The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion Quotes

“Does he read?” “Oh, I expect not. How else would one remain so incredibly stupid?”
― Beth Brower, The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion: Vol. 3

“I make a go of it, when I can. It’s not my disposition to…what I mean to say is, I learned a long time ago that my happiness has to be separate from the things beyond my control.”
― Beth Brower, The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion: Vol. 3

“I hadn’t realised until that moment how much I’ve missed that feeling, of someone inside your four walls watching out for you. The feeling that home isn’t just a place, but also people. I’ve forgotten it could be.”
― Beth Brower, The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion: Vol. 3

“I must march forward before my desire has flown and I become one of those contented souls chained to their small routine, all the while believing themselves to be free. Don’t think I mind a routine, that’s just what I’m craving. But the right routine. My routine. Two walks a day, several hours of reading, perhaps one visit with someone I enjoy. One dinner or entertainment per week if you must, possibly two, but please let there be reading.”
― Beth Brower, The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion: Vol. 3

“I had forgotten what it is like to live with an artist. The unexpected pauses over what might be considered mundane to most.”
― Beth Brower, The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion: Vol. 3

“We cannot always predict the outcomes of our actions, Miss Lion, however well intended.” I stood. “What else is life but a string of outcomes beyond our control?”
― Beth Brower, The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion: Vol. 3

“And I hadn’t realised until that moment how much I’ve missed that feeling, of someone inside your four walls watching out for you. The feeling that home isn’t just a place, but also people. I’ve forgotten it could be.”
― Beth Brower, The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion: Vol. 3

“It’s messier than we ever imagined it to be as children,” he said. “What?” “Life.”
― Beth Brower, The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion: Vol. 3

“Then he said, and I quote, “Either a friendship with you is the grandest thing in the world, Miss Lion, or you are delusional. Which is it?” An unfair question, I felt. Surely there is room for a degree of both?”
― Beth Brower, The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion: Vol. 3

“July 4th
Archibald is spending the day having Parian sing “God Save the Queen” while he—Archibald, not Parian—curses the Colonies. He is also dressed in full mourning.”
― Beth Brower, The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion: Vol. 3

“My friends do not go to war alone." Pierce”
― Beth Brower, The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion: Vol. 3

“Think of your worst qualities and be prepared to discuss what we might do with them.”
― Beth Brower, The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion: Vol. 3

“(Morning robe or mourning robe? How is one to know?)”
― Beth Brower, The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion: Vol. 3

“I would accept, and ask Agnes to be my second. Mr. Pierce and I would duel in the street. I would die.”
― Beth Brower, The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion: Vol. 3

“But I am not the heroine of a novel. I am flesh, blood—interesting enough on occasion, with dull edges here and there, living a life of the expected and the unexpected, the wanted and the worst of the unwanted.”
― Beth Brower, The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion: Vol. 3

“When I entered the front door, I was met by a fretful Agnes. “I wondered if he’d done you in, Miss! But I could’na think of where he’d have put your body!” I believe my face showed mild disappointment. “Agnes. Really! Anyone knows the river is as good a place as any.”
― Beth Brower, The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion: Vol. 3

“Goodnight.” And I hadn’t realised until that moment how much I’ve missed that feeling, of someone inside your four walls watching out for you. The feeling that home isn’t just a place, but also people. I’ve forgotten it could be.”
― Beth Brower, The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion: Vol. 3

“Better fury than sorrow.”
― Beth Brower, The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion: Vol. 3

“Am I simply mistaking paralysis for healing?”
― Beth Brower, The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion: Vol. 3

“Aunt Eugenia sniffed, “Yes, well if you read only Exodus, I approve. But if I hear tell you’ve been spending time in the New Testament, I shall remove your Bible entirely.”
“Why is that Aunt?”
“Paul.”
“Paul?”
“Paul. Paul, with his charity above all. Paul, who feels free to chastise us all like schoolchildren. Paul, always harping on long-suffering. I’ve no patience for it.”
“Understood. I’ll read Exodus to the dust and avoid the Apostle Paul in both his pre- and post-conversion state,” I replied. “It is settled.”
― Beth Brower, The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion: Vol. 3

“I enjoy a man who can unironically speak of fearing women.”
― Beth Brower, The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion: Vol. 3

“By the grace of God goes Islington,”
― Beth Brower, The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion: Vol. 3

“Here’s to the small victories.”
― Beth Brower, The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion: Vol. 3