# The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion

By Beth Brower · The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion, book 1

Profile: https://hahafiction.com/books/the-unselected-journals-of-emma-m-lion-e26438d2/

Emma M. Lion returns to her family's London house in 1883 hoping to spend her time studying. Cousin Archibald controls the household, Aunt Eugenia has social plans for her, and the neighbors of St. Crispian's keep giving her material for her private journal.

## What makes it funny?

Emma longs for books, but Archibald locks the library while she is consigned to the garret with mice. Her quick replies and amused account of these indignities give the household disputes their bite.

### The comedy at work

The diary lets Emma say what polite conversation would suppress. Her observations of family authority and the pressure to find a husband turn Victorian expectations into targets for her wit.

### Try this if…

Readers who enjoy personal journals and sharp conversations about social manners have plenty to follow here. The attraction is Emma's company and the gradual discovery of her neighborhood, with the larger story continuing across short volumes.

### Good to know

This first installment is a novella that introduces a continuing story. It ends without a cliffhanger, but leaves more of Emma's life to discover in later volumes. Bereavement is part of her background.

## What to expect

- Genre: Historical
- Kind of humor: Banter · Dry wit
- The atmosphere: Irreverent
- Format: Novella
- Length: 128 pages
- Audiobook: 3 hr 15 min
- Published: 2019

## A few distinguishing details

- A private journal in Victorian London
- A would-be scholar shut out of her own library
- Family disputes at Lapis Lazuli House

## Sources & further reading

- Book information: [Audiobook edition](https://play.google.com/store/audiobooks/details?id=AQAAAEAq7DusAM)
- Reader discussion: [Reader discussion](https://facebook.com/groups/211610599638106/permalink/1903432427122573)
- Book information: [Ebook edition](https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Beth_Brower_The_Unselected_Journals_of_Emma_M_Lion?id=mtQNEgAAQBAJ)
- Author commentary: [Author](https://www.bethbrower.com/blog/bethbrowerwriting?offset=1588096180014)
- Publisher: [Publisher](https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/861400/the-unselected-journals-of-emma-m-lion-vol-1-by-beth-brower/paperback)
- Review: [Review](https://www.readplus.com.au/reviews/the-unselected-journals-of-emma-m-lion-vol-1)