Tara Westover Family: Understanding The Roots Of A Memoirist

Tara Westover's family background is a fascinating tapestry that significantly influenced her life and writing. Born into a survivalist family in rural Idaho, her upbringing was marked by isolation from mainstream society and a lack of formal education. Westover's memoir, "Educated," explores her journey from a life of extreme self-sufficiency to earning a PhD from Cambridge University. This article delves into the intricate dynamics of the Westover family, highlighting how their beliefs and practices shaped Tara's worldview and ultimately her literary voice.

The Westover family, particularly Tara's parents, played pivotal roles in her early life. Her father, Gene, was a staunch believer in self-reliance and distrusted government institutions, which led to a unique family lifestyle. In contrast, Tara's mother, Faye, was a midwife and herbalist who also embraced the family's unconventional beliefs. Together, they created an environment that both nurtured and constrained Tara and her siblings. Understanding this family dynamic is crucial to comprehending the themes of identity, education, and resilience that permeate Tara's work.

Throughout this article, we will explore the various aspects of the Westover family, including their beliefs, lifestyle, and the impact these had on Tara's journey. By examining their influence in detail, readers can gain a deeper appreciation of the challenges Tara faced and the triumphs she achieved against the odds.

Table of Contents

• Biography of Tara Westover
• Westover Family Background
• Influence of Tara's Parents
• Tara's Siblings
• Tara's Education Journey
• Themes in "Educated"
• Impact of Family on Tara's Narrative
• Conclusion

Biography of Tara Westover

Tara Westover was born on September 27, 1986, in Clifton, Idaho. She grew up in a family that valued independence and self-reliance over formal education. Tara's life changed dramatically when she decided to pursue education, eventually earning a scholarship to Brigham Young University and later obtaining a PhD from the University of Cambridge. Her memoir, "Educated," has received numerous accolades, including being a New York Times bestseller and being translated into multiple languages.

Westover Family Background

The Westover family was deeply entrenched in their beliefs, which were rooted in a combination of Mormonism and survivalist principles. Gene Westover, Tara's father, was a fervent advocate for self-sufficiency, often eschewing government and societal norms. He believed that any form of government intervention was detrimental to personal freedom.

Faye Westover, Tara's mother, complemented Gene's beliefs by practicing herbal medicine and midwifery. She was often the family's primary caregiver, using her skills to assist in home births and treat ailments without seeking help from conventional healthcare systems. This combination of beliefs created a unique upbringing for Tara and her siblings, fostering a sense of independence but also isolation.

Influence of Tara's Parents

Tara's parents' influence on her life cannot be overstated. Gene's distrust of the government and emphasis on self-reliance instilled in Tara a strong sense of individualism. However, this belief system also meant that Tara and her siblings were largely kept away from formal education, which was seen as a tool of the government.

Moreover, Faye's role as a midwife and herbalist provided Tara with a unique perspective on health and wellness. While these skills were beneficial, they also meant that Tara often experienced a lack of access to traditional medical care, leading to dangerous situations that could have been avoided.

Tara's Siblings

Tara Westover was the youngest of seven siblings, and the dynamics among the Westover children significantly impacted her development. Each sibling had a different reaction to their upbringing, with some embracing their parents' survivalist beliefs while others sought to break away.

• Tyler: The first to leave home, Tyler encouraged Tara to pursue education.
• Shawn: A more controversial figure, Shawn's influence was both protective and abusive, impacting Tara's relationship with her family.
• Other Siblings: Each sibling had varying degrees of involvement with the family's beliefs, creating a complex web of relationships.

Tara's Education Journey

Tara's journey towards education was fraught with challenges, beginning with her lack of formal schooling. Initially, she taught herself basic subjects using textbooks she found at home. Her determination to learn was evident when she decided to take the ACT, a standardized test required for college admission, without any formal preparation.

Once admitted to Brigham Young University, Tara faced a culture shock as she encountered peers with vastly different backgrounds. Despite these challenges, she excelled academically, earning scholarships and eventually transferring to the University of Cambridge, where she completed her PhD.

Themes in "Educated"

In "Educated," several key themes emerge from Tara's experiences:

• Identity: Tara grapples with her identity as she navigates between her family's beliefs and her academic pursuits.
• Resilience: Her determination to educate herself despite overwhelming odds is a central theme.
• Family Dynamics: The complex relationships within the Westover family illustrate the impact of upbringing on personal growth.

Impact of Family on Tara's Narrative

The Westover family's influence is a constant thread woven throughout Tara's narrative. The conflicts she faced—balancing her family's survivalist beliefs with her academic aspirations—serve as a backdrop for her personal growth. Tara's decision to pursue education ultimately led to a painful estrangement from her family, highlighting the sacrifices she made in pursuit of her identity and knowledge.

Conclusion

Understanding Tara Westover's family provides valuable insight into the memoirist's life and work. The unique dynamics of the Westover family, characterized by a strong emphasis on self-reliance and a distrust of conventional institutions, shaped Tara's journey from isolation to education. Her story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of knowledge.

We invite readers to reflect on their own experiences with family and education. Share your thoughts in the comments below, and feel free to explore more articles on similar topics!

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