Pandora

A Novel

By: Susan Stokes-Chapman

Narrated by: Olivia Vinall

#1 Sunday Times Bestseller

A Library Journal Best Book of 2023

“Lush, evocative and utterly irresistible.”—Jennifer Saint, author of Ariadne

Prepare to lift the lid on a lush reimagination of the mythological Pandora….Susan Stokes-Chapman’s atmospheric debut, PANDORA, immerses the reader in the dangerous, mysterious world of ancient antiquities with prose that is elegant and teeming with visceral sensory detail. A marvelous debut—imaginative, ambitious, and begging to be savored." — Sarah Penner, New York Times bestselling author of The Last Apothecary

Steeped in mystery and rich in imagination, an exhilarating historical novel set in Georgian London where the discovery of a mysterious ancient Greek vase sets in motion conspiracies, revelations, and romance.

London, 1799. Dora Blake, an aspiring jewelry artist, lives with her odious uncle atop her late parents’ once-famed shop of antiquities. After a mysterious Greek vase is delivered, her uncle begins to act suspiciously, keeping the vase locked in the store’s basement, away from prying eyes—including Dora’s. Intrigued by her uncle’s peculiar behavior, Dora turns to young, ambitious antiquarian scholar Edward Lawrence who eagerly agrees to help. Edward believes the ancient vase is the key that will unlock his academic future; Dora sees it as a chance to establish her own name.

But what Edward discovers about the vase has Dora questioning everything she has believed about her life, her family, and the world as she knows it. As Dora uncovers the truth, she comes to understand that some doors are locked and some mysteries are buried for a reason, while others are closer to the surface than they appear.

A story of myth and mystery, secrets and deception, fate and hope, Pandora is an enchanting work of historical fiction as captivating and evocative as The Song of Achilles, The Essex Serpent, and The Miniaturist.

©2023 Susan Stokes-Chapman (P)2023 HarperCollins Publishers

Uniquely wonderful

What a great story. I was so sad when it ended so soon. I wish there was a part two. .

Very intriguing

I went into this without reading the description and at first was slightly bummed it wasn’t fully just about the myth of pandora and the gods. It takes place in London but I kept going and have to say the story was amazing. A very good listen and the author really made this with a lot of thought. There’s not huge crazy discoveries and events but there’s a strong storyline that ends beautifully. Every bit of it is needed to make the story. Not one you can just expect what will happen lots and twists and turns.

It could have been five stars ...

The author has crafted a wonderful and enchanting storyline, a cross between myth and Cinderella in the protagonist Dora. But for me the characters are rather too timid and pathetic to be likeable. Perhaps their constant self-doubt and hesitation are needed to slow the plot down in this overly long novel, making it almost drag. A good measure of self-confidence mixed with some optimism in both of the principle characters would have made this a more enjoyable listen. The narrator is very good, her voice very clear. This is a good thing because I had to listen at 2X speed since so little happens most of the time.

Very enjoyable

Sucks you right in for a fun ride. Enjoyed this novel as it was unique and clever.

Fun listen

I really liked the story, the narration, the characters…it was engaging and fun. I didn’t want to stop
Listening!

Great read

Great read! This a very visually pleasing and descriptive, creative style of writing. Loved it!

A new twist on mythology!

It was suspenseful and held my attention. I enjoyed the characters. It is a enjoyable listen

Painfully slow and long

The author is lost in describing the story and forgot to tell the story. It is painfully slow and long. For a long time, the story doesn't move. It's stuck half way. You don't see the point of some details if it doesn't move the story ahead.

Save yourself the credit

This was the worst book I’ve managed to read (listen) all the way to the end. I wish I had given up and read something worthwhile. But it being compared to mythological historical novels like Song of Achilles and the glowing reviews made me plough through. I felt it was completely lacking in any historical research. There was no compelling exploration of the Greek myth for which it was named. In fact, I felt as though there was zero investigation into the time period itself (1799 London), which could have lent an interesting angle to the novel. How this ever got published and became a best-seller has me scratching my head. There are so many good books, and too little time. Do not waste yours on this snooze of a book about nothing. 2 stars instead of 1 because I did make it to the end, but how I wish I had shelved it early on.

Who is giving this 5 stars??

None of the characters are likable, the descriptions are confusing, and after 14 chapters i *still* don’t understand where the plot is going. This story is just not good & life is too short to waste time like this.