Pandora’s Bottle by Joanne Sydney Lessner
What happens when you pin all your hopes on a single event and it all goes terribly wrong? When that event is the uncorking of a fabled bottle of 1787 Chateau Lafite once owned by Thomas Jefferson, the repercussions are emotional, financial, theatrical and, in every way, unexpected. In this tale of hubris and redemption, aspiration and perseverance, first-time novelist Joanne Sydney Lessner provides a provocative glimpse into the world of fine wine, from the whirl of New York City haute cuisine to the historic vineyards of the Hudson Valley. When Sy Hampton purchases this legendary bottle which, through a quirk of preservation, may yet be drinkable he shocks the wine community by choosing to uncork it privately with a female companion, rather than at a special public event. Sy intends the evening to be a quiet reassertion of his virility in the throes of middle age, but for ambitious restaurateur Annette Lecocq, the event offers an irresistible opportunity for much-needed publicity. Their competing agendas are not the only things to collide on the fateful night. Caught in the crossfire are Tripp Macgregor, a waiter on the verge of his long-awaited Broadway debut, and Valentina D Ambrosio, the beautiful but unworldly working girl from Brooklyn Sy hopes to impress.
This was such a fun book!
The storyline is one that many people can relate to regardless of their preference for wine. I for one am one of those types that tends to build up my expectations to unrealistic proportions making things very disappointing sometimes. But, what if one thing was built up so high that just about everything in your life was somehow connected to it…could it live up to the self imposed hype? Most times the answer is no. The more people involved in the event the more opportunity there is for disaster to strike.
Such is the case in this story. Joanne Lessner introduces readers to an array of characters and personalities that could only be found connected (like the 6 degrees of Kevin Bacon) living in New York City. There are so many different settings that encompass life in NYC. From an auction house, to business building, theatre to restaurant…from upper eastside to a trek to Bensonhurst to meet a vibrant married Italian bi-sexual for a quick “wine for dummies” lesson. is a fun dramatic comedy of sorts with a fabulous message.
Two thumps up to Pandora’s Bottle! I thouroughly enjoyed the book!
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Sounds like a very entertaining book. Definitely adding it to my wish list.
It is such an enjoyable read! I hope you like it as much as I did!
Definitely adding this one to my list! Thank you. I love books with a fun story and great characters!
I loved this book! I found it very entertaining. If you are familiar with wine, NYC or the Hudson Valley, you'll find some nice tidbits. If you're not, you'll will be.
Sounds like a fab book! June…June…June…