What if the novels you love were windows into the world that shaped them? I'm Joanna Chavez, an amateur historian with a passion for literature and archival deep dives, and in this podcast, we explore the real history behind the fiction. Each week, I dig into primary sources and historical scholarship to uncover the political, social, and cultural backdrops that influenced classic works like Pride & Prejudice, The Count of Monte Cristo, and Crime & Punishment. Whether you're a lifelong bookworm or a history nerd, consider this your reading companion. New episodes every week.