The book series that I can't stop reading
What magic ingredients make a book a must-read?
Saturday Morning Serial is the weekend section of Library Binding. It’s a personal corner where I publish short stories, book reviews, and literary musings. I’m Michelle Watson, and I’m so glad you stopped by.
What’s the series, you ask?
I will not make you wait.
The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion by Beth Brower
I started reading these novellas on Kindle around New Year’s, and I’m on Volume 4 already.
I’m notorious for reading the first book in a series and never continuing.
That did not happen this time. I’m zooming through these babies.
What’s going on?
Something brilliant.
Let’s figure out what.
About the Emma M. Lion series
Emma M. Lion is a young woman living in Victorian London in 1883.
If you enjoy Charles Dickens, Jane Austen, the Brontes, and even the likes of Georgette Heyer, then you will (most likely) get a huge kick out of Emma M. Lion.
Here’s the book blurb as it appears on Goodreads:
The Year is 1883 and Emma M. Lion has returned to her London neighborhood 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.
Eeep! Did you just peek?
Beth Brower tells the story through Emma’s private journal entries. Each chapter is dated and written in Emma’s first-person voice.
First-person present tense writing may be great for YA dystopias, but it isn’t exactly suited to Victorian times. Even Tristram Shandy and David Copperfield told their stories in hindsight. How do you tell the story as it happens through the main character’s eyes? A lady’s diary. Very right. Very proper. It works.
Will you be required to suspend your disbelief? Yes. Will this bother you? It didn’t bother me in the least.
What makes it so good? (It’s not romance)
Why do some book series get so popular?
What’s the magic mix that keeps readers hanging around?
I don’t think we can give an honest answer if we underestimate steam and spice. (I quickly checked Amazon’s most-sold fiction chart, and a romantasy trilogy is nabbing the top three spots.
In Dopamine Nation, Dr. Anna Lembke opens up about how she got addicted to trashy romance novels in her 40s. I respect Dr. Lembke for sharing this. It couldn’t have been easy.
Dr. Lembke explains why women devour subpar books that follow a formulaic structure and employ blah writing. It’s because the strategically positioned open-door romance scenes produce an addictive dopamine rush. Readers get hooked and keep coming back for more. This should’ve been a “no duh” moment for me, but it was more of a light bulb. It explains a lot.
BUT, the Emma M. Lion books don’t rely on a string of torrid trysts to keep readers turning pages.
So, what’s working, then?
Superb writing
Beth Brower writes smooth, effortless prose that is also smart and sparkly—and I mean that in the best way.
Her writing has both artistry and economy. It's funny and frictionless to read. It's emotional but not sentimental.
Excellent craft isn’t something that you find every day in a self-published series (or any modern series for that matter).
Short chapters
One journal entry per day. They go down like a spoonful of sugar.
Just one more before turning out the light…okay, ten more.
A leading lady worth caring about
Beth Brower recently published the eighth volume in the series. To sustain a series for that long, you need more than a Strong Female Lead. Those are a dime a dozen (and oh-so tired).
Emma is refreshing. She's not "too good" like Fanny Price. She's not as flighty and immature as Emma Woodhouse. She's got the wit and charm of Elizabeth Bennet, but she also has the hardy survival instincts of Jane Eyre. She's warm and friendly—but not to be trifled with.
Emma is something of a paragon, yes. (I want to be like her.) A woman who whines and fails and repeats her mistakes may be more relatable, but she’s not who I want to read about.
A cast with character
Real quick, think back to Avonlea. You know, the little community on Prince Edward Island. Can you easily describe Anne, Marilla, Matthew, Gilbert, Diana, and Rachel Lynde? I bet you can.
In similar fashion, Beth Brower assembles a quirky and distinctive set of folks. They behave consistently, and they impact the story versus serving as window dressing. Because of the dynamic character mix, Brower doesn’t have to resort to plot gimmicks to keep things interesting. You can only have so many duels, deaths, and dalliances. But personality clashes? Those never get old.
A place to walk around in
The neighborhood of St. Crispian’s has just as much character as any of the, well, characters. By confining the primary action to these few square blocks, we feel cozily encircled by Emma’s world. Thus, the “big action” is free to play out on the larger stage of Emma’s heart and mind.
Have fun
I hope that you’ll consider Emma if you’re looking for a new series to read.
If you’re a writer tossing around ideas for a series, maybe my poor insights will provide a pinprick of creative light.
Before you go—a snapshot, a scripture, and a survey.
Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. –1 Cor. 15:58
I’ll leave you with one irresistible indulgence—for the undaunted.
Your devoted,
Michelle
Thank you. This series sounds like just my cup of tea. You had me at Georgette Heyer, but the Avonlea comparison sealed the deal. Next time I need some light reading....
I’ve heard of this series (in glowing terms), but haven’t read them! Time to get them on my TBR list. I love your reasoning as to why they’re good.