Emma Volume 9 by Kaoru Mori: Review and Content Guide

In our Christian review of Emma Volume 9, we will explore Kaoru Mori’s Victorian romance manga from a faith-based lens. With parent guide.

This review is about Emma Volume 9. To read our previous review on Emma Volume 8, click here, and to read our Emma series overview post with a list of all our Emma reviews, click here.

Synopsis: Emma Volume 9 by Kaoru Mori (Manga Summary)

In volume 9 of Emma by Kaoru Mori, the second of three side story volumes, we go on an adventure with Theo, Erich Meredith’s pet squirrel; tag along as young William Jones visits India with his father and meets a new friend, Hakim, for the first time; go shopping with the Merediths’ maids; and meet some singers as they experience life, love—and a lost kitten—together.

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Review: Childhood Bonds and Side Story Insights in Emma Manga

In contrast to volume 8, volume 9 of Emma has more direct relation to the main plot. Most central to this volume is the origin story of William and Hakim’s backstory. William visits India as a child with his father and meets Hakim. Though there is a major language barrier between them, William introduces Hakim to tennis, something that they both enjoy even as they grow up. Their established friendship is so central to the plot of Emma; Ecclesiastes 4:9 (NIV) says:

“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.”

We see this in action in the future as Hakim frequently comes to the aid of William, and it’s beautiful to see the start of this strong bond.

Biblical Reflections on Friendship and Marriage in Emma Volume 9

We get another glimpse into the people living at the Meredith’s house. We see Erich go on a picnic with his beloved pet squirrel, Theo. Theo unfortunately escapes and spends a terrifying night in nature. The Merediths and their servants go to look for Theo and reunite the bunch.

“The righteous care for the needs of their animals, but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel.” — Proverbs 12:10 (NIV)

Then, we see the Meredith couple in a very suggestive situation enjoying reminiscing about them meeting. Honestly, this part was pretty disappointing; it was mainly focused on the sexuality of the present and we learned very little about their backstory. We do discover that he liked her hair and thought she was “wild” and she’s the reason he has a mustache, but that’s pretty much all that stands out because the explicit nudity bogs down any useful information. It’s cute to see them still loving one another—

“Let your fountain be blessed, and rejoice in the wife of your youth,” — Proverbs 5:18 (ESV)

—and how dedicated they are to their marriage, but honestly, I wish we had learned about it in a more wholesome way.

Content Critique: Side Stories and Their Impact on the Plot

We see the Meredith’s servants go shopping, but nothing plot significant happens.

That’s kinda how the singer story is, too. We are introduced to very, very minor characters and performers that have little to do with the main plot and see a little love triangle between three of them. But, because it really doesn’t tie in to the main plot at all (honestly, Theo’s adventure ties in more) it felt more like a standalone story than something relevant. What I did appreciate was the afterword, where it’s acknowledged that the singers have no real reason to exist beyond the author’s personal interest; as a writer, I understand the desire to create what you love, but as a critic, I’m more skeptical of their inclusion.

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FAQs for Emma Volume 9

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Conclusion: Emma Volume 9 Review

Though this side story volume gave us a bit more useful information (we finally learn how William and Hakim met, but unfortunately still don’t know why Hakim conveniently has an entire fleet of various vehicles parked in England), we still don’t see much pertinent to the plot other than the backstory. It’s understandable since it’s side stories, but honestly, it’s still a bit annoying that the plot hasn’t moved forward. I also still wish there wasn’t so much unnecessary nudity. Thankfully, Volume 10 promises to fully conclude the tale.

To read our final review of the series, Emma Volume 10, click here, and to jump to our Emma series overview post with a list of all our Emma reviews, click here.

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Content Guide for Emma Volume 9

Language in Emma Volume 9

• “Who the devil”
• “Who are you”
• “Shylock”
• “Blimey”
• “Crikey”
• “Bilge water!”
• “Old ham” (used by a guy to describe himself)
• “What the devil”
• “Urchin”
• “Foolish sod”
• Calling Louise a “kitten”
• Religious expression: “Thank heavens”
• “Old chap”
• “D*mn it”
• “What the hell”
• Hakim comments on William’s white skin when they first meet, comparing it to an elephant’s tusk.

Sexual Content & Nudity in Emma Volume 9

• Graphic female nudity and shirtless male in Chapter 8 On Wings of Song. I recommend skipping this chapter entirely—it’s filled with nudity and adds little to the story. It covers how Wilhelm likes Dorothea’s hair and how they met, but since their relationship is brief and the chapter’s focus is on them nude in bed, it’s not worth reading. Chapter 8 – On Wings of Song: Nude scenes throughout, with some pages more graphic than others. Nudity is often shown with body positioning that obscures some details but is still quite explicit in parts. Repeated recommendation: just skip this chapter. It shares Dorothea and Wilhelm’s love story, but their story is mostly overshadowed by the nudity, and we really don’t learn as much about their story as you’d think.
• A prostitute asks Alan to share a bed on a cold night (cleavage visible); he feeds her instead.
• A woman makes her maid say “meow”—not sexual but a bit odd.
• A maid buys pretty material to add to her undergarments.
• Cleavage appears per usual—sometimes it’s shown at balls, on the manga cover, and in suggestive outfits.
• Mentions of men grooming young female singers, then casting them aside.
• Suggestions of indecency.
• Men desire to become the lover of a popular singer.
• A character discusses the possibility of someone having an affair.
• Suggestive jokes made by saloon girls in suggestive outfits about a kitten in a man’s lap.
• Mention of erotica and sensuality in the afterword.

Alcohol, Drugs & Smoking in Emma Volume 9

• Cigarettes referred to as “cigs” and sold.
• Alan drinks; he may be drunk—he smells like alcohol.
• Booze is described as “bad booze.”
• A character drinks and talks with Alan.

Frightening & Intense Scenes in Emma Volume 9

• Theo goes missing and is nearly attacked by a hawk. He’s so frightened he pees on Erich when they reunite.
• Mention of a cat run over by a carriage.
• Maid reflects on past loss of a cat—Louise frantically searches for a missing kitten.

Violence & Gore in Emma Volume 9

• Hakim hits and pokes William when they first meet.
• A maid smacks people with a newspaper/program after they insult Louise during a performance.

Religious References in Emma Volume 9

• Characters call the good actors/singers “gods.”

Cover Photo Credit: Cover of Emma Volume 9 by Kaoru Mori from Amazon. Under fair use for review/commentary/criticism. All rights retained by owners.