“Educated” by Tara Westover

The autobiography “Educated” by Tara Westover is a potent examination of the transforming potential of education and self-discovery. We will go into the major concepts, figures, and incidents that make up this fascinating story in this synopsis.

Summary

In rural Idaho, where she was reared with little formal education, no birth certificate, and no medical records, Tara Westover was born into a strict and distant family. Gene and Faye Westover, her parents, were devoted survivalist Mormons who valued independence and disapproved of modern medicine and government. Tara and her siblings endured arduous labor, hazardous working conditions, and a lack of access to fundamental healthcare and education as children.

The Idaho mountain range known as Buck’s Peak, which is stunning yet harsh, cast its shadow over the Westover family’s neighborhood. Gene, Tara’s father, was a charismatic but unpredictable man who had absolute power over the family. In addition to disliking the government and conventional schooling, he thought that people should stockpile provisions for the end of the world and saw schools as instruments of brainwashing. Faye, Tara’s mother, was a midwife who also used herbal treatments and complementary therapies. Together, they fashioned an atmosphere that was both oppressive and unstable.

Despite the challenges she faced, Tara’s curiosity was a burning flame from an early age. She used the Bible and other books she found around her house to teach herself how to read and write. She didn’t have the official education or exposure to the outside world that most kids do, and she had a very restricted education. Her viewpoint was hence predominantly influenced by her family’s views and values.

When Tara made the decision to further her education, her life took a drastic change. Although she faced many difficulties on her path to enlightenment, she eventually graduated with a Ph.D. from the University of Cambridge. She encountered the constraints of her upbringing, the terrible truths of her dysfunctional family, and the transformative potential of education along the road.

Themes

Education as Liberation

“Educated” highlights the ability of education to transform. Tara’s path from ignorance to enlightenment serves as an example of the opportunities that arise when one challenges their own ideas and actively seeks truth.

The novel examines the complicated and frequently poisonous dynamics in Tara’s family. The main theme of the book is her battle to break away from her family’s restrictions, which emphasizes the conflict between devotion to one’s roots and the need for personal development.

Tara’s pursuit of knowledge is also a path of self-discovery. She struggles with issues of identity and belonging as she learns more and is exposed to a larger world, attempting to make sense of her past and her newly discovered consciousness.

Tara’s tale serves as a monument to the strength of persistence and endurance. Despite the many challenges she encountered, she never gave up on her quest for knowledge and progress.

Characters

The memoir’s main character and narrator, Tara Westover, is a tenacious and resourceful person who escapes from her conservative background to pursue education and self-discovery.

Gene Westover

Tara’s father, Gene, is a complicated and domineering man who has a significant impact on the values and way of life of his family. His skepticism of the state and of schooling affects Tara’s formative years.

Faye Westover

Faye is Tara’s mother and a herbalist who follows alternative medical procedures. She is both protective of the family and involved in their exclusion.

Shawn Westover

Shawn, Tara’s older brother, is important in her life. Their relationship is characterized by both love and abuse, illuminating the complex family dynamics.

Educators and Mentors

Tara meets educators and mentors along the way who encourage her to pursue her degree. Professor Steinberg, Dr. Kerry, and Dr. Jonathan Bridger are notable figures.

Key Events

Early Years of Tara

The book tells the story of Tara’s early years, which were characterized by labor-intensive work at the family’s junkyard and her mother’s alternative medical procedures. During this time, Tara’s lack of a formal education is clear.

Self-Education

Tara taught herself to read and write since she needed information. She takes out books from the neighborhood library and educates herself on other cultures.

Conflict and Abuse

A major source of conflict and abuse in Tara’s life is her relationship with her brother Shawn. Trauma to the body and the mind results from his actions and the dynamics of the family.

Higher Education

Tara embarks on a journey of self-discovery and development as a result of her ambition to enroll in college. She prepares for the ACT, is admitted to Brigham Young University, and then receives a Ph.D. from Cambridge University.

Confrontation and Healing

As Tara continues her study, she is compelled to face the upsetting truths about the turmoil in her family and her own background. Even if these insights are difficult, they ultimately result in personal growth and healing.

Conclusion

The compelling memoir “Educated” by Tara Westover examines the importance of education, resiliency, and self-discovery. The ability of people to change and evolve is demonstrated by Tara’s journey from a protected, isolated upbringing in rural Idaho to academic excellence at prestigious schools. The book also discusses the difficulties of family relationships and the long-lasting effects of upbringing. The inspiring example of Tara’s life serves as a motivating reminder of the value of education in removing obstacles and opening doors to a better future.

If you enjoyed my summary then you should definitely check out the full book here.