The Shell Seekers is a warm and satisfying family novel, with rich layers of description and engagingly flawed characters that you will come to care deeply about. This story of this English family begins with 64-year-old Penelope Keeling returning to her country house after an illness, and her three adult children's varying reactions. Each chapter centers on one character in the family's history, with the unifying thread being a beloved oil painting entitled "The Shell Seekers." Rosamund Pilcher's characters are well-drawn, real, and engrossing people. A thoroughly charming book, light fiction that is a satisfying read whether you are relaxing on the beach or curled up in an armchair beside a cheery fire.
Helpful Score: 3
Is more than 5 stars an option?, September 1, 2001
Reviewer: Denise Bentley "Kelsana" (The California Redwoods)
This has got to be one of the best books I have ever read. Pilcher takes you in, warms your heart and then wraps you up in the tales of her story, which is spun so intricately with love. Her writing style leaves no corner of a setting or character uncovered. You can see the tilt of their head or an upturned smile, even the scent that they might be wearing or the sea breeze as the wind whips the hair against your face. She is a master.
Penelope is in the later years of her life. After time spent in the hospital she is facing her mortality, along with the present she is remembering her life, loves, and secrets. One of which she has carried quietly over the decades. She is taking a good hard look at her 3 grown children who have not all turned out like a mother might hope for. As they quibble over Penelope's assets she is disgusted by their behavior.
I became so entranced by this book that it was all I wanted to read. There are several surprises along the way and the book is filled with characters that are quite memorable. I have read and enjoyed many of Pilcher's works, one of my favorites being WINTER SOLSTICE, but I have to say this was indeed my favorite of all time.
Reviewer: Denise Bentley "Kelsana" (The California Redwoods)
This has got to be one of the best books I have ever read. Pilcher takes you in, warms your heart and then wraps you up in the tales of her story, which is spun so intricately with love. Her writing style leaves no corner of a setting or character uncovered. You can see the tilt of their head or an upturned smile, even the scent that they might be wearing or the sea breeze as the wind whips the hair against your face. She is a master.
Penelope is in the later years of her life. After time spent in the hospital she is facing her mortality, along with the present she is remembering her life, loves, and secrets. One of which she has carried quietly over the decades. She is taking a good hard look at her 3 grown children who have not all turned out like a mother might hope for. As they quibble over Penelope's assets she is disgusted by their behavior.
I became so entranced by this book that it was all I wanted to read. There are several surprises along the way and the book is filled with characters that are quite memorable. I have read and enjoyed many of Pilcher's works, one of my favorites being WINTER SOLSTICE, but I have to say this was indeed my favorite of all time.
Helpful Score: 2
One of the best books ever written. After reading this book I actually felt like I have been to Scotland. Pilcher gives such vivid descriptions and tells such beautiful stories. This is one to reread.
Helpful Score: 2
One of the handful of books I'd take to a deserted island.
Helpful Score: 2
I LOVED this book! I read it many years back as a summer read and I escaped into it completely. It felt as though I was living the book with the author. I felt truly connected to it. I'm not sure why.
I read it again years later and loved it just as much.
Watching the Hallmark movie of it was a letdown because so much was not included, but casting Angela Lansbury in the lead was a good fit for me.
I would highly suggest this book to others.
I read it again years later and loved it just as much.
Watching the Hallmark movie of it was a letdown because so much was not included, but casting Angela Lansbury in the lead was a good fit for me.
I would highly suggest this book to others.
Suzanne W. (ebaycoach) reviewed The Shell Seekers (Tenth Anniversary Edition) on + 17 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
One of my favorite fiction novels. Just a plain good story! Perfect read for when you are on vacation and can let your mind escape. The author does an amazing job of weaving a very touching love story. This story will stay with you a long time and will touch your heart.
Elizabeth E. (TylerTxRose) reviewed The Shell Seekers (Tenth Anniversary Edition) on + 84 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
"Beautifuly done...a book about families... when the reader closes this book, it is with a sense of regret... Regret that there is no more, " says the Boston Herald. "A lovely story, the best, really assorbing book I've read in a long time. The kind you hate to put down and especially finish," states the Atlanta Journal & Constitution. While West Coast Review of Books, reports, " A novel that exudes warmth, joy, and family interaction with men & women we will long remember." "A huge warm saga. A deeply staisfying story written with love" announces The New York Times Book Review.[Plus] month after month an unforgetable New York Times bestseller."
Helpful Score: 1
Pilcher's characters are deep and real. None are perfect, but that only helps to add to their realism. This was a wonderful read!
Judy H. (Judyh) -
Helpful Score: 1
This hefty saga is about Penelope Keeling, a 64-yr-old British woman with three grown children. She's recently had a heart attack, and is returning to her country home. The story shifts back and forth in time, from Penelope's childhood to the present day. "The Shell Seekers," refers to an oil painting that was painted by Penelope's father. As in all of Pilcher's books, the characters are believable, fully-developed, and interesting. It's a long story, but well worth the time and effort. After reading this book, I systematically read every one of her books.
Helpful Score: 1
Rosamunde Pilcher is a totally engrossing writer. You just can't put her books down. The characters are so vivid, the writing so mesmerizing, and she deals so well with family interaction, relationships, its amazing! This is one of her classics.
Debora B. (latenightbookclub) reviewed The Shell Seekers (Tenth Anniversary Edition) on + 26 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I'm surprised how highly rated this book has long-since been. It is neither a 'good read' or even a 'worth-while' read, in fact I found it extremely boring and quite a waste of time. The characters are fairly flat and with few exceptions, not nearly interesting enough to warant the lenght of the book or setting. I was horribly disappointed given the high reviews this book has previously gained.
Helpful Score: 1
I loved the book & I also loved this audio cassette version of the book. Lynn Redgrave does a wonderful job reading the book. Enjoy!
Ronda A. (rondaquilts) reviewed The Shell Seekers (Tenth Anniversary Edition) on + 55 more book reviews
I really enjoyed the story line. The reading was excellent.
a novel of connection of one family and the passions and heartbreak that have held them together for three generations. It's filled with real people-mothers,daughters, husbands and lovers.
Renee S. (renee45) reviewed The Shell Seekers (Tenth Anniversary Edition) on + 588 more book reviews
Excellent story. Made me lagh and cry.
I full in love with this author becouse of this book. I simple enjoy her beautiful writting.
This was a great book. Very well written.
The Shell Seekers is the warm, convincing saga of three generations of Keeling women, women with whom readers will connect emotionally as they fall in love and battle heartbreaks in a world of glamour and charm, and conversely, simplicity and peace.
this book tells of a family that has passions and heartaches that have gone on for many years. This book is hard to put down once you get into the story.
Margaret W. (FivSonsMom) reviewed The Shell Seekers (Tenth Anniversary Edition) on + 31 more book reviews
Great book-- I couldn't put it down. Roaamunde Pilcher's character development is one of the best.
Judy M. (Judymar) - , reviewed The Shell Seekers (Tenth Anniversary Edition) on + 91 more book reviews
The Shell Seekers centers on Penelope Keeling, a woman you'll always remember in a world you'll never forget. From Cornwall to the Cotswolds to Spain and back...An unforgetable story of 3 generations and the passion and heartbreak that has held them together.
Marian L. (sunfish) reviewed The Shell Seekers (Tenth Anniversary Edition) on + 209 more book reviews
Absolutely one of my very favorite books!
Penny T. (iluvmysteries) reviewed The Shell Seekers (Tenth Anniversary Edition) on + 431 more book reviews
I had read this years ago, but it was fun to listen to the audio tape now.
Pamela B. (readingbliss) reviewed The Shell Seekers (Tenth Anniversary Edition) on + 12 more book reviews
This book is one of my all-time favorites! Once I started reading it, I did not want it to end. If you have not read any books by Rosamunde Pilcher, you MUST!!! I have read every book she has written and by far this one is my favorite. Oh wait, but then again there is September.....and how could I forget Coming Home!!! (both written by Rosamunde Pilcher and absolutely in my all-time favorite books too) She is a definite must-read author!!! How I wish she was still writing books! One of the few authors I have always wished I could meet.
One of those rare ones that you just don't want to put down. Without giving the ending, I will say that a sequel easily could have been tied into it. I have looked for one for years to come along; but I've never found where she did a follow up on this family.
Sandra B. (SandraB) reviewed The Shell Seekers (Tenth Anniversary Edition) on + 185 more book reviews
I love Lynn Redgrave (who read the book), but found the story a bit lacking...
Joyce C. (Roanwolf) reviewed The Shell Seekers (Tenth Anniversary Edition) on + 36 more book reviews
The Shell Seekers is the tale of three generations of an English family with roots in London and the wilds of Cornwall, and of a cherished painting that has passed from generation to generation and now threatens to tear the family apart.
Cheryl (boomerbooklover) -
I really enjoyed this story of an Englishwoman and her family. The book is divided into chapters that focus on the main characters, including the main character, her husband, children, mother, father, etc. It is a warm and easy-to-read novel, with a satisfying ending.
Caroline R. (bunnyrabbit) reviewed The Shell Seekers (Tenth Anniversary Edition) on + 6 more book reviews
I first read it in the 1980's, and I just think it is a classic family drama. It is well-written, and I love the settings and the characters, and the way the story unfolds.
Carol F. (cactusflowerwomen) reviewed The Shell Seekers (Tenth Anniversary Edition) on + 628 more book reviews
I had this book for ages but finally passed it on to my sister. She said it was really good, though long. I have not read it.
Bonnie P. (bonbon) reviewed The Shell Seekers (Tenth Anniversary Edition) on + 104 more book reviews
One of my all time favorites! Beautifully written!
Novel anout the connection of family...wonderfully written..
This is a classic novel that takes place throughout the United Kingdom, Greece and other European countries. Romance, struggle, heartbreak and the ability to survive it all takes place between the pages of this beautifully written book. I have read it many times over the years and know most of it by heart. This is actually the third copy I have purchased over the years. The pages are yellowed but the book and its cover are still in great shape.
Sandra (mycatscanread) -
Lovely novel that is one of my favorites. I think it's Rosamunde Pilcher's best, and I've read a lot of her other books. I read until I had this one finished.
Andrea W. (noc-shift) reviewed The Shell Seekers (Tenth Anniversary Edition) on + 298 more book reviews
this was a very good book will be reading more by this author.
Norma G. (loftylady) reviewed The Shell Seekers (Tenth Anniversary Edition) on + 6 more book reviews
I loved this book!! It is one of the few paperback books I hold on to and, so far, will not share with others :) I actually found it at a second hand shop about 15 years ago and consider it a true treasure.
I truly enjoyed this book, mostly because I love historical fiction, England, and art. I do not know why it took me so long to read it, and how I missed it years ago, but it was very fine. I highly recommend it.
Kristen R. (krkckt) reviewed The Shell Seekers (Tenth Anniversary Edition) on + 16 more book reviews
Delightful story, one that helps remind us of our priorities in life.
Marian L. (sunfish) reviewed The Shell Seekers (Tenth Anniversary Edition) on + 209 more book reviews
One of my favorite books.
Marian L.
Marian L.
I usually never re-read a book, but this one I have read many times, in fact my copy is falling apart.
I found it a little difficult at first to get into this book, but once I did, it was one of the best books I've read in a long time. I'm not a regular romance reader, but Pilcher has done an excellent job creating characters that I could fall in love with and writing a beautiful love story. I would highly recommend this book.
One of Rosamund Pilcher's best books, it is about a family over 3 generations.
Barbara M. S. (SWEETIE) reviewed The Shell Seekers (Tenth Anniversary Edition) on + 180 more book reviews
This is a terrific book about a woman and her family with all their quirks and crazy relationships. One of her best novels if not the best. Set in London and Cornwell.
Liz L. (knitngramy) -
For years I passed this book by, thinking it was of the "romance" genre. Someone's comment made me pick it up and I was soon lost in it. A fine story, true-to-life characters, with rich period and setting. A very satisfying read.
Monique T. (psomom) reviewed The Shell Seekers (Tenth Anniversary Edition) on + 115 more book reviews
Read this after seeing the Hallmark Hall of Fame movie version starring Angela Lansbury. WONDERFUL story - a book I read over and over, that has its home on my permanent book shelf.
I really enjoyed this story! Very well worth the read. It's a historical book about art, love and family!
absorbing, well written story of family relationships
The Shell Seekers is probably one of my most favorite books. Rosamunde Pichers' character development and story line is awesome. One story line works with another until they meet at the end of the book. Truly worth reading.
I read this book back when it was first published and fell in love with it-I have since read it time without number, usually every 2-3 years and have worn through many copies-This is my favorite book of all time and it's like an old friend to me. I've asked my children to bury it with me!!
Barbara N. (Barbie4) reviewed The Shell Seekers (Tenth Anniversary Edition) on + 273 more book reviews
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.
very good read
Suzanne S. (sselph) reviewed The Shell Seekers (Tenth Anniversary Edition) on + 21 more book reviews
Full of wonderful detail about people and places. I loved it.
Carol M. (Tunerlady) reviewed The Shell Seekers (Tenth Anniversary Edition) on + 581 more book reviews
Wonderful story...full of rich characters with life's twists and turns....
great family saga
Haley S. (haleystewart) reviewed The Shell Seekers (Tenth Anniversary Edition) on + 32 more book reviews
A very good saga, at the end I wanted more.
Loved it, loved it! Great book and story
Long and drawn out...but very well worth the wait
Book Description:
The Shell Seekers is a novel of connection: of one family , and of the passions and heartbreak that have held them together for generations.
The Shell Seekers centers on Penelope Keeling- a woman you'll always remember in a world you'll never forget"
"We see ourselves--sometimes with an unpleasant shock, sometimes with sympathetic understanding--in the Keelings.... It is a startling and refreshing change.
The Shell Seekers is a novel of connection: of one family , and of the passions and heartbreak that have held them together for generations.
The Shell Seekers centers on Penelope Keeling- a woman you'll always remember in a world you'll never forget"
"We see ourselves--sometimes with an unpleasant shock, sometimes with sympathetic understanding--in the Keelings.... It is a startling and refreshing change.
I thought this was a hard book to read.
Beautiful story of families.
very good
I loved this book, I love all of her books..
Christina K. (ChristinaK) reviewed The Shell Seekers (Tenth Anniversary Edition) on + 38 more book reviews
Could not get into this book
Marlene W. (KansasSunflower) -
Excellent book.
Elizabeth S. (lizery) reviewed The Shell Seekers (Tenth Anniversary Edition) on + 20 more book reviews
THE SHELL SEEKERS is a novel of connection: of one family,and of the passions and heartbreak that have held them together for three generations.
THE SHELL SEEKERS is filled with real people-mothers and daughters,husbands and lovers-inspired with real values.
THE SHELL SEEKERS centers on Penelope Keeling- a woman you'll always remember in a world you'll never forget.
THE SHELL SEEKERS is a magical novel, the kind of reading experience that comes along only once in a long while.
THE SHELL SEEKERS is filled with real people-mothers and daughters,husbands and lovers-inspired with real values.
THE SHELL SEEKERS centers on Penelope Keeling- a woman you'll always remember in a world you'll never forget.
THE SHELL SEEKERS is a magical novel, the kind of reading experience that comes along only once in a long while.
It's been a long time since I read this book, but I remember it as one I really liked.
Saga of a family
