The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion: Vol. 2 (The Unselected Journals #2) by Beth Brower
The Year is 1883 and Emma M. Lion has returned to her London neighbourhood of St. Crispian’s. But Emma’s plans for a charmed and studious life are sabotaged by her eccentric Cousin Archibald, her formidable Aunt Eugenia, and the slightly odd denizens of St. Crispian’s.
Emma M. Lion offers up her Unselected Journals, however self-incriminating they may be, which comprise a series of novella-length volumes. Armed with wit and a sideways amusement, Emma documents the curious realities of her life at Lapis Lazuli House.
Review: What a delightful second installment in this series! This continues the journals of Emma Lion. She continues to develop a rapport with The Tenant who resides in the apartment of her home, assist her aunt in the social aspirations for her cousin's marriage, battles her cousin Archibald, and develops an intriguing connection to the Duke of Islington.
Emma M. Lion is such a charming and witty narrator. I love her tongue-in-cheek wit and gumption. For instance, she describes a conversation with her aunt like so: "'You have no right to schedule a dinner without my interference.' I do not think interference was the word she meant, but as it was apt, I let it stand" (83). And later, she says, "Our conversation was very June and very Afternoon, meaning it meandered like a honeybee" (145).
In addition to the intriguing developments between Emma, The Tenant, and the Duke, this book has an interesting subplot concerning the "Jane Eyres" from Emma's former boarding school, so called because they are the keepers of contraband copies of Jane Eyre, which are circulated amongst the girls to read and build morale. It's always fun to read about books and book lovers within books and Beth Brower does it particularly well. A truly delightful series. I can't wait to read volume three.
Stars: 4
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