Review: The Shell Seekers
THE SHELL SEEKERS by Rosamunde Pilcher was published1987 and is 530 pages. One of my dear writing partners, Jennifer Lyn King, recommended it to me several times, and I found it at my local library. The librarian at checkout “Ooohed” when I picked it up, and after having finished it, I’ll have to agree.
Mostly set in Cornwall and London in the 1980s and during the second World War, THE SHELL SEEKERS is the story of the loves, heartbreaks, and children of Penelope Keeling, and the canvas, painted by her famous father, that connects three generations through time and place.
When the novel begins, Penelope has suffered a small heart attack, and her three grown children respond in practical and selfish ways. Smart business woman, Olivia, handles the difficulty with the ease of a corporate transaction, while her siblings Nancy and Noel try to persuade their mother to sell her father’s famous paintings under the guise of ensuring Penelope’s well being and care.
Penelope is no fool, however, and she gracefully handles her children while making her own plans. Amidst remembrance and a stubborn will to persist, Penelope continues to live her life as she always has–on her own terms–and what results from her choices blooms as radiantly as her beautiful gardens.
From the open, Bohemian household in which Penelope was raised, to her painfully empty marriage, to the sweetness of young love and second chances, THE SHELL SEEKERS weaves together heartbreak and joy, conflict and peace, and devastation and elation so authentically that it feels as if the Keeling family truly exists.
I am so grateful to Jennifer for recommending this moving family saga to me, and I must recommend it to you. If you are a fan of novels in the style of THE THORN BIRDS, I highly suggest you read THE SHELL SEEKERS.
jenniferlynking1 said,
April 19, 2012 at 4:39 am
I am thrilled that you enjoyed Shell Seekers, Erika! I love the words you use in your review to describe the complicated pulls and tugs of the relationships in the novel. Ms. Pilcher certainly wrote with authenticity. There is so much to learn as a writer from her literary jewel.
Cynthia Robertson said,
April 19, 2012 at 6:16 am
I loved this book when I read it years ago. I couldn’t put it down. It’s a classic. So glad you enjoyed it, Erika. And thanks for reminding me how good it was.
Jenna Myhre (@Canneryrowreads) said,
April 20, 2012 at 7:58 pm
I love reviews of older books! A lot harder for me to discover reads like this then what’s out now. Adding this to my pile of to reads!!
erikarobuck said,
April 20, 2012 at 10:24 pm
I’m so glad you found it helpful. Thanks, again to Jennifer for the recommendation. I can’t wait to read more Rosamunde Pilcher!
lomaurice said,
May 4, 2012 at 7:53 pm
This is one of my all-time favs. You’ve reminded me I want to reread it again soon. When I can possibly find the time. I am anxious to get to your lovely book. Soooon.
erikarobuck said,
May 4, 2012 at 10:11 pm
Jean–Don’t you wish we all had enough time to reread our favorites, along with all of the fantastic new fiction coming out?
I can’t wait for you to read HG! I’m heading down to Key West at the end of May to film a book trailer at the house. I’m so excited!
girlparker said,
May 18, 2012 at 6:36 pm
Love your review — I remember happily waving that book in my mom’s face, telling her how grand it was. (Alas, she was watching “Jaws” and wasn’t listening to me. Ha!) Her next best is “Coming Home.” You’ll love it, I promise.
erikarobuck said,
May 18, 2012 at 8:29 pm
Thanks for the recommendation! That’s funny about your mom.