The Shell Seekers - Rosamunde Pilcher

The Shell Seekers

By Rosamunde Pilcher

  • Release Date: 2013-03-23
  • Genre: Fiction & Literature
Score: 4.5
4.5
From 548 Ratings

Description

Rosamunde Pilcher's The Shell Seekers is "a huge warm saga...A deeply satisfying story written with love and confidence" (Maeve Binchy in The New York Times Book Review).

The Shell Seekers was adapted twice to film (1989 and 2006).

An instant bestseller when it was first published, The Shell Seekers is an enduring classic which has touched the hearts of millions of readers worldwide. A novel of connection, it is the story of one family—mothers and daughters, husbands and lovers—and of the passions and heartbreak that have held them together for three generations. This magical novel—the kind of reading experience that comes along only once in a long while—is the perfect read, whether you are returning to it again, or opening the cover for the first time.

At the end of a long and useful life, Penelope Keeling's prized possession is The Shell Seekers, painted by her father, and symbolizing her unconventional life, from bohemian childhood to wartime romance. When her grown children learn their grandfather's work is now worth a fortune, each has an idea as to what Penelope should do. But as she recalls the passions, tragedies, and secrets of her life, she knows there is only one answer...and it lies in her heart.

Reviews

  • The Shell Seekers

    5
    By Sue CDugan
    This book has been a favorite for many years. Families and their connections hold universal interest for all of us—as well as some secrets! The same is true of the Sterns and Keelings.
  • Excellent fulfilling heart warming read

    5
    By Doodleman153
    This is one of my favorite novels. I read it originally when it was first published and never forgot it. Now decades later I decided to read it again, and was absolutely hooked and fascinated all over again. Thank you Rosamunde Pilcher: wish you were still here to delight us with more like this.
  • Life lines

    5
    By jj's way
    If you wish your life to be storybook like, this is beyond inspirational. Full of the truly important things, a hard light at the ugliest part of ourselves, and the understanding that all blessings flow from goodness.
  • An author that knows how to take one away to other lands.

    5
    By Doggyritz
    What a wonderful story teller! I love how she paints a picture with her words and breathes life into the characters. I feel like I’ve been to the shores of England, visited London and made new friends. There’s also lessons on human nature which is intriguing.
  • Could not stop reading.

    5
    By jlsmac
    What a wonderful story. Makes me want to travel to all the places mentioned here. I can relate to most of the women in this book, who at one time or another reach a place in life when a sacrifice must be made or not. What you do makes all the difference.
  • Great Family Saga

    5
    By pjb0917
    Sad it had to end!
  • Could not love this book more!

    5
    By Art, Books, & Coffee
    The Shell Seekers is a literary gift. As every page turns, the author brings us into this captivating, realistic, and affecting family saga with eloquence that will make you fall in love with this book. There are certain times when you read a book and you know that it will be something special. Instantly you fall in love with the story, the writing, and the characters. The Shell Seekers is one of those books. The world of Penelope Keeling is far from perfect. Though on the surface everything may appear to be ideal, the reader soon realizes that there is much more to her. I could easily sit at my laptop and type out a detailed synopsis of Penelope Keeling's life. Telling you that she loved and lost. Telling you that her children don’t appreciate her and what she sacrificed. I could let you let you know that I wanted to smack Nancy and Noel for acting like spoiled brats, all the while loving Olivia, Antonia, and Danus. Secretly wishing that these three find a happy ending. But how could I do justice to this family? How could I possibly put in a couple of paragraphs what the author did so perfectly in this book? The answer is simple. I cannot. For a short period of time, I was able to meet and love character of Penelope. Her actions and reactions to those around her are based in such reality, that you can’t help but become protective of her. You live her life alongside her and feel what she feels. As the reader, I wanted more for her. I know that she is a fictional character, but still. Aren’t the best stories the ones that make you feel as if you are glimpsing in on a version of reality? Maybe it is a true testament to the author who seamlessly reflects our world in the one that she presents in this book. The writing is superb. I cannot remember the last time I read a book with such literary quality. Of course, I have loved books and the author’s style of writing, but Rosamunde Pilcher raised the bar for me. Each sentence is so carefully crafted. Each scene is so expertly set. The words just flow into such a beautiful story. …And I know what you are thinking…I am gushing. So what! I absolutely adored this book. I am so grateful that I was able to open the pages and discover this book. I didn’t read it when it was first published in 1987, and to be honest, I don’t know if I would have appreciated it as much as I do now. I could not possibly recommend this book more. If you are looking for a beach read or just a book to curl up with on a rainy day. The Shell Seekers is one of my top Summer Reading picks.
  • The Shell Seekers

    5
    By Janie724
    One of the most wonderful books you will ever take time to read, over and over again. It's like putting on your favorite pair of slippers. A must read.
  • The Shell Seekers

    5
    By Aunt Dorty
    Loved this book, didn't want it to end.
  • Perfect

    5
    By Sandime
    The perfect summer read. Magic.