FictionMatters Books That Matter: A. Natasha Joukovsky on EVELINA by Frances Burney
Jan 26, 2026
A. Natasha Joukovsky, novelist and critic (The Portrait of a Mirror; Medium Rare), explains her love of choice novels and literary lineages. She explores Frances Burney’s Evelina and its echoes in Austen. Short, lively takes on mythic retellings, reading as craft, and how plot agency shapes women’s fiction.
01:28:31
Raised On Austen And Heroic Heroines
- A. Natasha Joukovsky grew up in a highly literary household with a father who read Jane Austen to her at age ten.
- That childhood immersion made Austen a foundational influence on her reading and writing life.
Choice Novels Reveal Moral Complexity
- A "choice novel" centers characters with agency navigating options, revealing complex power dynamics and moral questions.
- A. Natasha Joukovsky prefers choice plots because agency creates more interesting, lifelike conflict than unilateral trauma-driven plots.
Why Trauma-Driven Plots Fall Flat
- No-choice or trauma plots often feature unilateral power and become morally didactic rather than interesting.
- Joukovsky finds such plots boring and prefers novels that foreground constrained agency and complex choice.
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Intro
00:00 • 2min
Natasha's reading origins and early influences
02:03 • 49sec
Adult reading tastes: psychosocial tradition
02:51 • 4min
Choice novels versus no-choice novels
07:20 • 5min
Choice plots, women, and historical context
12:43 • 2min
Mythic puzzle novels and the Ovid-Joyce line
14:55 • 4min
Reading as a writer: modes and purposes
18:30 • 5min
Learning from books you dislike
23:40 • 3min
Why Evelina matters to Joukovsky
26:57 • 5min
Evelina's voice and Austen parallels
31:51 • 3min
The myth of solitary genius and women writers
35:13 • 4min
Personal memories: reading Evelina in high school
39:03 • 6min
Evelina's satire, artifice, and comic targets
45:08 • 4min
Recommendations: read Evelina if you love Austen
49:17 • 6min
Medium Rare setup and reader reaction
55:11 • 6min
Medium Rare plot, characters, and narrator
01:01:09 • 5min
Origins: high-concept premise to grounded novel
01:06:22 • 6min
Narrative form: choosing Cassandra as narrator
01:11:53 • 3min
Comps, mythic influences, and retelling choices
01:15:18 • 5min
Ambition, longevity, and artistic aims
01:20:13 • 7min
Outro
01:27:41 • 37sec
#47972
Medium Rare
A Guide to Navigating the AI Revolution
A. Natasha Joukovsky
Medium Rare follows Phil, a mid-level lobbyist, whose life is upended by a near-impossible feat: a perfect March Madness bracket.
As Phil gets closer to winning a billion dollars, the story is narrated by Cassandra, a fundraiser and acquaintance from college.
Cassandra, an omniscient first-person narrator, brings the reader into Phil's journey.
Through this unusual premise, the novel examines questions of choice, ethics, morals, and the human psyche.
The story explores themes of identity formation, relationships, and the potential repercussions of unexpected success.
The novel offers interesting questions rather than a definitive thesis.
#39
• Mentioned in 253 episodes
Pride and Prejudice
Jane Austen
Published in 1813, 'Pride and Prejudice' is a novel that revolves around the lives of the Bennet family, particularly the second eldest daughter, Elizabeth.
The story is set in the early 19th century and explores themes of love, societal expectations, and personal growth.
The novel centers on Elizabeth's tumultuous relationship with the wealthy and proud Mr. Darcy, whose initial arrogance and reserve gradually give way to a deeper understanding and mutual respect.
Through their interactions, both characters learn to overcome their prejudices and flaws, leading to a transformative journey of self-discovery and redemption.
The novel also delves into the societal pressures on women to secure marriages, the importance of family, and the nuances of social hierarchy during the British Regency period.
#3013
• Mentioned in 14 episodes
Metamorphoses
Frank Justus Miller
Robert Squillace
Ovid
#6382
• Mentioned in 7 episodes
The Age of Choice
A History of Freedom in Modern Life
Sophia Rosenfeld
Sophia Rosenfeld's "The Age of Choice" examines the historical evolution of choice as a central concept in modern life.
The book traces how the idea of choice, particularly in relation to freedom, has transformed from a privilege of the elite to a defining characteristic of modern societies.
Rosenfeld explores the impact of this shift on various aspects of life, including consumerism, democracy, and personal identity.
She analyzes the paradox of choice, where an abundance of options can lead to feelings of paralysis and dissatisfaction.
The book offers a nuanced perspective on the complexities of choice in the modern world, highlighting both its liberating and constraining aspects.
#351
• Mentioned in 72 episodes
Infinite jest
wit and humor in Italian Renaissance art
Paul Barolsky
In this book, Paul Barolsky examines the role of wit and humor in Italian Renaissance art, providing insights into the artistic and cultural context of the period.
The work delves into how artists of the Renaissance used humor and wit in their creations, reflecting the broader cultural and social attitudes of the time.
#17605
• Mentioned in 3 episodes
Ramona Quimby
The Making of a Television Film
Beverly Cleary
The Ramona Quimby series of books by Beverly Cleary follows the life of young Ramona Quimby as she navigates childhood challenges, friendships, and family dynamics.
Ramona is known for her imaginative and adventurous spirit, often getting into comical situations.
The books explore themes of growing up, self-discovery, and the everyday experiences of childhood.
Through Ramona's perspective, readers gain insights into the ups and downs of childhood and the importance of family and community.
#1859
• Mentioned in 21 episodes
Anne of Green Gables
Lucy Maud Montgomery
Published in 1908, the novel tells the story of Anne Shirley, an 11-year-old orphan girl who is sent by mistake to live with Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert, who had intended to adopt a boy to help them on their farm in Avonlea.
Despite initial reservations, Anne's vivid imagination, talkativeness, and joyful spirit transform the lives of the Cuthberts and the community.
The novel follows Anne's adventures in school, her friendships, and her rivalry with Gilbert Blythe, as well as her growth and adaptation to her new home.
Montgomery infused the work with her own girlhood experiences and the rural life and traditions of Prince Edward Island.
#8017
• Mentioned in 6 episodes
House of Mirth
Edith Wharton
Edith Wharton's "House of Mirth" is a classic novel of American literature that explores themes of social class, ambition, and the constraints placed upon women in the Gilded Age. The story follows Lily Bart, a beautiful and charming young woman who struggles to navigate the complexities of New York high society.
Wharton's writing is characterized by its sharp wit and social commentary, creating a compelling and thought-provoking narrative.
The novel's exploration of themes of wealth, power, and the hypocrisy of social conventions is both timely and relevant.
The characters are richly drawn and unforgettable, their flaws and vulnerabilities making them all the more human and relatable.
The novel's tragic ending is both heartbreaking and unforgettable, leaving a lasting impression long after the final page is turned.
#9556
• Mentioned in 5 episodes
Custom of the Country
Edith Warton
Published in 1913, 'The Custom of the Country' is a satire that critiques the leisure-class marriage market and the culture of consumerism.
The novel follows Undine Spragg, a young woman from the Midwest who marries multiple times in her pursuit of social power, money, and material possessions.
Wharton explores the contrasts between Old New York and the new rich, as well as the differences between American and European social customs.
The novel is notable for its sharp commentary on early twentieth-century society, highlighting the self-centered ambition and mutual disconnection between men and women, particularly in the context of marriage and divorce.
#711
• Mentioned in 44 episodes
Beloved
Toni Morrison
Published in 1987, 'Beloved' is a work of historical fiction that delves into the aftermath of the American Civil War. The novel centers around Sethe, a Black woman who escaped from slavery in Kentucky and now lives in Ohio.
However, her life is haunted by the ghost of her two-year-old daughter, whom she killed to prevent her from being taken back into slavery.
The story is deeply intertwined with themes of mother-daughter relationships, the power of family and community, and the lasting impact of slavery on individuals and society.
The novel introduces a mysterious figure named Beloved, who is the physical manifestation of Sethe's murdered daughter, and explores how this presence disrupts and ultimately transforms the lives of Sethe and her surviving daughter, Denver.
Through a complex narrative that includes flashbacks, stream-of-consciousness monologues, and multiple voices, Morrison examines the trauma and resilience of those affected by slavery.
#4472
• Mentioned in 10 episodes
Age of Innocence
Edith Wharton
Edith Wharton's "The Age of Innocence" is a novel set in New York City during the Gilded Age. It tells the story of Newland Archer, a lawyer entangled in a complex love triangle.
The novel explores themes of social constraints, morality, and the clash between tradition and personal desires.
Wharton masterfully portrays the rigid social structures of the time and the stifling expectations placed upon women.
The novel's intricate plot and insightful character development make it a classic of American literature.
#4828
• Mentioned in 9 episodes
The Portrait Of A Lady
Henry James
The novel follows Isabel Archer, a young American woman who inherits a fortune and travels to Europe.
There, she rejects several marriage proposals, including those from Lord Warburton and Caspar Goodwood, in favor of maintaining her independence.
However, she is manipulated by Madame Merle and Gilbert Osmond into a marriage that proves disastrous.
Osmond, a collector of art objects, sees Isabel as another piece to add to his collection, and their marriage is marked by his cold and manipulative nature.
The novel explores themes of personal freedom, responsibility, and the complexities of human relationships.
#792
• Mentioned in 40 episodes
Mansfield Park
Jane Austen
monica arcija
The novel follows Fanny Price, a young girl from a poor family who is sent to live with her wealthy uncle and aunt, Sir Thomas and Lady Bertram, at Mansfield Park.
Fanny navigates the complexities of her new environment, dealing with the mistreatment by some family members and the kindness of her cousin Edmund.
The story unfolds with the arrival of the charming but morally dubious Crawfords, leading to a series of scandals and moral dilemmas.
Ultimately, Fanny's integrity and compassion guide her through the challenges, and she finds love and a sense of belonging with Edmund.
#6311
• Mentioned in 7 episodes
Pippi Longstocking
Astrid Lindgren
Pippi Longstocking is a children's novel that follows the adventures of Pippi, a nine-year-old girl with wild red pigtails and long mismatched stockings.
Her mother died when she was a baby, and her father, a sea captain, is lost at sea.
Pippi lives in Villa Villekulla with her monkey, Mr. Nilsson, and her horse.
She befriends the neighboring children, Tommy and Annika Settergren, and together they have various adventures.
Pippi is known for her physical strength, unconventional behavior, and her ability to defy societal norms.
The book explores themes of family, gender, society, and education through Pippi's unique and liberated lifestyle.
#11764
• Mentioned in 4 episodes
Evelina
or, The History of a Young Lady's Entrance into the World
Frances Burney
In 'Evelina', Frances Burney crafts a vivid and satirical account of late 18th-century London society through the eyes of its protagonist, Evelina Anville.
The novel follows Evelina's journey as she navigates the complexities of high society, encountering various characters that reflect the social norms and excesses of the time.
It is both a commentary on the societal pressures faced by women and a love story, with Evelina attracting the attention of the charming Lord Orville.
#337
• Mentioned in 74 episodes
Middlemarch
George Eliot
Middlemarch, written by George Eliot, is a novel that delves into the complexities of provincial life in 19th-century England.
The story revolves around the intersecting lives of its characters, particularly Dorothea Brooke and Dr. Tertius Lydgate, as they navigate marriage, vocation, and social class.
Eliot critiques the conventional romance narratives of her time by portraying marriage as a complex and often problematic institution.
The novel also explores themes of idealism, self-interest, hypocrisy, and the constraints on women's lives.
Set in the fictional town of Middlemarch between 1829 and 1832, the novel incorporates historical events such as the Great Reform Act of 1832 and early developments in medicine.
Eliot's realistic portrayal of ordinary human life, with its quiet tragedies and small triumphs, has made 'Middlemarch' a masterpiece of English literature.
#550
• Mentioned in 52 episodes
Emma
Jane Austen
juan perez
The novel follows Emma Woodhouse, a beautiful, clever, and rich young woman who has lived nearly twenty-one years with very little distress.
Emma decides to take up matchmaking, despite the advice of her friend Mr. Knightley.
Her attempts to match her new friend Harriet Smith with various men lead to complications and ultimately test her own detachment from the world of romance.
The novel explores themes of education, courtship, and social class in Georgian-Regency England, highlighting Emma's journey of self-discovery and learning from her mistakes.
Welcome to Books That Matter. Today, I’m joined by A. Natasha Joukovsky.
a. natasha joukovsky is the author of the novels The Portrait of a Mirror and Medium Rare (forthcoming March 2026). Her writing has been published in Literary Hub, The Common, and Still Alive, and she writes the “quite useless” Substack newsletter. Natasha holds a BA in English from the University of Virginia and an MBA from New York University’s Stern School of Business. She lives in Washington, DC.
In today’s episode, Natasha and I talk about her theory of choice novels, different flavors of myth retellings, and why Evelina by Frances Burney is a book that matters to her–and to Jane Austen. Later we get into Natasha’s sophomore novel Medium Rare, a sharp, funny, piercing social novel about a mid-tier lobbyist who flies too close to the sun with a potentially perfect March Madness bracket. I adored this novel and I appreciate it all the more after this conversation. Medium Rare is available now for preorder.
Books and Links
* Evelina by Frances Burney
* Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
* Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren
* Ramona Quimby by Beverly Cleary
* Emma by Jane Austen
* Mansfield Park by Jane Austen
* Middlemarch by George Eliot
* The Portrait of a Lady by Henry James
* The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton
* The House of Mirth by Edith Wharton
* Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
* Beloved by Toni Morrison
* The Age of Choice by Sophia Rosenfeld
* Metamorphoses by Ovid
* Infinite Jest by David Foster Wallace
* The Portrait of a Mirror by A. Natasha Joukovsky
* A. Natasha Joukovsky on Substack: How to read like a novelist
* A. Natasha Joukovsky on Substack:The Austen Math cumulative report
* Jane Austen’s Bookshelf by Rebecca Romney
* Rebecca Romney on Pawn Stars
* The Mysteries of Udolpho by Ann Radcliffe
* Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen
* The House of Seven Gables by Nathaniel Hawthorne
* The Mayor of Casterbridge by Thomas Hardy
* Tess of the D’Urbervilles by Thomas Hardy
* Ethan Frome by Edith Wharton
* Roman Fever by Edith Wharton
* House of Mirth by Edith Wharton
* Fleishman Is in Trouble by Taffy Brodesser-Akner
* Long Island Compromise by Taffy Brodesser-Akner
* The Book of Anne by H.A.Thurston
* Sky Daddy by Kate Folk
* Prodigals by Greg Jackson
* Rejection by Tony Tulathimutte
* The Ten Year Affair by Erin Somers
* The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
* Circe by Madeline Miller
* The Sellout by Paul Beatty
* The Netanyahus by Joshua Cohen
* Ars Longa, Via Brevis by Russell Bittner
*This post contains affiliate links.
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