Pandora is set in 1799 in Georgian London. It follows Dora Blake and her nasty Uncle Hezekiah who live above their antiquity shop that had previously belonged to Dora’s parents. Dora, who has been raised by her uncle ever since her parents were killed in an archaeological dig, lives a lonely and quite sheltered life and her only real companion is her wonderful pet magpie Hermes. She spends her free time designing jewellery and hopes one day that her creations will be commissioned.
When a strange shipment containing a large vase arrives at
the shop and is shrouded in mystery, Dora wonders exactly why it is a secret and is determined to uncover the truth.
At the same time Edward Lawrence, a young bookbinder, is
trying hard but not succeeding to gain entry to the exclusive Society of
Antiquities. Feeling at the end of his tether, he meets a man who tells him
that the answers he seeks may sit with Pandora Blake. Intrigued he decides to
pay a visit to the shop.
Before long, both Edward and Dora’s lives become interlinked both with the vase and seemingly with the myth of Pandora. It appears possible that the vase could be
the key to both of their futures – for Edward’s career and for Dora to restore
her parents’ shop to its former splendour.
This is a rich and evocative narrative that really draws the
reader in. The sights, sounds and smells of Georgian London are vividly brought
to life in this riveting mystery.
There are a lot of twists and turns and surprises in store
for the reader. I absolutely loved Dora’s character and Hermes.
Pandora is a beautifully written book that I could not put
down. I can’t wait to read this author’s next book.
I bought the Waterstones special edition of this book and
the cover, edges and inside pages are so beautiful!
5 stars
