A Holder of Hope

A Pandora Retelling

Young Adult - Mythology/Fairy Tale
296 Pages
Reviewed on 05/16/2024
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    Book Review

Reviewed by Nino Lobiladze for Readers' Favorite

A young girl watches reverently as the twelve gods add their gifts to a magical jar in a sacred place on Mount Olympus. The girl's name is Pandora. Soon, she must become the wife of the Titan named Epimetheus, the brother of the famous Prometheus. The goddess Athena knows that these gifts from the gods are tricky. Her father, Zeus, is angry with Prometheus and plots his revenge. But Athena has a plan. She has chosen the curious and lively Pandora, among many other young women from Lemnos, for the Titan. Pandora starts her married life with Epimetheus, and Athena keeps an eye on her. Pandora wants to improve the lives of her loved ones and the people in the nearby village. Will the gods and the vain Prometheus prevent her dreams from coming true? A Holder of Hope by Jane McGarry is a delightful read for young adult fans of mythology, fantasy, and romance.

Jane McGarry's A Holder of Hope is a touching and compelling tale of a woman who, according to the classical myth, brought misery to humankind. Jane offers another interpretation of the story. This Pandora is a kind, brave, and loving young woman who is always eager to learn something new. She has an analytical mind and leadership skills. It's no surprise that Athena, the epitome of an independent woman, has noticed her. The story has a beautiful love line. The author describes the romance between Epimetheus and Pandora with warmth and humor. The narrative touches on the theme of social injustice and shows the role of women in society from a historical perspective. I appreciated Jane's keen understanding of Greek mythology. She perfectly depicts the vengeful spirit of Zeus, Hermes's playfulness, and Athena's profound wisdom. Readers of any age who prefer novels with strong main female characters will enjoy this fascinating book.