The Shell Seekers
By Rosamunde Pilcher
ISBN13: 9780517222850
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Kayt
Synopsis:
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, husband and lovers–inspired with real values. The Shell Seekers centers on Penelope Keeling–a woman you’ll always remember in 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.
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.
Review:
The Shell Seekers is a wonderful novel dealing with love, loss, family, pursuit of happiness and memories. Penelope is a wonderful character and the author, Rosamunde Pilcher, takesthe reader through her life of struggle and love. Backstories are given in gentle glimpses of the past. Penelope has faced a health scare that has her children pushing for change and herself looking to enjoy the rest of her life. After putting her mostly ungrateful adult children first, it is time she does something for herself, besides buying her perfect English cottage and develop her magnificent gardens.
Penelope’s children are annoying, absurd and beyond sniveling. Her oldest Nancy is selfish and smarmy to the point I really wanted to smack her silly. Youngest Noel is a lazy, greedy, no count bum. The only child I half way liked was her middle child Olivia. While she was a bit self-centered, she was not demanding and never tried to tell her mother how to live her life. She is also in part responsible for bringing Antonia into her mother’s life. And that is a blessing. Penelope’s oldest daughter and her son realize that their grandfather’s paintings are now worth a lot of money and what it now. But Penelope is on to them even if they do not realize it.
So much goes on in this expansive novel that you really cannot describe everything. So many different emotions and situations are included that it is like the reader is stepping into the lives of the characters and going on a long and entertaining ride. Touching on World War II, artisans, family turmoil, emotions and actions that have developed the characters into who they have become. The Shell Seekers encompasses such a long period of time, yet is never dull or lacking in sentiment. I take it that this has been a very popular novel since it was realized, but I had never heard of it. I can understand the fans it accumulated over the years.
The Shell Seekers is filled with heartache and pain and it takes the reader on a roller coaster ride with the characters and their lives. Wonderful writing and characters makes this a delightful read. The switch from past to present and back again is done tastefully and in a very smooth style that doesn’t leave the reader scratching their heads. It is strange in the fact that most of the characters are not very pleasant in the present. Only Penelope is always a great character that keeps you rooting for her in any situation. She is the grandmother, mother we all love. Although her over indulgence of her children can be a tad infuriating. This is a wonderful and entertaining read for sure. Sit back and enjoy your time with this great novel and imagine your time with Penelope.
