finished reading

In this latest volume of Emma M. Lion's escapades, I find myself escaping into the world of 1884 England, where our intrepid heroine must finally introduce her Aunt Eugenia to her "chaperone," Miss Agnes Dowd.  The stakes for this meeting are hilariously high, and the execution is pure genius! Without spoiling anything, Emma's Golden Age of Friendship with Islington, Young Hawkes, and Pierce has some convoluted twists resulting in a courtship and a guardianship.  Emma's unconventional friendships, not only with the three very different single men, but with the silent Mrs. Penury, and Agnes, her Scottish maid, are a perfect example of a found family.  I want to be part of that family, too.

The diary-style narration feels as if Emma is sharing her innermost thoughts and secrets with me.  Emma's transition as she navigates the struggle between independence and her pedigree, all while juggling Victorian decorum, makes her a modern marvel.  Emma's wry observations about the absurdities in conventional society keep me reading.

The audio narration is utter perfection.

From the publisher:

"The image of Pandora's Box being opened by my own hand flashed across my mind. A sobering and somewhat disappointing realisation when one understands they are their own worst enemy."

The Year is 1884 and Emma M. Lion has, at long last, gained her majority. Entering a golden age of friendship with Pierce, Islington, and Hawkes, Emma is confident she will manage whatever comes her way. It is The Season she must help Arabella secure a husband, while navigating the threat of Aunt Eugenia, the unflagging adoration of Charles Goddard, and the amusing unpredictability of St. Crispian's. But the secrets of her trusted friends are what might very well bring about disaster.

Emma M. Lion offers up her Unselected Journals, however self-incriminating they may be. Armed with wit and a sideways amusement, Emma documents the curious realities of her life at Lapis Lazuli House.