Tara Westover’s "Educated: A Memoir" is a remarkable memoir that tells the story of a young woman's life growing up in a Mormon family in Idaho. The book showcases the struggles and psychological trauma that result from a father's eccentricity, paranoia, and religious fundamentalism. In this book review, we explore the psychological and religious issues that Tara encountered and how they relate to many people's experiences.
Ruled by a Paranoid Patriarch
Tara's father imposes his will on the family by using religion as a tool, manipulating his family into a lifestyle ruled by paranoia, religious superiority, and an expectation of family loyalty. He interprets the Mormon faith which makes him feel superior and sets his family apart from the rest of the world. This creates a culture where women are viewed as submissive to men, and the father's authority reigns supreme.
Tara's father's hold on the family leaves her feeling isolated and disconnected from the world around her. He demanded that his children adhere to a radical preaching of his faith as the one and only true faith, shaming them if they showed any interest in the outside world. This behavior resulted in Tara feeling alone and unable to connect with anyone outside her family, a feeling that lasted into her adult life.
The Paradox of Education
Tara and some of her younger siblings never attended school, and their so-called “homeschooling” was virtually nonexistent. Her father believed that sending his children to school would contaminate them with the world's ideologies, which he saw as antithetical to his prophet of God's status. Tara's lack of education was a handicap that kept her captive in her father's strange world.
Tara uses education as a means of escaping her father's suffocating control. She enrolls in college, but even after obtaining a higher education, she struggles to fit in with the rest of the world. While education provides her with a better platform to assert herself, it cannot fix the brokenness she feels within. She still feels alienated and struggles to find a sense of belonging. The book highlights the paradox of education as a tool for liberation from oppressive systems, but not a panacea for trauma.
The Cost of Speaking Truth
Tara's journey to uncover the truth about her family results in her being ostracized and vilified by her parents and siblings. When Tara reveals that her brother Shawn is abusing his siblings, her family chooses to accept the delusion of being one big happy family rather than confront the truth. Her parents are not interested in addressing the family problems, and loyalty to the family is the highest value.
Tara's mother, who initially acknowledges the abuse, betrays her and sides with the patriarch of the family. Tara realizes that the family "truth" and loyalty are more important than loving her, which devastates her. This betrayal leaves Tara deeply hurt and confused, ultimately leading to a mental breakdown and falling into a deep depression.
The Elusive Search for Belonging
Throughout the book, Tara's search for belonging and love is evident. She continually seeks validation from her family, even after understanding that their beliefs and actions are harmful. Tara, like many others who have experienced trauma, struggles with the concept of what a healthy family dynamic looks like. Tara's story progresses with a total alienation from others, struggling with it, and eventually coming to terms with it.
One thing she couldn't come to terms with was the loss of her family's love, which she kept trying to convince them of, even after leaving. Like many people, Tara feels that if those who bore and nurtured her in childhood don't love her, then why would anyone else, especially God? The book highlights the importance of seeking and finding love and acceptance within oneself, rather than from others.
"Educated" by Tara Westover is a compelling memoir that highlights the struggles of growing up in an abusive environment. The book portrays the complicated relationships that exist within families and the trauma that often results from breaking free from oppressive systems. Tara's story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, as she overcomes significant obstacles to achieve her dreams. It is a compelling story of how the psychological and religious dynamics of a family can shape a person's life, with deep-seated wounds that can never fully heal.
