Novel Review ‘Educated’

An attempt at a novel review.

Title: ‘Educated’

Author: Tarah Westover

Genre: non-fiction – memoir

Rating: 4 out of 5

‘Educated’ is a best-selling novel, released in 2017 to high critical acclaim. It is the personal memoir of author Tara Westover. The novel details Tara’s experiences of growing up as the seventh child of a strict Mormon family. Her family are doomsday preppers who obsess over preparing for the end of the world. They live completely off the grid and spend their time collecting the necessary supplies for the coming apocalypse. When the apocalypse comes, they will be one of the few who are ready. They are anti-establishment to the point of not even registering the birth of Tara. Tara was born at home and as far as the government knew, did not exist. She does not attend school, rather living and working on the family property in rural Idaho.

Her experience is as bizarre as it sounds and is a fascinating insight into a world most know little about. If the whole book was outlining this strange existence it would be a great read, however, it doesn’t stop there. Tara is different from her family, and as she grows up, she dreams of bigger things. This tension proves to be the catalyst for a journey that is full of drama, discovery, abuse, and freedom. This is all stoically referenced to in the title as ‘Education’. Tara is gradually exposed to experiences outside of her own and begins to educate herself. This causes conflict between Tara and her family, as well as within herself. She struggles to shed an ingrained worldview and think for herself. One of my favourite sections includes a description of Tara’s first exposure to music and reading. When she first discovers books Tara recounts that a crucial skill was “having the patience to read things I could not yet understand”. Her exploration of new things, that we take for granted, is captured and expressed beautifully.

The novel often describes confronting scenes in an unadorned and almost detached way. Tara’s experiences are such that they do not need embellished language to provoke deep emotion. The novel builds in pace and intensity as Tara grows older and becomes more independent.

Embedded within the novel is an exploration of the strange grip that family, place and upbringing have on our lives. It questions why we stay in unhelpful relationships and what duty we owe to family.

The novel is also one of discovery. Discovery of the world, and of self. The question raised is; which comes first? It details first-hand the incredible effect of education and what it allows you to do. That is, the thing that is most difficult; to think outside of your own situation.

The descriptions of Mormonism in the novel are far from flattering. It is clear, however, that the purpose of the memoir is not to critique or disgrace Mormonism. It is a fundamental part of her journey and she is careful not to broadly critique the Mormon church. That being said, the strict Mormon beliefs of her family are the source of the novel’s most unbelievable and confronting stories.

Critiquing Mormonism is not the book’s purpose. However, it is unavoidable to some extent. It does so through the description of the out-workings of Mormonism in Tara’s family life. Mormonism is the primary reason why Tara’s family is anti-government, anti-establishment, anti-everything. Tara regularly points out the hypocrisies that exist when such extreme positions are taken. Sometimes it is ok for a woman to work, sometimes it is not. Sometimes there is no more forgiveness for sin, sometimes forgiveness is freely given.

The novel does not specifically address the core beliefs of Mormonism. Its purpose is not to analyse it theologically. It is shown that not all Mormons are like Tara’s family.

For more information on Mormonism and a comparison with Christianity, click here.

The Westover’s prepare for the end of the world by storing water, fuel, and food. For the Christian, this is not the way to prepare. We do not know when the end of the world will come. Mark 13:32 tells “But as for that day or hour, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.”

As to how we are to prepare for the end of the world. Water and fuel will be of no use. When Jesus returns it will be to judge the living and the dead (Matthew 25:-46). Thankfully, God leaves us with clear instructions about what to do while we wait. We are not to store up treasure on earth. Rather, we are to be glorifying God with our words and actions. We are to be sharing the good news of Jesus.

The novel is well crafted. Readers of all abilities will be horrified in places, and awestruck in others. Reading it is a cathartic experience. It demands empathy and reflection. The text addresses symptoms of, and responses to, domestic violence. It details the harmful effect of staying in an abusive relationship, the destructive cycles that can make it hard to leave. It is confronting, and if you have suffered in this way, it could be a difficult read.

The Bible is clear that violence and abuse are detestable and not to be condoned or tolerated. Psalm 11:5 tells that “The LORD tests the righteous, but his soul hates the wicked and the one who loves violence”. In the bible comfort for the oppressed can be found and there are warnings for the oppressor.

The novel presents a clear humanist worldview. Education, the name of the novel, is held up as the antidote to life’s problems. Education is Tara’s saviour. In a sense, this is an astute observation and a commendable message. However, the Bible warns against thinking that we can save ourselves through self-discovery or by the pursuit of knowledge. When we think we are capable of everything the tower of Babel is built, and God is forgotten. The message of the Bible is that we need God. We cannot save ourselves, no matter how hard we try or how educated we are (Romans 3). The death and resurrection of Jesus is what saves.

‘Educated’ is a novel of high quality, with a lot of helpful messages and clear warnings. It is a riveting read suitable for all mature readers. It is a tale of overcoming staggering adversity. Thanks be to Jesus for overcoming the greatest adversity of all.