This is a retelling of Pandora’s box myths. The story narrates the creation of men by Prometheus and his stealing of the fire. It then narrates the story of Pandora. It begins with the creation myth of Prometheus and also of Pandora.

Zeus is described as a tyrannical god who did not wish men to be equal to him: “He wanted Man to worship the gods and always depend on them.” (Kindle location 13). Yet Prometheus does not heed Zeus’ warning and give man fire, for which he is punished. Thus from the beginning we have a clear dichotomy between the evil Zeus and the good and wise, yet ultimately unsuccessful and weak Prometheus. The book is aimed at young readership and narrates the story in a clear language for this intended audience.

The creation of Pandora, the first woman as is emphasized in the story, is described as part of Zeus’ revenge on humankind. The creation of Pandora, the first woman, is part of a divine plan to punish mankind. 

The gods endow Pandora with many talents, such as cooking, singing, sewing and also wisdom and beauty, and it is later described that at first her life with Epimetheus seemed perfect. The definition of this perfect marriage is as follows: “Pandora was a good wife. She cleaned and sewed and prepared fine meals for Epimetheus. When he came home, she sang or played music for him.” (Kindle location 52). The author thus emphasizes the conservative role of a good wife, a description that could be problematic as a message for young children. Pandora’s curiosity (which was also granted to her by the gods), keeps her from truly enjoying her life and torments her. Hence at the end she opens the box and unleashes evil, yet also hope.

While curiosity and obsessiveness is the recurring theme in Pandora’s story, the correlation with her not acting as ”a good wife” to Epimetheus and as a result ruining mankind is perplexing. Pandora caused harm to humankind due to her uncontrolled curiosity. The author, however, implies that Pandora’s obsession with the box prevented her from being a good wife and ultimately brought harm on all, therefore it seems as if she connect between these elements of Pandora’s character.

The review refers to the 2013 e-book edition.