What do you think?
Rate this book
Emma #8
Emma, Vol. 8
Continue with Emma and William's story through the lives of those around them -- the young and newlywed Mrs. Stowner's visit to the Crystal Palace, the healing of Eleanor's broken heart, and more in this volume to transport you back to Emma's England!
210 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 26, 2007
4 people are currently reading
317 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).
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
July 8, 2023
"for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part"
August 7, 2012
I'm surprised at the ratings. I enjoyed these stories even more than the regular series. The first nearly made me cry and the newspaper story was clever. I found all the short stories well crafted.
February 1, 2018
This volume was made entirely of short stories about some of the side characters. Emma and William weren't present throughout this volume, but it was still wonderful!!
I really enjoyed the story of Mrs. Stowner when she was younger. It was wonderful to see her interact with Doug. They were honestly really precious together.
It was also nice to see Eleanor move on after everything that happened with William. I think she might have back some of that spark she lost.
This was another cute volume.
I really enjoyed the story of Mrs. Stowner when she was younger. It was wonderful to see her interact with Doug. They were honestly really precious together.
It was also nice to see Eleanor move on after everything that happened with William. I think she might have back some of that spark she lost.
This was another cute volume.
August 28, 2015
Her side stories are my favorite, and this volume was nothing but side stories.
May 16, 2013
I loved the whole Emma series, but I have to say my favorite part of all of the books has been the afterwords at the end. They're so funny!
July 9, 2016
Not much Emma and William in this one--just supporting characters. Still terrific, though.
October 8, 2025
Review for complete series
2025 Reread and a buddy read with Frauline_gratzy_
Emma, and truly anything by Kaoru Mori, is a gem of a manga. At the same time, I don't think it's going to be for everything. During my first year nearing 20 years ago, I thought it more reminiscent of works such as Jane Austen, but going over it again now, I think Downton Abbey is a much better comparison.
Kaoru Mori's works are always heavily on the slice of life side and I think Emma is probably the one work with the most driving plot. We have the housemaid Emma as a main character who falls in love with Mr Jones, a gentleman from higher society. Given the setting, naturally drama follows as society does not accept their difference in status. If you are purely looking for a romance read, this is probably not for you - Mori often works with little dialogue and offers quiet scenes often covering entire pages with just a panel or two. For a love story, there is comparatively little interaction between Emma and Mr Jones as the story does wander and drift a bit.
Rather than just focus on Emma, Mori shows snippets of various characters' lives and not always within chronological order. Personally, I love the way Mori works and, while I do on occasion wish there were more interactions between characters across the board, I appreciate the nostalgic and atmospheric setting she creates. Being able to have characters express themselves with little words or simply not letting the reader be privy to words spoken is also an art of its own.
I think my view on this series has changed which I suppose is natural given the large gap between my original and my reread. But what hasn't changed is that I thoroughly enjoyed it and while it may have a few flaws and certainly won't be the right series for everyone, it is nonetheless one I value very highly.
July 5, 2017
Downton Abbey meets manga.... This is my least favorite of all the volumes I've read so far. I skipped vol. 7 because it hasn't come from the library. Vol. 8 is said to be a collection of short stories about supporting characters, which wouldn't give spoilers, so I went ahead and read them.
The Dream of the Crystal Palace (pts. 1 and 2) is somewhat of a prequel and tells of the time Kelly Stowner visits The Crystal Palace with her young husband, shortly before he dies. It was a happy tale.
Brighton by the Sea (pts. 1 and 2) tells of Eleanor escaping to the coast as she struggles to get over William's rejection of her. While there she meets a kind man. Who knows? Maybe a new suitor.... She does at least acknowledge that she was "a child (who)... just wanted to fall in love," and that the break up was "just as much (her) fault." It was nice to see a character change and mature some.
The Times I do not recommend at all. It was a disjointed collage of different characters and people centered the prop of a newspaper, which they all interact with in different ways. Although there was nudity in some of the other books (the last two volumes, I think), the few pages with nudity in this chapter although accurate, was distasteful and unnecessary, and I wouldn't recommend this volume to younger people unless they skip The Times.
The last story, With Family, shows the different dynamics of a maid in the household where she works compared with a visit to her home and real family. We see conflict and tension and some emotion that shows why she would pick being a maid over having a traditional family.
The Dream of the Crystal Palace (pts. 1 and 2) is somewhat of a prequel and tells of the time Kelly Stowner visits The Crystal Palace with her young husband, shortly before he dies. It was a happy tale.
Brighton by the Sea (pts. 1 and 2) tells of Eleanor escaping to the coast as she struggles to get over William's rejection of her. While there she meets a kind man. Who knows? Maybe a new suitor.... She does at least acknowledge that she was "a child (who)... just wanted to fall in love," and that the break up was "just as much (her) fault." It was nice to see a character change and mature some.
The Times I do not recommend at all. It was a disjointed collage of different characters and people centered the prop of a newspaper, which they all interact with in different ways. Although there was nudity in some of the other books (the last two volumes, I think), the few pages with nudity in this chapter although accurate, was distasteful and unnecessary, and I wouldn't recommend this volume to younger people unless they skip The Times.
The last story, With Family, shows the different dynamics of a maid in the household where she works compared with a visit to her home and real family. We see conflict and tension and some emotion that shows why she would pick being a maid over having a traditional family.
August 8, 2024
This was a neat take on some of the side characters. I was a little slow on the uptake of realizing who the first story was about (despite her name being mentioned right there!) but when it’s finally revealed at the end I actually said “Aww.”
I enjoyed seeing Eleanor moving on and realizing she may have been a bit immature in the engagement with William. I find Monica’s over-the-top love (almost weird obsession) with her little sister a bit creepy - as does their other (niddle?) sister, it seems, but other than that, a good story showing her growth.
I thought using the newspaper as a means to show snippets of people’s lives interesting, but this was my least favourite of them. I didn’t remember or recognize everyone in that chapter (not sure if I was supposed to) and Violet remains a bit of a question mark, aside from being a mistress to many society men. Because I don’t really know who everyone in that story was, I don’t feel as connected to it. Still, a neat way to tie them together.
And finally Tasha’s story was sad at first since she didn’t seem to feel she had a purpose with the hustle and bustle of her family, but a nice conclusion!
I enjoyed seeing Eleanor moving on and realizing she may have been a bit immature in the engagement with William. I find Monica’s over-the-top love (almost weird obsession) with her little sister a bit creepy - as does their other (niddle?) sister, it seems, but other than that, a good story showing her growth.
I thought using the newspaper as a means to show snippets of people’s lives interesting, but this was my least favourite of them. I didn’t remember or recognize everyone in that chapter (not sure if I was supposed to) and Violet remains a bit of a question mark, aside from being a mistress to many society men. Because I don’t really know who everyone in that story was, I don’t feel as connected to it. Still, a neat way to tie them together.
And finally Tasha’s story was sad at first since she didn’t seem to feel she had a purpose with the hustle and bustle of her family, but a nice conclusion!
March 7, 2025
3,5
Un volume molto carino che si concentra sui personaggi secondari (credo che lo stesso valga per i due successivi). I miei capitoli preferiti sono i due dedicati alla visita all'expo di una giovanissima Kelly (l'istitutrice presso cui lavorava Emma), accompagnata dal marito Douglas - una giovane coppia con pochi soldi, ma che decide di regalarsi quest'esperienza unica al Crystal Palace (tanto più che Doug verrà a mancare poco dopo).
Molto interessanti anche i due capitoli dedicati ad Eleanor: spedita a Brighton dal padre degenere, la poverina si sta riprendendo dalla fine del fidanzamento con William. È ancora visibilmente abbattuta - era oggettivamente invaghita di William, ma solo troppo tardi si è accorta di non essere ricambiata -, però a Brighton incontrerà qualcuno che la aiuterà a trovare un po' di serenità. Chissà se ci saranno ulteriori sviluppi nei prossimi volumi 🤔🤭
Un volume molto carino che si concentra sui personaggi secondari (credo che lo stesso valga per i due successivi). I miei capitoli preferiti sono i due dedicati alla visita all'expo di una giovanissima Kelly (l'istitutrice presso cui lavorava Emma), accompagnata dal marito Douglas - una giovane coppia con pochi soldi, ma che decide di regalarsi quest'esperienza unica al Crystal Palace (tanto più che Doug verrà a mancare poco dopo).
Molto interessanti anche i due capitoli dedicati ad Eleanor: spedita a Brighton dal padre degenere, la poverina si sta riprendendo dalla fine del fidanzamento con William. È ancora visibilmente abbattuta - era oggettivamente invaghita di William, ma solo troppo tardi si è accorta di non essere ricambiata -, però a Brighton incontrerà qualcuno che la aiuterà a trovare un po' di serenità. Chissà se ci saranno ulteriori sviluppi nei prossimi volumi 🤔🤭
October 28, 2020
I didn't know I would need this side stories until read this volume. Kelly and his husband are very cute, we could see how much he loved Kelly.
I thought Kelly's husband would be a serious man when he was mentioned on the previous volumes but I was wrong.
And also, Eleanor's story after the incident is very enlightening. I can't help but feel sorry to her about the incident, because we can't blame her either. She deserves to be happy as well so the story about her in this volume really makes me happy :)
I thought Kelly's husband would be a serious man when he was mentioned on the previous volumes but I was wrong.
And also, Eleanor's story after the incident is very enlightening. I can't help but feel sorry to her about the incident, because we can't blame her either. She deserves to be happy as well so the story about her in this volume really makes me happy :)
February 13, 2023
More of a 3.5 star rating;
This volume is more so a collection of side stories for the more supporting and minor characters involved in Emma and William’s love-story.
I really liked that this volume gave us a short story about Mrs. Kelly and her beloved husband, and we also saw Eleanor was doing away from the drama. It was lovely seeing her on the start to being happy again and even meeting a potential new suitor. Tasha’s story was also very cute to see especially since I liked her as a character.
This volume is more so a collection of side stories for the more supporting and minor characters involved in Emma and William’s love-story.
I really liked that this volume gave us a short story about Mrs. Kelly and her beloved husband, and we also saw Eleanor was doing away from the drama. It was lovely seeing her on the start to being happy again and even meeting a potential new suitor. Tasha’s story was also very cute to see especially since I liked her as a character.
August 27, 2019
Four short stories focused on side characters in the Emma series
My favorite in this volume was "The Times" - short clips of how the newspaper circulates from beginning of day to end of day. The people in this (especially the mistress and the ex-butler) were wonderful.
The others - Kelly Stowner when she was young, Tasha the maid visiting her family, and Eleanor, who begins to get over William - were all good but "The Times" was outstanding.
My favorite in this volume was "The Times" - short clips of how the newspaper circulates from beginning of day to end of day. The people in this (especially the mistress and the ex-butler) were wonderful.
The others - Kelly Stowner when she was young, Tasha the maid visiting her family, and Eleanor, who begins to get over William - were all good but "The Times" was outstanding.
September 8, 2019
With this volume Mori starts to tell short stories about characters other than Emma and William. It’s nice to get more detail for these characters and how their lives move on, but I was hoping to read more of Emma and Williams story as that doesn’t feel finished to me. Apparently the author disagrees, as the remaining volumes in the series are more short stories in the Emmaverse but not a continuation of the main arc.
Beautifully drawn. Glad I read the series, but I think I’ll stop here.
Beautifully drawn. Glad I read the series, but I think I’ll stop here.
March 24, 2021
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!
From this volume out, these consist of short stories set in 19th c London, mostly about the supporting cast. The story about Kelly and Doug was so sweet, and I'm almost over being annoyed at Eleanor.
From this volume out, these consist of short stories set in 19th c London, mostly about the supporting cast. The story about Kelly and Doug was so sweet, and I'm almost over being annoyed at Eleanor.
May 12, 2023
J'ai beaucoup apprécié les histoires bonus.
On a pu découvrir une nouvelle histoire pour Eleonor Campbell. Je pense que c'est ce que j'ai préféré. J'aime beaucoup son personnage. (le chapitre 55 du volume 8, "Les eaux de Brighton", où elle fait la connaissance d'Ernest Reeve, qui la fera revivre après sa dépression suite à la rupture de fiançailles de William Jones.
Adorable petite histoire qui fait du bien.
On a pu découvrir une nouvelle histoire pour Eleonor Campbell. Je pense que c'est ce que j'ai préféré. J'aime beaucoup son personnage. (le chapitre 55 du volume 8, "Les eaux de Brighton", où elle fait la connaissance d'Ernest Reeve, qui la fera revivre après sa dépression suite à la rupture de fiançailles de William Jones.
Adorable petite histoire qui fait du bien.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 2, 2024
3.5⭐
Me han gustado muchísimo las 2 primeras historias, muy bonita aunque triste la de Kelly y genial la de Eleanor, ella ha madurado y el chico es estupendo, una monada y muy adecuado.
Las 2 siguientes no tanto.... La del periódico apenas he sabido de quién me hablaban ni me importa y la de Tasha, aunque graciosa, pues tampoco me interesa.
Me han gustado muchísimo las 2 primeras historias, muy bonita aunque triste la de Kelly y genial la de Eleanor, ella ha madurado y el chico es estupendo, una monada y muy adecuado.
Las 2 siguientes no tanto.... La del periódico apenas he sabido de quién me hablaban ni me importa y la de Tasha, aunque graciosa, pues tampoco me interesa.
March 23, 2025
Charming side stories, none of which feature the two main protagonists of the series, viz. William and Emma. We get a glimpse of Eleanor moving on though. There was a story where I was kinda in the dark as to the identity of at least one of the characters but I think they actually were present in the main manga...whoops.
January 9, 2019
Was preparing myself to be disappointed by this collection of short stories since it’s not a continuation of Emma, but oh my god this was honestly even better. The DETAIL in those newspaper clippings!! 😱
September 2, 2025
এটা সাব প্লট।
এখানে এমার পূর্ব মালকিনের প্রেম কাহিনী, উইলিয়ামের পূর্ব বাগদত্তা এলিনরের নতুনভাবে প্রেমে পড়া , এমার সহকর্মী তাশার পরিবার ও সেই সময়ে পত্রিকা কিভাবে মানুষের নিত্য সঙ্গী হয়ে উঠে এই বিষয়গুলো দেখানো হয়েছে।
এখানে এমার পূর্ব মালকিনের প্রেম কাহিনী, উইলিয়ামের পূর্ব বাগদত্তা এলিনরের নতুনভাবে প্রেমে পড়া , এমার সহকর্মী তাশার পরিবার ও সেই সময়ে পত্রিকা কিভাবে মানুষের নিত্য সঙ্গী হয়ে উঠে এই বিষয়গুলো দেখানো হয়েছে।
September 12, 2018
Un tome bonus qui reprend sous forme de nouvelles l'histoire des personnages secondaires, réussi !
May 6, 2019
Actually enjoying these side stories more. The minor characters feel more interesting and dimensional than William and Emma!
June 5, 2020
Really great manga, Really great art and good adorable story! Really loved this manga 😁😻❤️
June 2, 2022
lúc nào đọc đến chap có bà chủ của Emma là khóc liền 😩😩😫😭
November 7, 2022
I think this is my favorite volume because I always think about the side characters from this story.
I wish I had a physical copy...
I wish I had a physical copy...
Read
December 13, 2022I need more of doug and kelly, that's all i'm going to say
Read
August 11, 2023No, bc I feel so bad for this couple. Everything they did for eachother, wow. For years in book, vol 10. is the last one kinda annoyed about the accuracy .
January 14, 2024
Cute side stories showcasing other parts of Victorian life.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews