Today's Read Contributor Tara Westover’s memoir Educated is a stunning account of her remarkable journey from a strict, isolated childhood in rural Idaho to earning a Ph.D. from the University of Cambridge. Released in 2018, Educated quickly became a bestseller and garnered widespread acclaim for its raw, powerful portrayal of the author’s fight for education, freedom, and self-discovery. Westover’s story of resilience, determination, and the pursuit of knowledge resonates with readers around the world, as it speaks to universal themes of identity, self-worth, and the transformative power of education.
The Struggle for Education
Westover’s upbringing in a strict survivalist family was far removed from the traditional educational system. Raised in the foothills of Idaho, her family adhered to extreme religious beliefs and anti-government ideologies. Her father, a fervent believer in self-reliance, rejected formal schooling, keeping his children at home to work on the family’s land and prepare for the apocalypse he believed was imminent. Westover’s father discouraged any outside influence, including formal education, and her mother—who had a background as a midwife—was also largely focused on teaching her children traditional skills, rather than encouraging academic learning.
As a result, Westover received little formal education until the age of 17, when she decided to leave her isolated community and pursue an education. This decision was nothing short of revolutionary, as it meant defying the values instilled in her by her family and stepping into a world that was completely foreign to her.
Overcoming Obstacles
Westover’s path to education was not easy. She faced extreme challenges as she entered the educational system, beginning with a high school equivalency exam, followed by a struggle to understand the basics of academic learning. Without any formal schooling, Westover had to teach herself basic subjects, such as math, history, and English, to pass the exam. Her transition to formal education was difficult, as she had no foundation in these subjects, and she often felt like an outsider in a world of students who had grown up in conventional educational settings.
However, her determination and intellectual curiosity drove her forward. She began taking classes at Brigham Young University (BYU) and excelled despite her limited background. Westover’s transformation from an uneducated young woman into an academic scholar is a testament to her resilience and intellectual capacity.
Despite her academic success, Westover’s journey was not without internal conflict. She grappled with feelings of guilt and loyalty to her family, who viewed her education as a betrayal. The tension between her desire for knowledge and the pressure to conform to her family’s beliefs became a central theme in Educated. Westover’s narrative is not just about academic achievement; it is also about the psychological and emotional toll of leaving behind the only life she had ever known.
Themes of Identity and Self-Discovery
At the heart of Educated is Westover’s struggle with identity. Throughout the memoir, she reflects on the tension between her upbringing and her desire to find her own voice. As she gains knowledge and understanding, she begins to question the beliefs she was raised with and struggles to reconcile her past with her present.
One of the most compelling aspects of Educated is how Westover’s education not only shapes her intellectually but also helps her discover who she is as a person. Through her academic experiences, she learns to think critically, evaluate her own beliefs, and ultimately form her own identity, separate from her family’s ideologies.
Reception and Impact
Educated has been widely praised for its candid and unflinching portrayal of Westover’s upbringing, her pursuit of knowledge, and her struggle to reconcile her past with her future. The memoir has been lauded for its emotional depth and powerful storytelling, and it has sparked conversations about the power of education and the lengths individuals will go to in order to seek self-improvement.
Westover’s memoir has also been celebrated for its contribution to conversations about privilege, education, and the American experience. Her story underscores the importance of access to education and the transformative impact it can have on individuals, particularly those who come from marginalized or unconventional backgrounds.
Conclusion
Tara Westover’s Educated is a powerful memoir that explores the transformative power of education and the emotional toll of leaving behind one’s past. Through her personal journey, Westover offers readers a poignant reflection on the nature of identity, loyalty, and the pursuit of knowledge. Her story serves as an inspiration to anyone who has ever faced obstacles in their quest for self-improvement and demonstrates the profound impact that education can have on our lives.
