The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion
The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion (Vol 1–8)
Beth Brower
my review : ✮✮✮✮✮
Profoundly delightful!
These colorful books make up Volumes 1–8 of The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion. Each book contains two months of daily journal entries from Ms. Emma M. Lion’s life. When we meet Emma in book one, the year is 1883, and she’s returning to Lapis Lazuli, her home in the eccentric and, at times, magical neighborhood of St. Crispian’s in London.
This is a story that wanders, that charms, and that is quite profound at times. The pacing is slow, so start this series when you’re in the mood to unwind and meander. Reading these books during the hazy newborn days was the perfect fit! Due to the daily entries and the length of the series, the characters grow to feel like dear friends, and picking up the book to return to St. Crispian’s feels like one big exhale.
Once you acclimate yourself to the time period, the characters, and the pacing, I hope you’ll be as charmed by this series as I was. It’s a bit quirky and unlike anything I’ve read. I’ve never used the dictionary more in my life! Emma inspires me to expand my vocabulary and my capacity for delight.
Spending time with Emma is a gift, and I cannot wait to return to St. Crispian’s in book 9.
The series is not complete, and the author has mentioned there may be 20+ books in total! That might sound like an absurd amount of books, but once you visit St. Crispian’s, you’ll find you never want to leave.
Depending on your mood, this book should be paired with a slice of lemon poppy seed cake and a strong cup of tea, or a glass of champagne punch like Emma enjoys in book 8.
you’ll love this book if you love:
Cozy mysteries
Stories set in London
Historical fiction
my favorite quote:
Vol 1
“But my true love is the evening walk, that last hour of daylight that has its way with sunlight, shadow, and soul.”
Vol 2
“Our conversation was very June and very Afternoon, meaning it meandered like a honey bee.”
Vol 3
“I learned a long time ago that my happiness has to be separate from the things beyond my control.”
Vol 4
“I’ve decided positivity is the Everest of virtues. You have to not only confront the dismal realities of life but choose, ofttimes, to blatantly ignore them.”
Vol 5
“The edge of life can be marked in black faster than one would suppose. Why not ring all the bells?”
Vol 6
“I sit at the top of a fresh month with a choice before me. One which very well may have an impact on the whole of my existence. Which book do I read next?”
Vol 7
“Spring gives us more than we deserve."
Vol 8
“Question: Ought I read the papers more than I do?
Answer: Likely.
However: Books.”
