Emma Volume 1 Review: A Christian Perspective on Kaoru Mori’s Historical Romance Manga

In this Christian review of Emma Volume 1 by Kaoru Mori, we will explore the first manga in the Victorian romance series. A content guide for Emma Volume 1 is also included.

This review is about Emma Volume 1, the first manga in Kaoru Mori’s Emma series. To jump to our post with an overview of the entire Emma by Kaoru Mori series, click here.

Synopsis: What is Emma Volume 1 by Kaoru Mori About?

Emma, a maid, and William, the son of a wealthy merchant, come from vastly different worlds. When they meet by chance, they share an instant connection.

However, complications arise when William’s friend Hakim, a prince from India, arrives. Not only does Hakim—along with many others—take an interest in Emma, but his unfamiliarity with London’s culture often causes conflict.

Meanwhile, William’s father insists he marry a noblewoman. Can Emma and William’s love truly blossom, or will they be torn apart before it even begins?

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Emma Volume 1 Manga Review: A Slow-Burn Historical Romance

I usually finish a manga in one sitting, but for some reason, Emma Volume 1 didn’t immediately grab my attention. It took me about a week to finish, which is unusual for me. The storyline is interesting enough—Hakim, the Indian prince, causes plenty of humorous shenanigans, Mistress Kelly is a warm and likable boss, and William is both daft and adorable. Emma, the titular character, is cute and likable, but she hasn’t gone through much growth so far (to be fair, most of the characters haven’t).

However, this is truly a slow burn romance. William and Emma clearly like each other, but neither makes any bold moves. William makes a few small gestures—offering to buy Emma a gift, sneakily leaving his gloves behind to see her again, and waiting in the streets for her so they can take a walk together—but these moments lack a grand declaration of romantic intent. Oddly enough, the most assertive romantic move comes from Hakim, who has set his sights on Emma as well. The slow pacing makes the romance feel frustratingly stagnant by the end of the volume.

Christian Perspective on Emma Volume 1: Character Development and Pacing

We get glimpses of Emma’s early employment with Mistress Kelly and even learn how she got her glasses. However, beyond blushing, running into William a few times, and rejecting suitor after suitor (which is a little hard to believe since she’s portrayed as fairly plain), she hasn’t done much yet. We also know very little about her backstory, making it hard to connect with her character.

The story is cute and relatively clean so far, but the pacing feels a bit off, and I’m not fully invested in the stakes. There’s also an unintentionally humorous lack of realism—at one point, William dreams about running into Emma while out and about, and then immediately does just that.

Emma Volume 1: Art Style and Historical Accuracy

The art style is simple, but it fits the tone of the story. Emma doesn’t stand out much—she’s a simple maid, and the character designs aren’t exaggerated. The Victorian-era fashion appears well-researched (though I’m no expert). William’s childlike personality is reflected in the understated art style, reinforcing his immaturity. The author’s passion for England is clear, despite being Japanese, and she has done significant research on the setting.

A Christian Perspective on Emma Volume 1 by Kaoru Mori

As expected from a Victorian-era story, Emma Volume 1 subtly reflects Christian values and traditions. During a funeral scene, characters recite “ashes to ashes, dust to dust” and say “Amen,” mirroring the customs of traditional Christian burials. Themes of kindness, duty, and integrity align with the moral expectations of the time.

Kelly Stownar embodies compassion and selflessness, genuinely wanting Emma to find happiness after she is gone. Emma herself is portrayed as hardworking, kind, and considerate. She demonstrates a strong sense of propriety, visibly uncomfortable when William and Hakim browse a risqué book, reinforcing her understanding of common decency.

William is rather underdeveloped in this volume (as are most of the characters). While he shows generosity—offering to buy Emma an expensive pair of glasses—he doesn’t stand out much yet. His decision to partially engage with the inappropriate book also makes him a bit less admirable at this stage.

Emma Volume 1 Manga Christian Review: Conclusion

What I’m really hoping for in Emma Volume 2? That Hakim packs his bags because he annoys me a lot (who surprises their friend in another country with a visit and brings ELEPHANTS?). The series feels like it would be right at home with Jane Austen, so I’m curious to see where it goes.

If you love historical romance, slow-burn relationships, clean storytelling, and quirky characters, Emma: Volume 1 may be up your alley.

To read our review of Volume 2 of Emma, click here.

This review focused mainly on the the first volume of Emma by Kaoru Mori. I actually have a series overview that covers the entire Emma manga series. If you’d like to visit that page, click here.

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Emma Volume 1 Content Guide

Sex/Nudity in Emma Volume 1: Mild

• William and Hakim stumble across Victorian-era risqué imagery in a book, but it is mild by today’s standards. Some women depicted have visible cleavage, but it’s subtle. Hakim finds it tame, and William blames it on cultural differences: where Hakim is from, women walk around less clothed.
• Hakim’s companions wear traditional (at least in the fictional world of this book) Indian attire, including midriff-baring outfits and cleavage.
• A brief scene shows Hakim’s companions flirting with a mechanic, playfully taking his hat and hugging him.
• Handholding occurs.
• Females sometimes show cleavage, but it’s often subtle.
• Mistress Kelly makes a suggestive remark about William having maids to dress him and “who knows what else.”

Language in Emma Volume 1: Mild

• British curses and exclamations such as “Bollocks to work,” “Blast it!” and “Drat!”
• Insults like “Impudent rascal,” “Brats,” “Odd duck,” and “Foolish aristocrat.”

Violence/Gore in Emma Volume 1: Mild

• Emma accidentally hits William with a door.
• Miss Kelly falls down the stairs, injuring her ankle and later expressing that she believes the end is near.
• William rides an elephant and nearly falls off.

Frightening/Intense Scenes in Emma Volume 1: Mild

• Miss Kelly’s emotional decline following her fall is poignant—she refuses to eat and loses the will to live.

Alcohol/Drugs/Smoking in Emma Volume 1: Mild

• Some characters smoke pipes and play cards.
• A scene takes place in what appears to be a pub with alcohol available.

Religion in Emma Volume 1

• Hakim and his companions regard elephants as sacred due to their faith.
• A funeral includes Christian prayers such as “Ashes to ashes, dust to dust” and “Amen.”

Age Recommendation for Emma Volume 1: 12+ with discretion (applicable for Volumes 1-3 ONLY)

While Emma Volume 1 was relatively clean, the Victorian setting includes elements that may require some discretion. Emma Volume 1 is most suitable for readers who enjoy historical romance and slow-burning love stories.

This recommendation is through the third volume; in the fourth, it becomes more mature (skippable female nudity).

Cover Photo Credit: Emma Volume 1 cover by Kaoru Mori from Amazon under fair use for review/commentary/criticism/education. All rights retained by copyright owners.