Just
Emilia.
Three women. One stuck elevator. A past that refuses to stay buried. A kaleidoscopic novel about the versions of ourselves that co-exist — past, present, and future.
“A deeply moving story, uniquely told, about the different versions of ourselves — past, present, and future — that co-exist, and how, with the correction of long-buried distorted memories, they can finally find peace. A novel I won’t soon forget.”
— Laura Zigman, bestselling author of Separation Anxiety
A sample of what people are saying.
Winner of the 2026 Independent Press Award – Distinguished Favorite
“I really loved your book. I've been talking about the premise of it to so many people.”
“Trips the space-time continuum with a deft hand in this jam-packed kaleidoscope of a novel.”
“A feat of imagination...Prepare to be surprised and moved as the elevator doors close on Emilia, Millie, and Em. They may be trapped, but the reader is taken on an unforgettable journey through memory, grief, guilt, and hope.”
“JUST EMILIA is a remarkable and original story of self-discovery. One of those novels that will linger in the mind and memory of the reader long after the book has been finished and set back upon the shelf.”
“Three women. One D.C. Metro elevator. And here's the twist: they're all the same person... a sharp, character-driven mind-bender with major read-it-in-one-sitting potential.”
“Oko manages to transform a stuck elevator into a black box, a hall of mirrors, and a Swiss Army knife with her astonishing storytelling powers.”
“Gripping from the start. Compelling storytelling with mordant humor. I loved it.”
“Three versions of the same person collide in a dimensional mishap. Stuns the imagination.”
The back catalogue.
A comic mystery about psycho-pharmaceutical trafficking — which she swears is not autobiographical.
A satire of morning television news. USA Today's hot summer read.
Two-time New York Times Book Review Editors' Choice. ‘Simply riveting.’ — The New York Times Book Review. A memoir published under her maiden name.
Readings & appearances.
Interviews & appearances.
Jennifer Oko.
Jennifer's memoir Lying Together: My Russian Affair (published under her maiden name, Jennifer Beth Cohen) was called "simply riveting" in The New York Times Book Review, which twice named it an "Editor's Choice." Publisher's Weekly called it "sharp, fast-paced… a fascinating glimpse inside the world of news gathering and contemporary Russia," and The San Francisco Chronicle said it was "a heady cocktail… a quick, juicy read." Her novel Gloss, a satire of morning television news, also received ample praise, with Marie Claire comparing it to Carl Hiaasen's Lucky You and The Chicago Tribune calling it "a rare treat." Her novel Head Case is a comic mystery about psycho-pharmaceutical trafficking, which she swears is not autobiographical in any way.
Jennifer is also a journalist and filmmaker. She is a co-founder of the boutique production company Because.Media, which develops and creates documentary films and video for outlets ranging from HBO, PBS, Netflix, and The New York Times to the MacArthur Foundation and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Recent projects include a documentary for Netflix (untitled, currently in production) and HBO's When A Witness Recants, which premiered at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival.
Jennifer holds a master's degree from Columbia University's Graduate School of Journalism, a BA in Russian Language and Literature from Tufts University, and a BFA in Studio Arts from the School of the Museum of Fine Arts. She lives in Washington, DC.
Say hello.
For interviews, events, book club visits, or a friendly note — Jennifer would love to hear from you.
Get occasional notes on new books, events, and readings.
Opens your email app to confirm — no spam, unsubscribe anytime.