I pre-ordered this novel (on Kobo) and then I received an email telling me I could download it, but no I couldn’t. Then I got a surly email from Booktopia informing that it wasn’t available yet. So eventually it arrived.
Here’s the blurb …
“I’ve arrived in London without incident. There are few triumphs in my recent life, but I count this as one. My existence of the last three years has been nothing but incident.”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 novella-length volumes. Armed with wit and a sideways amusement, Emma documents the curious realities of her life at Lapis Lazuli House.
This is a series of journal entries set in the late 1800s. It does feel quite authentic and Emma is a charming character.
Here she is describing how she wants to live to her banker.
I simply wish to keep myself in London, in Lapis Lazuli House, and buy books. I have considered owning a cat, but I believe that expense won’t put mw out in the streets just yet.
This is a short, quick to read, and charming novella. I will definitely move onto Volume 2 (I want to know about the tenant in Lapis Lazuli Minor – is there going to be romance?)