Pandora

The historical setting of Georgian London was well described and enjoyed by the majority of our readers, although some thought the story-telling was rather clichéd. A couple of readers suggested that “Pandora” might be considered ‘young adult’ fiction. Everyone agreed the book was easy reading and most found it to be engaging. The description of the ball was mentioned as particularly enjoyable and most book club members remarked how they had enjoyed the relationship of Dora with the magpie, Hermes. He seemed to be a firm favourite! Some readers in our group felt that the ending was a bit rushed but most viewed the book favourably as a first novel.
Group members give scores out of 10: “Pandora” received an average score of 7 out of 10, with individual scores ranging from 4 to 8.

I liked this book and I particularly enjoyed the Georgian descriptions of the antiques, London, the final party etc. I could imagine them all happening and it really gave me a flavour of what life would have been like in the antique world at that time.
It did, however, towards the end, become a bit far fetched and in parts almost like a fairy story. The old man riding past at the end in reference to Zeus was a bit too much and it all felt a bit too twee.
It was an easy read though and the quick chapters meant I got through it easily enough. It would be suitable for those who like fairly light stories with happy endings.
I gave it a 7/10

A good read and tale of late 18th C London and the trials of being female at that time. The atmosphere and descriptions brought the scenes to life in my minds eye and the story of Pandora both the lead character and fable are woven together beautifully. The fantastical giving it an otherworldly feel. I loved Hermes! A happy ending!

Loved this book from the moment I saw the cover. I really enjoyed the story line and thought the descriptions were amazing - even those unpleasant ones about festering legs! I engaged with the characters liked most of them and disliked the ones we were supposed to. All in all a very interesting, informative and enjoyable book. I will certainly recommend it!

I very much enjoyed the historical setting of Georgian London (1799) in Pandora and found myself transported there through the quality of the writing which appealed to all of my senses. I saw the sights, I heard the sounds and I smelled the smells…the night soil men and Hezekiah’s festering leg wound being most memorable. It really captured the very essence of the era.
Very impressive as a debut novel, with so many elements to the story… mystery, murder, mythology, romance and gay love, love of a pet (Hermes). The very cover of the book is engaging and drew me in… and I wasn’t disappointed. Some parts were quite spooky and I loved the supernatural theme associated with the pithos and the possible curse which befell the characters who interfered with it for monetary gain. I also enjoyed the parts about Dora’s jewellery designs and the inspiration she took from Greek mythology. This book was a real page turner and I would very much recommend it.