Author of Bestselling Novel ‘Yesteryear’ to Headline West Hartford’s Biggest Literary Event of the Year
Audio By Carbonatix
Courtesy image
Ticket distribution begins Sept. 15 for the talk by Caro Claire Burke, this year’s West Hartford Reads! author.
Submitted
West Hartford Public Library (WHPL) is thrilled to announce that our 2026 West Hartford Reads! author is Caro Claire Burke, author of Yesteryear. She will give a free author talk and sign books on Thursday, Nov. 5 at Sedgwick Middle School.
Caro Claire Burke is a novelist and cultural critic whose work interrogates the influence of media and the evolving narratives of modern womanhood. Her debut novel, Yesteryear, a No. 1 New York Times bestseller, is a singular reading experience that blends satire, psychological suspense, and social commentary. In the novel, a seemingly perfect “tradwife” influencer awakens in a nightmarish version of 1855, forcing her to confront the realities behind the idyllic life she has carefully curated for millions of followers. Praised as “a bold and biting satire” by bestselling author Nita Prose, Yesteryear offers a gripping and darkly funny exploration of fame, faith, and the myths surrounding traditional femininity. Amazon MGM Studios has won the film rights to the book, with Anne Hathaway attached to star and produce.
Burke’s work is deeply informed by her presence within the very cultural conversations she critiques. With a rapidly growing social media platform and millions of views on her commentary about “tradwife” culture, she has become a compelling voice in ongoing debates about feminism, media literacy, and online identity. She is also the co-host of Diabolical Lies, a politics and culture podcast that explores the narratives shaping contemporary life, further cementing her role as a sharp and engaging cultural observer.
Yesteryear has captivated West Hartford readers since its April release, with library visitors frequently stopping to discuss the book with library staff. “I haven’t stopped thinking about Yesteryear since I read it,” says Library Director Laura Irmscher. “I’m so thrilled we are able to bring Caro Claire Burke to West Hartford, and I can’t wait for what is sure to be a compelling conversation!”
Burke received her MFA from the Bennington Writing Seminars and has been writing fiction for over a decade. She lives in Charlottesville, Virginia.
West Hartford Reads! is an annual library celebration encouraging everyone to read the works of one notable author, culminating each year with the author visiting us here in West Hartford. Caro Claire Burke will be the 10th author to participate in West Hartford Reads! Previous authors include Liz Moore, Nick Hornby, Chimamanda Adichie, Anna Quindlen, Billy Collins, and Jacqueline Woodson. WHPL is able to offer this free event to the public each year through grant funding from the Thomas F. Kilfoil Bequest, West Hartford Public Library Foundation.
The author event will begin at 6:30 p.m. with a lecture, Q&A, and book signing. Books will be for sale through River Bend Bookshop. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. The author event is free, but tickets are required to attend in person. Tickets can be obtained in the following ways:
- Attend ticket distribution at Noah Webster Library on Tuesday, Sept. 15. Line up at the South Main Street entrance of the library starting at 5 p.m. Distribution will begin at 6 p.m. Each individual may request up to four (4) tickets.
- Attend a book discussion to be a West Hartford Reads VIP and obtain one (1) ticket. Registration opens Tuesday, Sept. 15 at 6 p.m. Register at westhartfordlibrary.org.
- Any remaining tickets will be available starting Wednesday, Sept. 16 at all WHPL locations. Anyone who is unable to obtain a ticket is encouraged to join the waitlist or register for the livestream.
West Hartford Community Interactive (WHCi) will livestream the event. Register for the livestream at westhartfordlibrary.org. The event will not be recorded.
In the lead-up to Burke’s visit, the library will host public book discussions of Yesteryear, as well as From Stepford to Yesteryear Ranch: A Cultural History, a lecture by researcher and historian Vaughn Joy. Register for these events at westhartfordlibrary.org.
For more information about West Hartford Reads!, visit www.westhartfordreads.org or call the library at 860-561-6990.
West Hartford Reads! featuring Caro Claire Burke will take place at Sedgwick Middle School, 128 Sedgwick Road, West Hartford, on Thursday, Nov. 5 at 6:30 p.m. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m.
Like what you see here? Click here to subscribe to We-Ha’s newsletter so you’ll always be in the know about what’s happening in West Hartford! Click the blue button below to become a supporter of We-Ha.com and our efforts to continue producing quality journalism.
