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Emma (5 books edition) #3
Emma, Vol. 3
Not wishing to cause a scandal within the Joneses' household, Emma chooses to make a clean break from her old life and takes a train to the sea. As chance would have it, Emma finds herself sharing a car with another maid, one who serves at a large manor in the country. A big house bustling with servants seems an ideal place in which to move forward after losing her mistress and leaving her love back in London. Learning the precise dance of domestic service in her new environment is a welcome challenge, but how long can hard work divert Emma's mind from the longing of her heart?
368 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 15, 2015
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71 people want to read
About the author
Kaoru Mori
99 books851 followersKaoru Mori (森 薫) is a Japanese manga author. Her stories tend to be intricately drawn female lead historical dramas set in exotic locations like Britain and along the silk road. Her series include Emma (2002-2008), Shirley (2003-present) and the best known A Bride's Tale (2008-present).
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
March 7, 2021
CW: antisemitic coded character depictions
Actual rating: although I gave this three stars, just know that in my heart that if a specific, like, 12 or 16 pages didn't exist, it's a five star read.
I read this for my March 2021 challenge of only reading books by women writers for Women's History month! You can read more about my experience here!
I love love lovelovelove this story and this series. I truly, deeply do. I think it's fun and gorgeous and endearing. I was having an absolute blast reading this volume, with every instance of melodrama to daily Victorian duties.
At least until chapter 40, when one of the most horrific Jewish caricatures I've seen in contemporary media appeared.
Disclaimer, before we begin: I wrote the following portion of this review before I finished the volume. Personally, I would like to keep my initial reaction in because it legitimately affected me. But, somewhat in Mori's defense, in her author afterwards she mentions, "It seems the stereotypical kidnapper back then was this kind of 'Dark Santa,'" and then goes on to tell us this character's name is O'Donnell, which relieves me enough that I kind of want to laugh omg.
She truly has no concept of the blood libels* that led to this imagery, nor the Jewish/devil association sometimes made in European storytelling.
Kaoru Mori, please.... Why did you do this?
Everything was going so well and it absolutely slammed the breaks for me.
Manga and anime have had a traditionally rocky experience with depicting people other than white or Japanese characters, especially Black people and Indian people. But this Jewish depiction was horrifically over the top. He is literally a man in all black with a long, curly black beard, a big hat, and a long nose with a high bridge. As the villain.
I'm absolutely positive that Mori saw this depiction as a "criminal" or an "Other" from Victorian society and knew little enough of the harm behind the stereotype to try her hand at putting it into her story. But as a Jew who absolutely adores this series, it was honestly kind of traumatic to see. It truly gutted me to see this continue in graphic depictions.
If not for just one character, this book would have been an easy five stars. By no means do I warn anyone away from this, though. If you're less sensitive to antisemitism than I am (as long as you're aware of it in a historical context) then by all means - I mean, these books are lovely and the story is so fun, but I just...
I'm so sad that this is a part of these books. I still recommend this series but beware of insensitivity, I guess.
Okay, for real in the end, yes there's this truly gutting depiction, but Mori had no idea and I'm sure her utter lack of exposure to Jews led to this misunderstanding. (The man's nam is O'DONNELL for goodness' sake! I absolutely dare you to find me a Jew who didn't convert or marry with that surname.) The story is overdramatic and ridiculous and fun, but do be aware of the history of this depiction.
*blood libels = Christians believing Jews kidnapped (there's the stereotype) their children, slaughtered them, and used the blood for Passover matzah or other religious ritual breads.
Actual rating: although I gave this three stars, just know that in my heart that if a specific, like, 12 or 16 pages didn't exist, it's a five star read.
I read this for my March 2021 challenge of only reading books by women writers for Women's History month! You can read more about my experience here!
I love love lovelovelove this story and this series. I truly, deeply do. I think it's fun and gorgeous and endearing. I was having an absolute blast reading this volume, with every instance of melodrama to daily Victorian duties.
At least until chapter 40, when one of the most horrific Jewish caricatures I've seen in contemporary media appeared.
Disclaimer, before we begin: I wrote the following portion of this review before I finished the volume. Personally, I would like to keep my initial reaction in because it legitimately affected me. But, somewhat in Mori's defense, in her author afterwards she mentions, "It seems the stereotypical kidnapper back then was this kind of 'Dark Santa,'" and then goes on to tell us this character's name is O'Donnell, which relieves me enough that I kind of want to laugh omg.
She truly has no concept of the blood libels* that led to this imagery, nor the Jewish/devil association sometimes made in European storytelling.
Kaoru Mori, please.... Why did you do this?
Everything was going so well and it absolutely slammed the breaks for me.
Manga and anime have had a traditionally rocky experience with depicting people other than white or Japanese characters, especially Black people and Indian people. But this Jewish depiction was horrifically over the top. He is literally a man in all black with a long, curly black beard, a big hat, and a long nose with a high bridge. As the villain.
I'm absolutely positive that Mori saw this depiction as a "criminal" or an "Other" from Victorian society and knew little enough of the harm behind the stereotype to try her hand at putting it into her story. But as a Jew who absolutely adores this series, it was honestly kind of traumatic to see. It truly gutted me to see this continue in graphic depictions.
If not for just one character, this book would have been an easy five stars. By no means do I warn anyone away from this, though. If you're less sensitive to antisemitism than I am (as long as you're aware of it in a historical context) then by all means - I mean, these books are lovely and the story is so fun, but I just...
Okay, for real in the end, yes there's this truly gutting depiction, but Mori had no idea and I'm sure her utter lack of exposure to Jews led to this misunderstanding. (The man's nam is O'DONNELL for goodness' sake! I absolutely dare you to find me a Jew who didn't convert or marry with that surname.) The story is overdramatic and ridiculous and fun, but do be aware of the history of this depiction.
*blood libels = Christians believing Jews kidnapped (there's the stereotype) their children, slaughtered them, and used the blood for Passover matzah or other religious ritual breads.
December 8, 2018
Okay, this is the volume where the manga REALLY deviates from the anime, and Eleanor's father is the biggest jackass I've ever read about in a manga series. And I've read my share of manga! Honestly, I'm not sure what more I can say about this volume simply because there was a LOT that happened, and I'm really scared for Emma. But she is the heroine, and despite her cad of a beloved, I have faith that William (and the Moellers, her dear and sweet employers) will find a way to help her.
Meanwhile, I shall take care of both Eleanor's father and his underlings. *brings out Doomhammer*
Meanwhile, I shall take care of both Eleanor's father and his underlings. *brings out Doomhammer*
February 23, 2021
An adventure continues! With all the lush and curves and drahhhhhma that Mori loves.
November 2, 2014
ahhhh je n'ai pas la suite!!!
July 19, 2017
Supposedly this book series is rated Teen but there is a bathing scene with breast exposure so use your best judgment before handing this book to someone between the age of 12 to 16.
Other then the typical warning this...book...is getting really good! Emma and William thought they would not see each other ever again but fate is a fickle mistress and they discover once again after Emma ran away in hope that her feelings might one day fade. With Emma back in his life William must make some hard life decisions now that he has hope in his life but you'll have to read to find out how his decisions will affect everyone because welllll... I don't want to spoil things for all of you. However I can say sometimes when you mess with rich people bad things can happen and I need to see what happens next.
My favorite part of the book would have to be William's surprise visit to see Emma. Awwwww...good luck you two. :)
Other then the typical warning this...book...is getting really good! Emma and William thought they would not see each other ever again but fate is a fickle mistress and they discover once again after Emma ran away in hope that her feelings might one day fade. With Emma back in his life William must make some hard life decisions now that he has hope in his life but you'll have to read to find out how his decisions will affect everyone because welllll... I don't want to spoil things for all of you. However I can say sometimes when you mess with rich people bad things can happen and I need to see what happens next.
My favorite part of the book would have to be William's surprise visit to see Emma. Awwwww...good luck you two. :)
October 17, 2016
HOW WILL THIS BE FIXED
1. fav scene1: the emma hugging william when she first saw him
2. fav scene2: the argument between william and his father
3. fav scene3: emma and william sending letters to each other *^*
so someone from Eleanor's father's side kidnapped Emma and forced her to write a break-up letter to william, i did not see the kidnapping part coming up to be honest!
i feel as this volume contained so much plot development in-terms of Emma&William relationship being known by everyone basically, we knew we had to get to the part where families will oppose and is it just me or Vivi, william's little sister is annoying?
i think Hans has feelings for emma (he's cute i actually like hans)
and i admired/loved how the lady (german lady of the house) didn't mind the relationship between emma and william she actually find it entertaining! (which is if i were her i would have the same reaction)
I appreciate the amount of research put in this manga, the background details, the sketch of old machinery and equipments and the clothes, i cannot flip one page without appreciating the art and work put into it, specially the background!
all in all, will be reading volume 4 very soon it just arrived this week; but my rule says i cannot read volume 4 without having volume 5 in hand so... (or i might just break the stupid rule! depends)
1. fav scene1: the emma hugging william when she first saw him
2. fav scene2: the argument between william and his father
3. fav scene3: emma and william sending letters to each other *^*
so someone from Eleanor's father's side kidnapped Emma and forced her to write a break-up letter to william, i did not see the kidnapping part coming up to be honest!
i feel as this volume contained so much plot development in-terms of Emma&William relationship being known by everyone basically, we knew we had to get to the part where families will oppose and is it just me or Vivi, william's little sister is annoying?
i think Hans has feelings for emma (he's cute i actually like hans)
and i admired/loved how the lady (german lady of the house) didn't mind the relationship between emma and william she actually find it entertaining! (which is if i were her i would have the same reaction)
I appreciate the amount of research put in this manga, the background details, the sketch of old machinery and equipments and the clothes, i cannot flip one page without appreciating the art and work put into it, specially the background!
all in all, will be reading volume 4 very soon it just arrived this week; but my rule says i cannot read volume 4 without having volume 5 in hand so... (or i might just break the stupid rule! depends)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 25, 2023
So this one starts off with a flashback to William's father Richard meeting their mother Aurelia (now Mrs. Trollop) and how the two of them had to face the many disapprovals of Society. Basically no one liked him because he wasn't old English nobility and no one in London liked her because she was from the country. So this does explain why both parents are against/hesitant about William pursuing a romance with Emma.
Meanwhile, Emma returns to her job at the Mölders manor and she and William start writing back and forth. Then William finally comes to visit (Wilhelm and Dorothea are supportive but advise caution) and he makes a decision that turns the entire series on its head when Eleanor's father decides to make the problem disappear.
This omnibus contains volumes 5-6.
This series has 10 volumes.
Meanwhile, Emma returns to her job at the Mölders manor and she and William start writing back and forth. Then William finally comes to visit (Wilhelm and Dorothea are supportive but advise caution) and he makes a decision that turns the entire series on its head when Eleanor's father decides to make the problem disappear.
This omnibus contains volumes 5-6.
This series has 10 volumes.
August 10, 2020
The physical separation of the classy and sweet maid Emma from her beloved wealthy William only inflames their love, as they correspond by post. We get a back story on William's parents and siblings, and learn more about the family of William's innocent but ill-fated fiance Eleanor. Our story will turn much darker in this Victorian romance, and the end of book #3 (volume #6) will leave us on the biggest cliff-hanging yet.
Part of the suspense was of course how the plot could possibly take a turn toward Emma's hot German boss getting naked again (like she did in book #2). Fortunately, there came a time that she wanted to take a bath -- and wow!
Part of the suspense was of course how the plot could possibly take a turn toward Emma's hot German boss getting naked again (like she did in book #2). Fortunately, there came a time that she wanted to take a bath -- and wow!
December 25, 2024
I didn’t think I would continue this manga series, but the story is improving. I love the new maid characters who are introduced. Hakim is more likeable in the volume and I hope he plays more of a role in helping Emma and William get together. Also I love all the women-centred scenes and when women talk to each other in this volume because Mori is so good at portraying female friendship and it’s very heartwarming.
December 10, 2018
DRAMA DRAMA DRAMA
This 3rd volume of Emma was the most intense thus far. Emma and William’s relationship is tested even more of course, but the way it’s described is so movie like. It kept me on the edge of my seat. (I’m still on the edge!) I can’t give anything away. Just check it out. It’s amazing.
This 3rd volume of Emma was the most intense thus far. Emma and William’s relationship is tested even more of course, but the way it’s described is so movie like. It kept me on the edge of my seat. (I’m still on the edge!) I can’t give anything away. Just check it out. It’s amazing.
December 23, 2018
I love this manga series because it's such a beautiful "Romeo and Juliet" like story. This is my fifth time reading this series and everytime I fall more and more in love with the plot and characters!
June 10, 2020
Kind of a wild ride. Would have really helped if I had remembered volume 2 better. It was enjoyable, but I had a hard time keeping track of everyone.
November 5, 2020
3.5
Vivian is such an fucking annoying ugly spoiled brat.
Vivian is such an fucking annoying ugly spoiled brat.
May 27, 2022
Not as lively as books 1 and 2.
January 12, 2023
4.5 stars.
April 11, 2023
Efficace et incroyablement réussi dans les dessins !
Les choses prennent un nouveau tournant dans ce tome, et c'est un plaisir de le lire.
Les choses prennent un nouveau tournant dans ce tome, et c'est un plaisir de le lire.
November 25, 2023
Utterly charming.
April 25, 2024
This one was much more interesting than the last one. I'm anxious to continue and I'd really like to see them together finally.
November 9, 2025
LOVE!!! Full thoughts here: https://youtu.be/G4V4cCG6aUE?si=ae_G0...
March 2, 2020
THIS IS A REVIEW OF THE ENTIRE OMNIBUS SERIES
Genre: Adult Historical Romance
Content Rating: Adult (some unnecessary nudity, kidnapping)
Format Read: Hardcover
Series/Purchase Note: This physical US edition consists of 5 omnibus volumes. The original Japanese release consisted of 10 volumes. The digital US version appears to be for sale as 10 individual volumes as well.
Author Kaoru Mori's current ongoing series, A Bride's Story, about a traveling Englishman and the local families he meets in 19th-century Central Asia, is one of my favorites. Because of it I consider the author's signature style to be elaborately drawn details and backgrounds, an abundance of interesting historical minutiae, and occasional unnecessary female nudity. Emma was Mori's debut series, and when I was recently able to borrow the complete omnibus set from the library I decided it was time to finally give it a read.
At its heart, Emma is a lord-and-maid forbidden romance set in the late Victorian era. But as is custom with Mori, it's really about so many more people than that. The first 3.5 omnibus volumes mainly center on maid Emma and wealthy William's sweet but fraught romance. Despite a few dramatic turns, the couple was rather plain for me and their relationship a relatively simple one. Because of this, there was a lot of room to introduce and expand a host of colorful side characters who quickly and easily outshone the quiet couple. As the focus on Emma and William's romance faded halfway through volume 4, the lesser cast, with a few new faces, were given time to shine in a collection of short stories exploring everyday life in England. While not as interesting as the exotic culture in Bride's Story, these side narratives proved even more entertaining than the main one, and I learned a few new things about English history and social structure. The last few chapters do return to culminate the quiet couple's romance though, and with most of the characters receiving hopeful resolutions in their lives and loves, the series ends with a sweet and boisterous conclusion.
Conclusion: While not as good as Mori's current series, Emma was an interesting saga of maid love. Entertaining enough to hold my attention through five extremely thick and heavy hardcovers, the detailed artwork and historical tidbits were intriguing, and the side characters and their stories were fun. If you enjoy Mori's A Bride's Story then I do recommend trying this series as well, especially if you have a penchant for English period dramas as I do.
For Fans Of: English period dramas
Genre: Adult Historical Romance
Content Rating: Adult (some unnecessary nudity, kidnapping)
Format Read: Hardcover
Series/Purchase Note: This physical US edition consists of 5 omnibus volumes. The original Japanese release consisted of 10 volumes. The digital US version appears to be for sale as 10 individual volumes as well.
Author Kaoru Mori's current ongoing series, A Bride's Story, about a traveling Englishman and the local families he meets in 19th-century Central Asia, is one of my favorites. Because of it I consider the author's signature style to be elaborately drawn details and backgrounds, an abundance of interesting historical minutiae, and occasional unnecessary female nudity. Emma was Mori's debut series, and when I was recently able to borrow the complete omnibus set from the library I decided it was time to finally give it a read.
At its heart, Emma is a lord-and-maid forbidden romance set in the late Victorian era. But as is custom with Mori, it's really about so many more people than that. The first 3.5 omnibus volumes mainly center on maid Emma and wealthy William's sweet but fraught romance. Despite a few dramatic turns, the couple was rather plain for me and their relationship a relatively simple one. Because of this, there was a lot of room to introduce and expand a host of colorful side characters who quickly and easily outshone the quiet couple. As the focus on Emma and William's romance faded halfway through volume 4, the lesser cast, with a few new faces, were given time to shine in a collection of short stories exploring everyday life in England. While not as interesting as the exotic culture in Bride's Story, these side narratives proved even more entertaining than the main one, and I learned a few new things about English history and social structure. The last few chapters do return to culminate the quiet couple's romance though, and with most of the characters receiving hopeful resolutions in their lives and loves, the series ends with a sweet and boisterous conclusion.
Conclusion: While not as good as Mori's current series, Emma was an interesting saga of maid love. Entertaining enough to hold my attention through five extremely thick and heavy hardcovers, the detailed artwork and historical tidbits were intriguing, and the side characters and their stories were fun. If you enjoy Mori's A Bride's Story then I do recommend trying this series as well, especially if you have a penchant for English period dramas as I do.
For Fans Of: English period dramas
January 2, 2016
Si le début peut sembler un peu longuet avec des développements sur des personnages qui n'étaient pas centraux jusque là, ou même qu'on ne connaissait pas du tout, il est tout de même indispensable pour mieux comprendre ce qu'il va se passer par la suite et notamment l'étrange alliance entre le père de William et le père d'Eleanor pour faire enlever Emma.
Ces deux hommes que tout oppose sont capables de s'entendre pour comploter et maintenir le mariage coûte que coûte.
Étrangement, et malgré sa faible présence, je me suis beaucoup intéressée à Arthur, le plus grand des frères de William. C'est un garçon bien sérieux pour son âge, et il ne compte pas se laisser faire.
D'un autre côté, c'est tout moi de m'attacher à des persos plus que secondaires que les auteurs ont tendance à oublier en route, ce n'est pas Hakim qui va me contredire sur ce coup là.
Ces deux hommes que tout oppose sont capables de s'entendre pour comploter et maintenir le mariage coûte que coûte.
Étrangement, et malgré sa faible présence, je me suis beaucoup intéressée à Arthur, le plus grand des frères de William. C'est un garçon bien sérieux pour son âge, et il ne compte pas se laisser faire.
D'un autre côté, c'est tout moi de m'attacher à des persos plus que secondaires que les auteurs ont tendance à oublier en route, ce n'est pas Hakim qui va me contredire sur ce coup là.
October 8, 2016
[3 and 1/2 stars]
August 1, 2025
So much drama! 🎭 I loved this volume 💙
November 28, 2024
I like the way the plot is thickening.
Library copy.
Library copy.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews