The Shell Seekers

By: Rosamunde Pilcher

Narrated by: Hayley Atwell

Length: 19 hrs and 26 mins

Publisher's summary

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 story, 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.

©1987 Rosamunde Pilcher (P)2017 Hodder & Stoughton Ltd.

Critic reviews

“A HUGE, WARM SAGA...A deeply satisfying story written with love.” —The New York Times Book Review

“BEAUTIFULLY DONE...A book about families...When the reader closes the book, it is with a sense of regret-- regret that there is no more.” —Boston Herald

“A LOVELY STORY, the best, really absorbing book I've read in a long time, the kind you hate to put down and especially hate to finish.” —Atlanta Journal & Constitution

Back again

I read this book some twenty or thirty years ago and remembered how much I enjoyed it but didn't remember why. So, going back again, but to audio now. I'm glad I did because the woman reading the story did so with immense expression and dignity.

In my younger days imagine my love of the story was a teaching of how to age with grace even with struggles and people you love not quite reaching your perceived Potencial. That still rings true for me now, but more so is that the lead character held onto her self, intuitions, and basic decency. This I take with me and am thankful for Ms. Pilcher's gift.

A Stand Out Performance.

Really stepped out of my comfort zone with this book. And I am really glad I did!
I was enticed here as I am a fan of Hayley Atwell. I really wanted to see how her skills on the screen translated to narrating a book. For that I was really impressed and I hope she continues to do more!
The biggest surprise was that I managed to enjoy the story too! I had no idea this was a well known book - and I really am glad that I found this gem! Highly recommended.

Narrated version even better than original print

Thoroughly loved this book many years ago when it was first released. Family dynamics, love, faith, greed, loyalty all are seen in some characters; sadness has a place, but so does pure joy. As before, I ‘quite loved it.’

Wonderful classic!

Hayley Atwell is superb. Loved this book when it came out in the 70s and it has not lost anything in the ensuing years. Highly recommended!

Exceptional!

The story line, writing style and narration were superb. I recommend listening on a slightly slower speed though.

Even better than I remember

Like a good friend I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this lovely story ~ full of wisdom, romantic moments and appreciation of the threads that hold us together for life. The first time I read it I related to the younger generation, this time it was Penelope. A timeless treasure.

Not disappointed

Rosamunde Pilcher’s characters are fully developed. Reading her books makes you feel that somewhere you’ve met the people in her books.

exceptional

the story made me feel as f I were there. smells, sight sounds and love.

Brilliant

A brilliant stirring saga. I found myself transported to another time and place and hated for it to end.

it’s a beautiful book

i loved it . It’s a beautiful story and extraordinarily well narratated. Wonderful characters and i loved all the twists and turns. A pleasure