I didn’t think I’d do it. After all, I generally avoid whatever “the” book is that everyone is reading. It’s my small “go against the crowd” rebellious streak. I often save those books for later, after the hubbub has died down. And often enjoy them—sometimes wishing I’d read them sooner!
But after two good friends who know my reading preferences reached out and told me I needed to read The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion, I decided to try Volume 1.
Just Volume 1, mind you. I wasn’t going to go crazy.
So I read Volume 1.
Immediately bought Volume 2.
Before I started Volume 2, I bought the audio (I NEVER switch formats mid-series!) of Volumes 3-5 since they were on sale.
Now I’ve finished Vol. 3 and (as I write this) am nearing the end of Vol. 4. And the audio versions are just as charming as the books! Although there are definitely things I miss seeing on the page. Still, I’d love to own all the audio and all the print!
Sigh.
Because how could I not?
I admit, I do love a good epistolary novel. So these tick that box. And I love historicals set in the UK. Another tick. But the humor surprised me. And the literary references. And the biblical references. And the cast of quirky characters. And the utterly charming voice of Emma herself.
Emma is witty and emotional and honest. She makes me laugh out loud. She makes my heart ache. I root for her. I grieve with her. I get angry for her. I rejoice with her.
One of those friends who told me to read the series commented recently that she found Emma Lion to be a cross between Lizzie Bennet and Anne Shirley. I think that is quite accurate. And it’s why I won’t be hopping off the Emma Lion train any time soon.
Have you read Emma Lion? What do you think?
I love Emma! I have listened to the first 3 books on Audible, have the 4th waiting on Audible but really want to read along in a book now as feeling I’m missing something. I’m weighing up kindle or hard copy. I think it’s going to have to be hard copy as I want the physical copies on my bookshelf. I love Genevieve Gaunt’s narration so will also listen to all books on Audible! I love it set in London because that’s where I live!
I have LOVED the audio, but I do miss a few things in the kindle/print version–like when she capitalizes words you wouldn’t expect to add greater importance to them–like when she speaks with Aunt Eugenia! I will eventually get hard copies to have on my shelf!
How fun that you live in London! I’m assuming St. Crispian’s is a fictional section of town? I haven’t been to London in over 20 years (though I’ve been to Scotland a couple of times since then), but Emma has me hankering to go again. 🙂