Evelina, which is also known as History of a Young Lady's Entrance into the World, was first published anonymously in January of 1778. It is Frances Burney’s first novel, and it is the most popular and widely read of her works. The novel is epistolary, meaning it is written in the form of letters from different characters’ perspectives.
The limitations placed on women in the 18th century had a significant effect on Burney’s career. Burney burned her first novel before it was published because she was told the protagonist was an improper woman whom no one would want to read. She then published Evelina anonymously because society frowned on female authors. It was not until the novel...
