Pandora

A Novel

By: Susan Stokes-Chapman

Narrated by: Olivia Vinall

Length: 11 hrs and 30 mins

Publisher's summary

#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

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.

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.

Very enjoyable

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

Great read

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

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.