.
4. I think Natalie was situated in one of the more Greek row housing setups, than the academic ones and so the contrast in the different housing setups shows, academically driven rich students housing is much different to were she was.
5. That dream her mother spun is something that plagues Natalie all through the book, even in her fever dream reality thats exactly were she goes, it seems like this theme will stay with her.
6. I think as the oldest daughter Mary has had to take charge of the house everytime her mother got pregnant and shes so in the role of of second mother to the other kids she doesnt even notice that shes taken charge of Natalie, I doubt this is the first time shes dealt with her mother in this state, she seems unbothered by the mother’s tantrums and whining and she just gets on with whatever needs tending to as if this is a regular occurrence.
7. This scene was bone chilling, It leaves you feeling just as disoriented as Natalie, perfectly capturing how her mind has essentially imprisoned her in the very aesthetic she used to trap others.
8. The way her mother carries on, makes Natalie want to believe in that ultimate trad wife fairytale, because her mother in her eyes could do it all, so why cant she, the mother seems oblivious to actual reality of what’s going on and brushes everything of with a, no one said child birth was easy dear comment.
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1. I think the girls take pity on Natalie and her upbringing as she’s not the typical normal teenager. They think because she’s a simple person that she’s also simple minded. These moments definitely influenced Natalie, she’s almost in a way trying to prove that her way of life is better and we see this in the first chapter of playing the perfect role of a traditional wife.
2. Yes, the term “be nice” will push Natalie in always keeping the peace with others even if it means she gets the short end of the stick. It’ll also make others think that she’s easily manipulated.
3. It looks like the children’s thoughts are very straightforward on how things are supposed to be and that they don’t question it.
4. The Harvard that Natalie pictured seemed to be a place that she would find like-minded people like herself but the reality is that even though these people have a similar intellect as herself, they still come from different backgrounds and therefore will experience differences
5. I think the timeline will have a redeeming moment. I’m hoping there will be an epiphany towards the end of the book.
6. I think considering that Mary is the oldest, she was raised to always take responsibility after her siblings and to also be prepared for the duties of a wife so that one day she’ll be able to run a household. I do think this isn’t the first instance that Natalie has forgotten who she is, as nobody really pays it much mind. Nobody is urging that she needs help, they’re just dealing with the situation at hand.
7. I think Natalie’s dream points to her struggles with motherhood and that she feels that she’s just a birthing machine that will never escape the role of taking care of her kids.
8. Natalie’s mother offers her no support. She’s essentially telling her that she needs to go through the motions of being a mother even though it’s clear that Natalie’s experiencing some type of post-partum depression. -
1. I don’t think the girls treat Natalie particularly kindly, but I also think she struggles to connect with people because she is often judging them. Those experiences seem to reinforce her belief that she is different from everyone else, which could definitely shape who she becomes.
2. The phrase feels almost ironic because Natalie understands what kindness looks like, but she doesn’t always manage to practise it herself. It becomes a kind of standard she’s aware of, but doesn’t consistently meet, which adds to the complexity of her character.
3. I found this both sad and fascinating. It feels like the people around her are used to Natalie having “episodes”… not in a medical sense, but more in a “here we go again, Mom is off on one of her ideas” kind of way. Their reactions seem almost automatic, as though they’ve been through this before and already know how to respond.
4. Natalie lives in her own small bubble, and because she isn’t used to this kind of behaviour, she interprets it as more extreme or shocking than it may actually be. She often comes across as very self-assured, almost to the point where she believes she understands things more clearly than those around her. Because of that, she struggles to move beyond her own assumptions. It doesn’t feel like Harvard itself is the issue, but rather the way she positions herself in relation to others, which shapes how she experiences everything.
5. The story seems to deliberately dismantle romanticised ideas about the past. It suggests that people can be admirable even when their lives are neither easy nor particularly desirable. So yes, but not in the way we might expect.
6. Mary stepping up made me wonder how much responsibility she’s already carrying. I don’t think this is the first time she’s had to take charge. It felt very practiced, as though she’s had to handle situations like this before. There’s a sense that she’s had to grow up quickly and take on responsibility in the household because Natalie hasn’t been able to.
7. Natalie’s dream was unsettling. It felt like a nightmare where she was losing control of her own identity through motherhood. It suggests she feels unseen… like everyone has expectations of her, but nobody is truly seeing her. The dream reflects her growing fear that the reality of traditional womanhood is very different from the romanticised version she once imagined. It felt claustrophobic, exhausting, and deeply lonely.
8. Natalie’s mother’s support feels dismissive, almost like she’s saying, “you’ll be fine because you have to be.” Instead of offering comfort or really listening after childbirth, she minimises Natalie’s experience and tells her to “jog it off.” She may believe she’s being practical rather than unkind, but the lack of emotional support is still very clear. As a result, Natalie is left without the reassurance she needs, so she puts on a front and pretends she’s fine. It makes the moment both painful and sad.
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1) I think them treating her like she’s strange further solidifies her notion that she’s better than them and they’re too close minded to understand
2)Yes. I think it plays a part in her mental battle, everytime she thinks something mean she remembers to “be nice”
3) I think that they are used to her acting like this, it’s probably nothing new to them. And their life is something that they are also used to, they don’t know anything else so it is not out of the ordinary to them as it seems to Natalie.
4) I think that Natalie thought that only hard work and intelligence will get you into Harvard so when she got there it was a big reality check for her because some people got in on name, and not everyone thought the same way that she did. She expected stimulating, intellectual conversations and experiences and instead just had a glimpse of “normal” college life
5) It is possible but might also be setting up for failure the way it’s looking at this point.
6) I think this is very normal for Mary and it’s definitely always been her role, with how easy she plays it. To her when Natalie acts up it’s not a surprise, more like “here we go again”
7)I think that Natalie never actually wanted to be a mother, or she did at some point, and then it happened and she realized that she wanted something from different from life but it was too late. I dont think she realized how dependent kids would be on her and the toll it could take. I think thats what the
nightmare signifies.8) Her mother encouraging her to go for a run??? That was outrageous. I think her mother has a toxic influence on her outlook on life and motherhood
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1. They made her differences known and made her feel bad for them. I definitely think it will influence who she becomes because sadly sometimes people that are bullied or sidelined tend to do the same thing to other people.
2. Yes, I think she will always question if she’s “nice” enough in situations. And if her mom would approve of her behaviour.
3. They seem to be very self aware and also aware of their circumstances. Their responses are giving “children that were forced to grow up quickly”.
4. Natalie stays giving “I am above everyone” and so even the most prestigious institution is nothing to her.
5. Truly with Natalie you never know and she always seems to defy the odds.
6. Honestly I am still wrapping my heard around it all. But it seems like Mary is used to having to step up and play mother to her mother.
7. For some reason I am unable to tell one from the other. It seems to me that what she thinks is her reality is actually a dream and vice verse.
8. I know we shouldn’t really blame parents for how their children turn out but Natalie’s mother had a big role to play in how Natalie turned out. Even at her lowest it seems her mother did not support her.
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1. I felt bad for Natalie. Being excluded and judged would shape anyone, and I think these experiences play a big role in why she becomes so focused on image and belonging.
2. Yes, but not always in a positive way. It feels like Natalie has learned to prioritize being pleasant over being honest or standing up for herself.
3. I found them quite shocking. They highlight how harsh life was and how children had to grow up much faster than they do today.
4. I liked the contrast. It shows that even places people dream about can be lonely and disappointing when you’re actually living there. It shows that the grass isn’t always greener on the other side.
5. At this point, I think the reality will continue to challenge Natalie’s romanticized view of the past, but I do suspect she’ll also find things to appreciate about it.
6. I saw it as Mary stepping into a caregiving role out of necessity. It also felt like an early sign that something was changing with her mother.
7. I think it reflects her fears and uncertainty. It felt like her subconscious was trying to process everything happening around her.
8. I appreciated her mother’s support. It felt genuine and showed a softer, more understanding side of their relationship.
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1.The girls are absolutely horrible and has her second guessing herself and her what experience at College is supposed to be like. I do believe that this experience with the girls will shape Natalie into who she becomes as it is quite shocking to the system.
2.The be nice comments will haunt Natalie for a long time but not in the way she thinks it will. Natalie is fake nice rather than being genuine as she behaves in ways that she thinks the other person will be happy with. So in some way her mother’s words to “Be nice” will follow Natalie throuhgout her life.
3.It feels like the children have been through something like this before with Natalie. Its nothing new to them so their responses reflect this.
4.Natalies view on a lot of things is quite skewed so her views on Harvard don’t surprise me. Natalies version is quite bleak and I guess in some way sobering as College life isn’t as glamourous as everyone makes it out to be but again everyones’ experience is different so maybe this is just Natalies experience.
5.I have a feeling it will pop Natalies bubble of perfectionism and help her come to some sort of realisation.
6.Mary has been through something like this before which makes her reaction of taking charge all the more sense.
7.Natalies dream is something and has me trying to figure out what is going on which is exactly what Natalie is trying to make sense of.
8.Her mother is not supportive at all! She made childbirth seem as something that you just have to get through because all women go through. Which fair enough, she’s not entirely wrong but the lack of empathy and compassion is quite jarring especially when someone goes through a traumtic childbirth experience or just childbirth in general.
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