The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion, Vol. 1 by Beth Brower is an absolute delight. Honestly, the whole series is worth reading, and I would give this first volume 4/5 stars. To be completely honest, I almost didn't keep reading the series after this first volume because one of the characters (Cousin Archibald), made me so angry I couldn't stand reading any more about him.
However, my sister encouraged me to continue the series, and I am so glad I did! This volume is essential for setting up a plot that blossoms beautifully in the next volumes. So much so, I came back and added a star
Synopsis: *Spoilers Ahead!*
Miss Emma M. Lion has returned to London and to St. Crispian's, a delightful neighborhood with a dusting of magical realism, and home to her beloved Lapis Lazuli, her birthright and home that has been occupied for years by her cousin Archibald -- a pompous widower, briefly married decades earlier -- who is only residing in the home due to the goodness of Emma's Father's heart. Sadly, Emma has been orphaned for years and recently finished working as a companion to Archibald's aunt, another cruel character who refuses to give Emma her allotted earnings. However, Emma's spunk and quick wit have helped keep her sanity and determination alive. These are necessary tools as she is relegated to the houses Garrett. Well, half of it. Archibald has walled off a portion of the house to create Lapis Lazuli Minor, and he has rented it to The Tenant.
All the shenanigans are dutifully recorded by Miss Lion herself, and the reader is given unmitigated access to her personal account.
Book Discussion Questions:
1. Emma records multiple conversations in her journal entries. Do you believe some of them interactions are embellished or skewed by the recorder? If so, what conversation do you believe might have gone differently?
2. The neighborhood of St. Crispian's has elements of magical realism, such as the Roman and the Keep. What object, if lost, would you immediately search the Keep for? Anything you would leave behind?
3. We learn that Cousin Archibald has been willfully diluting Emma's inheritance. Why do you think Emma lets him stay in the house? Would you do the same?
4. Aunt Eugenia is very generous with Emma, at least in regards to her wardrobe. Do you think she would be so generous if she weren't as close in age to her cousin and therefore unable to act as a foil?
5. As it is a journal, there are sections in the book that are crossed out, unfinished, or brief. How do you think this would affect an Audiobook recording? How would you explain this phenomenon?
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