The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lions: Vol. 5 (The Unselected Journals #5) by Beth Brower
“Isn’t it just?” I replied, hoping she would not ask me to read a favorite verse aloud.
I do not believe the psalmist wrote,
Fifteen men on a dead man’s chest,
Yo-ho-ho and a bottle of rum. 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 volumes. Armed with wit and a sideways amusement, Emma documents the curious realities of her life at Lapis Lazuli House.
Readers have compared Beth Brower's writing to Jane Austen, Oscar Wilde, P.G. Wodehouse, and L.M. Montgomery.
Review: In this fifth installment of this delightful series, Emma is beginning to slowly heal from the grief that has consumed her with the help of her friends. In particular, Hawkes takes precedence as Emma seems deep in contemplation about her past and the path her future will take in this novel. Despite the unusual nature of the group, Emma, Hawkes, Islington, and Pierce form a supportive friend group and a sort of found family for Emma, who lost most of her own family years before she should have had to.
There seems to be a distinct turning point in this book from the aimlessness that has defined Emma's view on her future to her decision to embrace and welcome a different path to her future in this book. There is a greater depth to this installment in the series as a consequence. There are still lighthearted moments and witty banter, but Emma is no longer masking a vast well of grief inside her or avoiding making decisions about her next steps. I especially appreciated the scenes of Christmas near the end of this book. There was a profound peacefulness to Emma and her friends and a deep sense of understanding and mutual respect and affection between them all. Just lovely books. Looking forward to the next two in the series.
Stars: 4
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