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PANDORA'S BOX by Giselle Green
According to legend, when Pandora's box is opened it unleashes dark secrets and terrible consequences ! Rachel Wetherby's life has been on hold since the diagnosis of her teenage daughter Shelley with a debilitating - and fatal - illness. So when Rachel's mother offloads a box of her old possessions, including a diary, Rachel feels compelled to escape into a past which - on the surface - was care-free. However, opening up the box unearths secrets and memories best left uncovered. Shelley, meanwhile, is juggling a secret romance with planning her own death. Not for her an undignified and painful end - she'd rather hold her fate in her own hands. Convincing Rachel that she'd like to spend her 15th birthday in Cornwall where she spent so many idyllic childhood summers, she devises her plan. But nothing is as it seems and heartache and surprises lie in store for both mother and daughter! A mesmerising and heartbreaking debut from a stunning British talent about impossible choices and the consequences of our actions. Highly charged and morally complex, this story told from alternate perspectives will captivate fans of Jodi Picoult and The Memory Keeper's Daughter
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First published January 1, 2008
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
May 14, 2012
This book was ok. I was expecting more from it as it was compared to Jodi Picoult, but I found it all quite unemotional and slow really.
It was an ok read.
Two stars.
It was an ok read.
Two stars.
May 26, 2008
This is an incredible novel. It's about a mother's relationship with her terminally ill daughter... it could have been trite, or cringeworthy, but wasn't. It's an amazing story, very well told, alternating viewpoints. I could hardly put it down. Highly recommended.
May 28, 2018
have liked other books by this author but unfortunately this one didn't do it for me 😕 DNF
August 13, 2010
That was just bad. plain bad. I disliked the beginning of the book, but just thought 'oh well, I'll see how it goes' disliked the rest of it aswell, but i didn't give up, I wanted to know how it ended.. and it ended.. badly, so so badly, no surprises at all throughout the entire book! all these little stories within the book and every little 'surprise' was so obvious and boring. No idea why i read the whole thing.
July 18, 2012
I don't think I'll read anymore books by this author. She does not write likeable people, I find myself not caring what happens to any of them. The ending was trite and predictable. I feel like I wasted valuable reading time on this book.
February 10, 2015
this book contains a wonderful/beautiful story.....sadly I just couldn't connect with either of the duel perspectives :( all in all I still give this book a 3-3.5 star rating, just wish I could have connected better!
November 17, 2016
Excellent read turn pager
March 17, 2020
The love story between the dying 14 year old girl and a 19 year old man was questionable, to say the least.
January 20, 2023
I wanted to like this book. Actually, I really thought I would, because on the back it said that fans of Jodi Picoult would enjoy it. How wrong I was.
Firstly, the title. You'd think with a interesting title like 'Pandora's box', that theme could be metaphorically woven into the story and we could watch as the myth plays out in a more subtle way. Nope! It is quite literally the box of a woman named Pandora and that connection is pointed out immediately, leaving no room for the readers to have fun figuring out the connections. As well as that, the box barely plays a role in the story and doesn't drive it in any way like the title suggests. It loses any relevance at points as characters go chapters upon chapters without mentioning it, leaving me to forget it was ever there.
Speaking of the characters, they are my second complaint. The fact that most of the chapters were from the perspective of the most boring character was a crime. Rachel was not only dry, she was an awful person. When she found out her daughter was suicidal as a result of her terminal illness, the first thing she said was "wow, was I that dramatic as a teenager?". She cannot think about anyone other than herself, and fails to see that her daughter is depressed for a multitude of reasons that were not at all present in her childhood, hence the desire to kill herself! But yes, Rachel, she is just being dramatic. Eye roll. Shelley herself was marginally better, but never really fleshed out. I would have loved to see more of her and hear about her life before her illness or something, but we never got that.
Something we did hear about Shelley- a lot- was her secret boyfriend. Her nineteen year old boyfriend. Her nineteen year old boyfriend she got at the young age of fourteen. I mean, seriously? It could not be clearer that this MAN is praying on a young, sick girl, who is scared that she will never experience romance and thus latches onto the first man to show her any attention. The fact that other characters seem to have no problem with this- notably Solly, who even chaperones their date and would be able to clearly see the age difference- is crazy. She is even meant to look younger than she is, which makes the whole thing creepier. This is not a sweet romance, as hard as the book tries to make it so.
My last comment is on the ending. The moment the book got me slightly engaged, when we learnt that Shelley may have been misdiagnosed just as she is about to jump and her parents race to save her, it ends. Yes, she doesn't jump, everything is okay with Kieran, they get on a helicopter (?), but that's it. We never learn if she was misdiagnosed, if she has a chance of life, anything. It was such an unsatisfying ending that I threw the book.
Sorry, but I would give 0 stars if I could. Did not enjoy. Thanks!
Firstly, the title. You'd think with a interesting title like 'Pandora's box', that theme could be metaphorically woven into the story and we could watch as the myth plays out in a more subtle way. Nope! It is quite literally the box of a woman named Pandora and that connection is pointed out immediately, leaving no room for the readers to have fun figuring out the connections. As well as that, the box barely plays a role in the story and doesn't drive it in any way like the title suggests. It loses any relevance at points as characters go chapters upon chapters without mentioning it, leaving me to forget it was ever there.
Speaking of the characters, they are my second complaint. The fact that most of the chapters were from the perspective of the most boring character was a crime. Rachel was not only dry, she was an awful person. When she found out her daughter was suicidal as a result of her terminal illness, the first thing she said was "wow, was I that dramatic as a teenager?". She cannot think about anyone other than herself, and fails to see that her daughter is depressed for a multitude of reasons that were not at all present in her childhood, hence the desire to kill herself! But yes, Rachel, she is just being dramatic. Eye roll. Shelley herself was marginally better, but never really fleshed out. I would have loved to see more of her and hear about her life before her illness or something, but we never got that.
Something we did hear about Shelley- a lot- was her secret boyfriend. Her nineteen year old boyfriend. Her nineteen year old boyfriend she got at the young age of fourteen. I mean, seriously? It could not be clearer that this MAN is praying on a young, sick girl, who is scared that she will never experience romance and thus latches onto the first man to show her any attention. The fact that other characters seem to have no problem with this- notably Solly, who even chaperones their date and would be able to clearly see the age difference- is crazy. She is even meant to look younger than she is, which makes the whole thing creepier. This is not a sweet romance, as hard as the book tries to make it so.
My last comment is on the ending. The moment the book got me slightly engaged, when we learnt that Shelley may have been misdiagnosed just as she is about to jump and her parents race to save her, it ends. Yes, she doesn't jump, everything is okay with Kieran, they get on a helicopter (?), but that's it. We never learn if she was misdiagnosed, if she has a chance of life, anything. It was such an unsatisfying ending that I threw the book.
Sorry, but I would give 0 stars if I could. Did not enjoy. Thanks!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 7, 2018
I found myself trying to finish as quickly as possible as it went too slow for me. The relationship between mother and daughter brings on challenges that I feel would have occurred without Pandora’s box. I honestly didn’t think it was that important and that the events in the story probably would have happened without the box. Sure, it brought up some memories but the characters all met and had their challenges without the help of the box. I just didn’t understand why the box was so important, I mean it’s the title of the book. Some highlights for me was towards the end, the novel picks up, drama is happening, and knowing whether or not the end result happens was unpredictable, which I felt made for a nice, solid ending.
October 1, 2018
It's a good book, the main character was one I could very much relate to, and I think a lot of people would be able to relate to that character and the story in general. It was a nice read, well written.
April 24, 2021
I have nothing good to say about this book - not well written and full of inconsistencies- in places it felt like the author had completely lost track of the timeline of the book. Sad because the idea was good
October 5, 2019
What a stupid ending. I won't spoil because I want people who are considering this book the know
Read
December 28, 2020Could make a good movie
September 1, 2021
Oh dear, this was not a good read… stilted dialogue, unconvincing characters, I just can’t find a good thing to say, sorry.
May 10, 2022
cw // lgbt
July 31, 2025
found and read in a hostel lobby. what an absolutely terribly written book, the most unlikeable characters with predictable development
April 21, 2026
Beautifully written with wonderful insights into human behaviours and emotions.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 29, 2011
Inhalt: Die 14-jährige Shelley lebt schon seit langer Zeit mit dem Wissen, an einer unheilbaren Krankheit erkrankt zu sein; MS. Unter keinen Umständen möchte sie denselben qualvollen Tod wie ihre beste Freundin Miriam erleiden, die vor einem Jahr der Krankheit erlag. Shelley möchte den Rest ihres Lebens und vor allem den Zeitpunkt ihres Todes selbst bestimmen und nicht darauf warten, dass sie eines Tages ans Krankenbett gefesselt ist. Daher trifft Shelley eine folgenschwere Entscheidung, die durch das gute Verhältnis zu ihrer Familie und den liebevollen Kieran, den sie im Internet kennengelernt hat, ins Wanken gerät.
Meine Meinung: Die Zeitschrift ‘The Sun’ beschreibt den Roman von Giselle Green als eine “mitreißende und dramatische Mutter-Tochter-Geschichte voller Liebe und Überraschungen”. Und genau das ist ‘Gezeiten der Hoffnung’ auf alle Fälle. Doch es ist auch noch so viel mehr. Der Roman erzählt von einer Familie, die seit Jahren durch schwere Zeiten geht. Shelley ist an einer Krankheit erkrankt, die noch den Forschungsständen der heutigen Zeit nicht heilbar ist. Der Leser erfährt auf gefühlvolle und realistische Art und Weise, wie die Krankheit eines Familienmitgliedes die eigene Welt und die persönlichen Ansichten verändern kann. Freunde wenden sich ab, Eheleute leben sich auseinander, Einsamkeit, Stress und Sorgen dominieren im Alltag. Diese Geschichte mit zu verfolgen war für mich spannend und traurig zugleich.
Neben der Beziehung zwischen Shelley und ihrer Mutter Rachel, die von der Autorin sensibel und emotional beschrieben wird, waren es für mich gerade die Gedanken und Gefühle der beiden Frauen, die mich sehr berührt haben. Da ist auf der einen Seite Rachel, die verbissen versucht, die letzten Jahre des Lebens ihrer Tochter so angenehm wie möglich zu gestalten. Eigene Bedürfnisse und Interessen treten in den Hintergrund, auch wenn das bedeutet, dass man sich selbst verliert. Andererseits ist da die junge, überaus starke und mutige Shelley, die einen aufgrund ihrer Gedanken und Entscheidungen oftmals wie ein Erwachsener erscheinen mag. Doch dann sind da wiederum Momente, in denen deutlich wird, dass es für Shelley nicht immer leicht ist tapfer zu sein. Wie auch, wenn man weiß, dass man die besten Jahre seines Lebens noch vor sich hat.
Auch wenn der Roman fast durchgängig traurige und bedrückende Aspekte anspricht, so gibt es doch immer wieder Momente, die mein Herz erwärmt haben. Das Thema Liebe spielt in diesem Roman eine ebenso große Rolle, wie Krankheiten oder gar der Tod. Sei es die Liebe zu Freunden oder der eigenen Familie, die die Autorin gekonnt auf den Punkt gebracht hat. Doch genauso wird in dieser Geschichte über die erste große Liebe gesprochen, die das gesamte Leben verändern kann.
Fazit: ‘Gezeiten der Hoffnung’ ist ein Roman, der den Leser mit dramatischen und sensiblen Themen konfrontiert und berührt.
Meine Meinung: Die Zeitschrift ‘The Sun’ beschreibt den Roman von Giselle Green als eine “mitreißende und dramatische Mutter-Tochter-Geschichte voller Liebe und Überraschungen”. Und genau das ist ‘Gezeiten der Hoffnung’ auf alle Fälle. Doch es ist auch noch so viel mehr. Der Roman erzählt von einer Familie, die seit Jahren durch schwere Zeiten geht. Shelley ist an einer Krankheit erkrankt, die noch den Forschungsständen der heutigen Zeit nicht heilbar ist. Der Leser erfährt auf gefühlvolle und realistische Art und Weise, wie die Krankheit eines Familienmitgliedes die eigene Welt und die persönlichen Ansichten verändern kann. Freunde wenden sich ab, Eheleute leben sich auseinander, Einsamkeit, Stress und Sorgen dominieren im Alltag. Diese Geschichte mit zu verfolgen war für mich spannend und traurig zugleich.
Neben der Beziehung zwischen Shelley und ihrer Mutter Rachel, die von der Autorin sensibel und emotional beschrieben wird, waren es für mich gerade die Gedanken und Gefühle der beiden Frauen, die mich sehr berührt haben. Da ist auf der einen Seite Rachel, die verbissen versucht, die letzten Jahre des Lebens ihrer Tochter so angenehm wie möglich zu gestalten. Eigene Bedürfnisse und Interessen treten in den Hintergrund, auch wenn das bedeutet, dass man sich selbst verliert. Andererseits ist da die junge, überaus starke und mutige Shelley, die einen aufgrund ihrer Gedanken und Entscheidungen oftmals wie ein Erwachsener erscheinen mag. Doch dann sind da wiederum Momente, in denen deutlich wird, dass es für Shelley nicht immer leicht ist tapfer zu sein. Wie auch, wenn man weiß, dass man die besten Jahre seines Lebens noch vor sich hat.
Auch wenn der Roman fast durchgängig traurige und bedrückende Aspekte anspricht, so gibt es doch immer wieder Momente, die mein Herz erwärmt haben. Das Thema Liebe spielt in diesem Roman eine ebenso große Rolle, wie Krankheiten oder gar der Tod. Sei es die Liebe zu Freunden oder der eigenen Familie, die die Autorin gekonnt auf den Punkt gebracht hat. Doch genauso wird in dieser Geschichte über die erste große Liebe gesprochen, die das gesamte Leben verändern kann.
Fazit: ‘Gezeiten der Hoffnung’ ist ein Roman, der den Leser mit dramatischen und sensiblen Themen konfrontiert und berührt.
March 11, 2014
Giselle Green is an author I was not really aware of until recently when my attention was drawn to her novels on a social media site. After some interaction with regard to her writing I was offered the opportunity by the author herself to review her forthcoming novel 'Finding You', which I have accepted and will be reading and reviewing soon. By coincidence whilst sorting out my many paperbacks I came across a copy of 'Pandora's Box' her début novel, which I decided for a number of reasons to read first. Having now read this emotionally charged novel I think I have discovered another author whose writing I am gong to be enjoying again in the future.
A very moving storyline, especially so if you are a mother yourself as it is about a mother's relationship with her terminally ill child. Narrated from the alternating viewpoints of Rachel Wetherby and her daughter Shelley.
Rachel's mother has given her a box of old possessions and it is this that opens up memories and secrets that may have been better left hidden. As both mother and daughter delve into the box revelations and heartache cause problems for them both. Shelly as she tries to come to terms with an early inevitable death and Rachel as she struggles with feeling that everything is her fault!
Potentially this story had the material to offer more with regards to characterisation, however we must not forget this is a début novel. The fact that the author has gone on to write a number of successful novels since this one was first released way back in 2008, means I feel able to recommend her writing to anyone that enjoys stories with a moral basis. A good choice for Book Clubs as Pandora's Box covers a subject that will evoke a whole range of questions, that you will still find yourself thinking about for a long while after finishing the novel.
http://lindyloumacbookreviews.blogspo...
A very moving storyline, especially so if you are a mother yourself as it is about a mother's relationship with her terminally ill child. Narrated from the alternating viewpoints of Rachel Wetherby and her daughter Shelley.
Rachel's mother has given her a box of old possessions and it is this that opens up memories and secrets that may have been better left hidden. As both mother and daughter delve into the box revelations and heartache cause problems for them both. Shelly as she tries to come to terms with an early inevitable death and Rachel as she struggles with feeling that everything is her fault!
Potentially this story had the material to offer more with regards to characterisation, however we must not forget this is a début novel. The fact that the author has gone on to write a number of successful novels since this one was first released way back in 2008, means I feel able to recommend her writing to anyone that enjoys stories with a moral basis. A good choice for Book Clubs as Pandora's Box covers a subject that will evoke a whole range of questions, that you will still find yourself thinking about for a long while after finishing the novel.
http://lindyloumacbookreviews.blogspo...
August 12, 2011
I bought this book because it was at #10 on Amazon's bestseller list and had quite a few good reviews. I could not have been more disappointed.
The premise is interesting (a 15 year old with a terminal illness, her wish to control her death, her relationship with her mother) and the switching between the mother & daughter in different chapters could've been a good narrative device. HOWEVER, it is badly executed and incredibly badly written.
You may notice from my tags that I didn't finish this. I hate not finishing a book but after reading 35% of it, nothing had happened that couldn't be described in a few pages and most of all it was boring. The book consists mostly of the character's ruminations that are not particularly interesting or relevant and most of the time repetitive. The rest is made up of dialogue between characters that is most of the time completely pointless.
Two specific pet peeves when reading:
-most supporting characters are written as if they are vapid, mean and plain stupid. Not very realistic.
-the daughter's best friend is called Surinda (sounds like a Sikh name), her brother is called Yousef (a Muslim name). It is indicated that the family is Indian/Asian (although I may have assumed this). And Surinda is being married off to an Indonesian man/boy. This seems rather poor research on the author's part.
I simply don't understand why ALL reviews on Amazon for this book are 5 stars.. I wouldn't recommend this to anyone.
The premise is interesting (a 15 year old with a terminal illness, her wish to control her death, her relationship with her mother) and the switching between the mother & daughter in different chapters could've been a good narrative device. HOWEVER, it is badly executed and incredibly badly written.
You may notice from my tags that I didn't finish this. I hate not finishing a book but after reading 35% of it, nothing had happened that couldn't be described in a few pages and most of all it was boring. The book consists mostly of the character's ruminations that are not particularly interesting or relevant and most of the time repetitive. The rest is made up of dialogue between characters that is most of the time completely pointless.
Two specific pet peeves when reading:
-most supporting characters are written as if they are vapid, mean and plain stupid. Not very realistic.
-the daughter's best friend is called Surinda (sounds like a Sikh name), her brother is called Yousef (a Muslim name). It is indicated that the family is Indian/Asian (although I may have assumed this). And Surinda is being married off to an Indonesian man/boy. This seems rather poor research on the author's part.
I simply don't understand why ALL reviews on Amazon for this book are 5 stars.. I wouldn't recommend this to anyone.
February 11, 2013
I'm so annoyed with this book. The blurb had so much promise, the reviews were great and yet I really detested the book. Which is disappointing because the plot could have laid the way to a truly great novel.
I just could not identify with the main characters for most of the book and the side characters were really poorly put together and it was almost as though they had been thrown in to give the book a bit more depth. Shelley's (the daughter) friend from school seemed to have a really strange mix of heritage, whether intentional or not and her character was just utterly pointless. She was infuriating and gave so little to the book itself, it's hard to understand why she was there to begin with.
Also, Shelley's 'relationship' with the boy 'Krok' she met online was truly bizarre. I can't understand how it was believable at all.
And the ending. Well. That was just plain ridiculous if I actually understood it right.
I just could not identify with the main characters for most of the book and the side characters were really poorly put together and it was almost as though they had been thrown in to give the book a bit more depth. Shelley's (the daughter) friend from school seemed to have a really strange mix of heritage, whether intentional or not and her character was just utterly pointless. She was infuriating and gave so little to the book itself, it's hard to understand why she was there to begin with.
Also, Shelley's 'relationship' with the boy 'Krok' she met online was truly bizarre. I can't understand how it was believable at all.
And the ending. Well. That was just plain ridiculous if I actually understood it right.
June 12, 2016
Rachel, a mother, is having to come to terms with having a terminally ill daughter, Shelley. Shelley has a plan for her (potentially last) birthday. She wants to go to Cornwall. Rachel's mother, Pandora, gives her a box of belongings from her and her sister's past, which opens up a lot of memories she has locked away, but now has to deal with and confront her sister Lily with truths they both have to face up to.
I found the characters a little uninspiring at times and the storyline a little drawn out and for me the conclusion was a bit disappointing and as if the author wasn't quite sure what ending to give it...I think I was expecting a bit of a dramatic ending, it was nearly 'too nice'. I don't want to say anymore without giving spoilers. Easy enough read but not one that will stay with me or the characters.
I found the characters a little uninspiring at times and the storyline a little drawn out and for me the conclusion was a bit disappointing and as if the author wasn't quite sure what ending to give it...I think I was expecting a bit of a dramatic ending, it was nearly 'too nice'. I don't want to say anymore without giving spoilers. Easy enough read but not one that will stay with me or the characters.
March 24, 2012
A very interesting and inspirational read. Fast passed and realistic drama on every page, from the character Shelly considering suicide and planning it to Rachel's note in change to the relationship with people around her since Shelly's diagnosis. There were the usual cliche side storys; Rachel and Frank's instant connection and parralell situations but these did not take away from the more serious issues raised. I also liked how the author shared the narration between both Shelly and Rachel, it was written so that there was no confusion and so that the reader could really live in the moment. I found myself turning the pages very quickly and not being able to put the book down at the end!
Excellent read.
Excellent read.
July 7, 2008
I picked up this book as I personally know the author's mother who is a dear friend and ex work colleague. When we worked together we regularly swapped books as we seemed to have the same kind of taste in books so she asked me to read her daughter's book. I have to say, I couldnt put this down and read it in a matter of 3 days (which is really fast for me). I thought it was going to be soppy, but no way, it was real, the characters were strong characters and it described the relationship between mother and daughter brilliantly and as a woman I could relate to how the daughter felt and misunderstood her mother and as a mother could relate to the mother in the book. Absolutely brilliant.
March 23, 2016
I purchased this from Amazon after noticing the amazing reviews that it had received from customers but while I thought that this was a good book, I'm unsure as to why so many people seemed so thrilled with it. The characters were entertaining but the plot completely predictable which spoiled the ending a little. It is also recommended for Jodi Picoult fans, I'm guessing this is because of the theme in a way similar to My Sister's Keeper and due to the story being told from multiple perspectives but for me it just didn't live up to her books. Even so, it was a nice summer read and I finished it quickly.
June 20, 2014
I don't understand how people can dislike this book! After reading The Fault In Our Stars I was struggling to find a book that would fill the gap in my life and Pandora's Box Is the closest thing I've found. A great story about a mother (Rachel) and her terminally ill daughter (Shelley) and their unconventional tale. Al though the book starts quite slowly, as you begin to reach the middle you simply can't put it down and the last few chapters are so gripping that I was up until 2:30 in the morning finishing it as I simply couldn't put it down. Read this!!
December 20, 2014
This book, for me, had such potential. As strange as it sounds, I love a gritty, depressing read and initially thought a mother's relationship with her daughter suffering from MS would offer exactly that (the narrator switches between mother and daughter throughout). However I found the characters somewhat unlikeable, the story boring in places, and by the end I simply didn't care about what happened to the characters. An easy read and an interesting plot in theory, but on the whole disappointing.
October 8, 2016
Pandora’s Box, by Giselle Green, and set in the UK, is a romance set against a background of terminal illness. The age gap between the main protagonist and her boyfriend is at the very upper limit of what many parents would consider acceptable and this perhaps detracts slightly from the book’s plausibility. The book is written from the alternating points of view of the main protagonist and her mother – who has a hidden secret – and it has a twist at the end which caught me out.
February 27, 2013
A very lame plot, if ever there was one. The reviews are so promising and I hyped myself up for big secrets to come out of Pandora's box. I didn't enjoy reading the book but I kept on reading thinking 'the big secret is coming .... '. But alas, it never came. A very big disappointment ! Waste of reading time !
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews