You Won't Believe How Many Siblings Tara Westover Has: Uncovering the Secretive Idyll of a Polygamous Family

Tara Westover's memoir, "Educated," has captivated readers worldwide with its poignant portrayal of her journey toward self-discovery and her struggle to reconcile her upbringing in a devoutly Mormon family. Her story has sparked conversations about homeschooling, faith, and the complexities of growing up in an isolated community. However, one lesser-known aspect of her life is her large family, comprising nine siblings. As Tara recounts in her book, her family lived under the strict rules of their patriarch, Gene Westover. This article will delve into Tara Westover's family, exploring the intricacies of her upbringing and the impact of having numerous siblings.

Tara Westover's family was an epitome of fundamentalist Mormon values. Her father, Gene Westover, a born-again Mormon, adhered to a strict code of conduct, forbidding any outside influence on his children, including television, public education, and social services. The Westovers were a seventh-generation family in Idaho, where patriarchal values were deeply ingrained. Gene's father was a polygamist, adding to the family's isolation and emphasis on tradition. Tara's experiences in this environment would shape her worldview and inform her subsequent decisions about education and personal growth.

The Westover Children: A Growing Family

Tara is one of nine siblings, and her childhood was anything but ordinary. As she recounts in her book, she grew up in a world of strict rules and little outside influence. The Westovers were a close-knit family, but their isolation was deliberate and reinforced by Gene's adherence to fundamentalist doctrine. Each child had to contribute to the family's well-being, whether through working on the family farm, gathering firewood, or taking care of their younger siblings. This emphasis on interdependence and self-reliance helped shape the Westover children's values and work ethic.

A Life Without Mainstream Education

As Tara recounts in her book, education was viewed with suspicion by her family. The Westovers believed that the outside world was corrupting and that the education system was part of a broader conspiracy to control people's minds. Tara's oldest brother, Tyler, was given some formal education, but it was limited, and he was largely self-taught. Gene, Tara's father, discouraged external learning, emphasizing the importance of Bible study and practical skills. The lack of formal education would have significant consequences for the Westover children, particularly Tara, who would struggle to adapt to the academic world and later seek out opportunities to learn and expand her horizons.

The Challenges of Growing Up in an Isolated Environment

Growing up without mainstream education and with minimal exposure to the outside world came with its own set of challenges. The Westover children were mostly self-taught, relying on their parents' Bible-based instruction to guide their understanding of the world. This led to a lack of knowledge about basic sciences, history, and other fundamental subjects that are typically introduced in schools. Tara struggled to reconcile her desire for education with her family's reluctance to engage with the outside world. Her experiences in the family's isolation left her with a sense of disconnection and a deep longing for connection with others.

Raising Nine Children the Fundamentalist Mormon Way

One of the most striking aspects of the Westover's family dynamics is Gene's unyielding commitment to his fundamentalist ideals. He believed that his children should be self-sufficient, able to support themselves and their families through hard work and dedication. Gene encouraged each child to take on a unique role, with their eldest daughter, Erin, helping with household responsibilities and childcare. In this way, the Westover children received a unique education in practical skills and self-reliance. However, this upbringing came with its price: a lack of emotional support and a dearth of social connections.

Tara's Journey of Self-Discovery

Tara's story is one of resilience and determination, as she navigates the complexities of her family's dynamics and sets out to pursue her passions. After completing her education at Brigham Young University, Tara would go on to earn a master's degree in linguistics from Harvard University and later pursue a Ph.D. from Cambridge University. Her experiences in these academic settings forced her to confront the gaps in her earlier education and to reconcile her family's values with her new understanding of the world. Tara's journey toward self-discovery was marked by a willingness to question her family's norms and to seek out new perspectives.

A Legacy of Isolation and Self-Reliance

Today, the Westover children are scattered across the country, each forging their own paths. Some continue to adhere to their father's fundamentalist views, while others have moved away from them. Tara's story serves as a poignant reminder that families are complex and multifaceted, and that the choices we make about how to raise our children can have far-reaching consequences. As Tara's story continues to captivate readers, it also challenges us to think about the value we place on education, the importance of social connections, and the power of individual agency in shaping our lives.

Brother and Sister: A Glimpse into the Lives of Tara's Siblings

Tara's book is full of references to her many siblings, each with their own unique personalities and stories. From her eldest brother, Tyler, who struggled with his role as a family leader, to her youngest sister, Ruth, who was adopted when Tara was just 16 years old, each of Tara's siblings brings a distinct perspective to the story. While Tara's narrative serves as a testament to her own experiences, her siblings' stories also shed light on the intricate web of relationships within the Westover family.

Tara Westover's story is a testament to the power of the human spirit to persevere in the face of adversity. Her upbringing in a large, fundamentalist Mormon family has given her a unique perspective on the world, and her experiences have shaped her into the woman she is today. As her memoir continues to captivate readers worldwide, it serves as a reminder that our family dynamics, our choices about education, and our ability to seek out new perspectives are all crucial in shaping our lives and our destinies.