BOOK REVIEW
Education
Author: Tara Westover
Tara Westover’s story is powerfully moving and wonderfully written.
It is Tara’s account of her life, from her very young years through her teens and beyond.
Growing up in Idaho in the US as part of a radically religious and poverty stricken family was difficult and saw many obstacles thrown in Tara’s path.
Tara had never been registered at birth, had no school records because she had never set foot in a classroom; nor medical records because her father did not believe in hospitals. So as far as the government was concerned she didn’t exist. Her mother attended to any ailments with her own home made treatments.
Her father did not believe in formal education but did not provide an alternative. Even so, Tara knew that to overcome all the negatives in her life she must become self-taught and resilient and that is exactly what she did. How she did this is so remarkable and inspiring.
Tara lived in a home where there was always argument between her father and her brothers. One brother in particular was violent and a danger to his siblings.
Despite all this Tara loved her family and joined them in working the farm on which they lived.
However, the day came when Tara knew she had to make a break from her current life and it was then she discovered the power of education.
Her journey from this point is a struggle laced with determination, heartbreak and finally triumph.
This is the most astonishing and powerful story I have ever read.
ROSALIE HOWARTH
Author: Tara Westover
Tara Westover’s story is powerfully moving and wonderfully written.
It is Tara’s account of her life, from her very young years through her teens and beyond.
Growing up in Idaho in the US as part of a radically religious and poverty stricken family was difficult and saw many obstacles thrown in Tara’s path.
Tara had never been registered at birth, had no school records because she had never set foot in a classroom; nor medical records because her father did not believe in hospitals. So as far as the government was concerned she didn’t exist. Her mother attended to any ailments with her own home made treatments.
Her father did not believe in formal education but did not provide an alternative. Even so, Tara knew that to overcome all the negatives in her life she must become self-taught and resilient and that is exactly what she did. How she did this is so remarkable and inspiring.
Tara lived in a home where there was always argument between her father and her brothers. One brother in particular was violent and a danger to his siblings.
Despite all this Tara loved her family and joined them in working the farm on which they lived.
However, the day came when Tara knew she had to make a break from her current life and it was then she discovered the power of education.
Her journey from this point is a struggle laced with determination, heartbreak and finally triumph.
This is the most astonishing and powerful story I have ever read.
ROSALIE HOWARTH
