Fantomina by Eliza Haywood with Samantha DeShazo

We are going back in time and discussing Amatory Fiction in the 18th century novel Fantomina by Eliza Haywood. This incredible story explores the complexities of identity and desire through the story of a young woman who adopts multiple personas to navigate the intricacies of romantic entanglements in 18th-century society. This provocative tale delves into themes of gender, autonomy, and the hidden depths of passion, highlighting the lengths one will go to in pursuit of love and self-discovery.

Samantha DeShazo was born and raised in Richmond, Virginia. She earned her MA in English at Virginia Commonwealth University in 2022, where she studied literature of the long eighteenth century. She is an educator who currently works with first year college students. When she's not working, she can be found with her nose in a book or pampering her beloved dog, Henry. 

 Our drink this week was courtesy of Samantha, it is a Creme Earl Grey Black Tea fromThe Spice & Tea Exchange of Richmond. It is absolutely delicious, smells like Fruity Pebbles, and would definitely have been all the rage in Fanomina’s time

In this Episode

Fantomina by Eliza Haywood

The Spice & Tea Exchange of Richmond

Toni Morrison

Frankstein by Mary Shelley

The Law of Coverture

Didn’t Read It Podcast Fantomina Episode

Amatory Fiction

Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen

Pamela by Samuel Richardson

Love in Excess by Eliza Haywood

Betsy Thoughtless by Eliza Haywood