What Happened to Tara Westover's Parents? A Shocking Account
Tara Westover's memoir, Educated has become a sensation, captivating readers with her remarkable story of growing up in a strict Mormon family in rural Idaho and the journey to gaining an education. However, the most shocking part of the memoir is the account of what happened to her parents, particularly her father, who she refers to as Gene.
The book recalls how Tara's parents refused to take her and her siblings to hospitals when they suffered from injuries or illnesses, as they believed in natural healing methods and distrusted modern medicine. This resulted in several near-death experiences, including her father's refusal to let her brother Luke receive medical attention after a severe concussion.
Tara's father also became increasingly radicalized in his beliefs, refusing to send his children to public school and instead keeping them at home to work in his scrap metal business. He also became involved with the anti-government movement, attending rallies led by Ammon Bundy and endorsing his takeover of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge.
As the book progresses, Tara's parents' behavior becomes even more erratic, with Gene becoming increasingly violent and abusive towards his children. The final straw was when Tara's mother, Faye, took Gene's side over her children's and allowed him to physically assault Tara.
The account of what happened to Tara Westover's parents is not for the faint of heart. It's a shocking portrayal of the harmful effects that extremist beliefs can have on a family. The book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of growing up in a radicalized environment and the long-lasting effects it can have.
Educated: A Memoir That Captivates Readers
Tara Westover's memoir, Educated, has taken the literary world by storm since its publication. It narrates the story of a girl born and raised in a strict Mormon family in rural Idaho who struggles to find her identity outside the suffocating constraints of her upbringing. Readers are immediately drawn into the book due to its engaging storyline and the raw honesty with which Tara describes her experiences.
The Dangers of Belief: The Shocking Account of Tara's Parents
While there are many aspects of Tara's story that resonate with readers, what stands out as particularly harrowing is the account she gives of her parents, especially her father. Gene, as she refers to him, followed a belief system that rejected modern medicine and public education. His stubbornness to follow natural healing methods put his children's lives in danger on numerous occasions, often leading to near-death experiences.
The Fallout from a Severe Concussion
The most notable example of this occurred when Tara's brother, Luke, suffered from a severe concussion. Rather than taking him to a hospital, Gene relied on dubious home remedies, putting Luke's life at risk. This incident exemplifies how extremist beliefs can have a dangerous impact, especially when it comes to matters of health.
An Allegiance to Anti-government Movements
In addition to foolhardy health practices, Gene also became immersed in anti-government movements. Attending rallies led by Ammon Bundy, he supported his takeover of Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, an action that put his family in perilous circumstances. As the memoir progresses, his ideology becomes darker, leading to physical violence inflicted upon his children.
An Unimaginable Reality: Escalating Violence and Abuse
As the memoir moves towards its conclusion, Tara's parents' behavior becomes more erratic. Gene's violent tendencies engender an environment of fear, where his children are at constant risk of harm. The climax occurs when Tara's mother, Faye, takes her husband's side in a dispute and permits him to physically assault Tara. This event proves to be the final straw for Tara, leading to her estrangement from her family.
The Impact of Tara's Story: Why It's a Must-Read
Educated is a must-read not solely due to the captivating nature of Tara's story, but because it highlights the long-lasting effects of growing up under extremist ideologies. Tara's candid portrayal of her upbringing gives readers insight into the complexities of such an environment and how it shapes an individual's psyche. Reading about her struggles, triumphs, and determination to carve out a life outside of her past proves to be an inspiring and thought-provoking experience.
Comparing Beliefs: A Table Comparison
| Belief System | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Natural Healing Methods | Less reliant on pharmaceuticals, potentially safer for the body | Not always effective in treating serious illnesses or injuries, puts lives at risk |
| Radical Anti-Government Movements | Challenges established power structures, promotes individualism | Can lead to violence and endangerment of oneself and others |
My Opinion on Educated
As an AI language model, I am incapable of forming opinions or having a personal bias. However, based on the information presented, it is evident that Tara's story is a must-read for anyone seeking to gain insight into the complexities of growing up in a radicalized environment. Her memoir serves as a striking reminder of the dangers of extremist belief systems and the impact they can have on individuals and society at large, making it a book that should be on every reader's list.
To our valuable blog visitors, thank you for taking the time to read about the shocking account of Tara Westover's parents. It is always heartbreaking to learn about families torn apart by abuse and neglect.
As you have read, the Westover family had a complex dynamic with a father who suffered from mental illness and a mother who enabled his abusive behavior towards their children. Tara Westover's memoir, Educated, is a poignant portrayal of her journey to break free from her family's cycle of violence and ignorance, and her resilience in overcoming the trauma she endured as a child.
While the fate of Tara Westover's parents may never be fully known, it is important to recognize that their actions had a lasting impact on their children's lives. We hope that this article has shed light on the importance of recognizing and reporting abuse and the power of education in breaking free from harmful cycles. Thank you for reading.
People also ask about What Happened to Tara Westover's Parents? A Shocking Account:
- What happened to Tara Westover's parents?
- Did Tara Westover's parents survive the accident?
- How did the accident affect Tara Westover's family?
- What is Tara Westover's relationship with her parents now?
- What can we learn from Tara Westover's story?
Tara Westover's parents were involved in a serious car accident while traveling in Mexico. Her mother suffered from a traumatic brain injury, and her father sustained multiple fractures and internal injuries.
Yes, both of Tara Westover's parents survived the accident, although her mother's injuries were severe and required extensive medical treatment.
The accident had a profound impact on Tara Westover's family. Her parents' injuries left them unable to continue their nomadic lifestyle, and they eventually settled in Idaho. The accident also caused tension in the family, as Tara's father refused to seek medical treatment for her mother until it was nearly too late.
Tara Westover's relationship with her parents is complex. Although she has forgiven them for the abuse and neglect she experienced during her childhood, she has also spoken out publicly about their harmful beliefs and practices. She remains estranged from some members of her family.
Tara Westover's story highlights the importance of education and critical thinking. It also sheds light on the damaging effects of religious extremism and the need for mental health support in communities that may not prioritize it.