The Shell Seekers

By: Rosamunde Pilcher

Narrated by: Hayley Atwell

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

One of my first thoughts was...

"God, if I wanted to be back fighting with my family, I'd just call them up!" 😆

And then I fell into this story and enjoyed every second in its warm kitchens and wraparound gardens.

Hayley Atwell does the many characters proud, and I, like many others, was sorry when it all came to an end.

I certainly will read more of Ms. Pilcher's novels, and will follow Ms Atwell also.

Jay Thomas

Story was great, narrator was infuriating

My issue was with the narration, not the story. Story was nice, characters were wonderful, Rosamunde Pilcher is a brilliant author, etc etc.

This bleeping narrator though. She goes from inaudible whispering to practically shouting. Every minute of the audiobook is a different volume. I'm trying to listen with headphones in at work, and I'm constantly turning the volume up when she's whispering, only to have to snatch the headphones off when she screams the following sentence into my eardrum. I don't know who gave her the okay to do that, but it's enough to drive a listener insane.

a vacation to Cornwall

thoroughly enjoyed this journey. first time reading this author. Don't usually enjoy descriptions, but this felt more like I was listening smelling and watching all the details. ready for the next one

With 500 books in my library THIS IS THE BEST!

What an incredible book! Having been to England quite a few times, I could picture just what was being so beautifully described. The story & narration was as good as it gets! I just did NOT want it to end.

Heart-warming. Life at its fullest

Somewhat reluctantly I began this novel of the late80’s. My wife had read It years ago l was captured. Reality, humanity The trappings of life. Wonderful narrator. It is family. All of us can relate to the turmoil and beauty.
A wonderful “listen”. WAB

Wonderful narration of one of my favorite books!

Well done! Loved the narrator! I've read this book several times, but still very much enjoyed having it read to me.

Classic Story and Wonderful Narrator

What did you love best about The Shell Seekers?

So happy that this book finally made it to audible (along with the other Rosamunde Pilcher books). I loved the characters and how they came to life. Highly recommend to anyone looking for a good story, relatable characters, and a soothing narration.

A lovely listen.

I was so pleased to finally see this book in the Audible library. The reader did a wonderful job. Listening was like a visit with a long lost friend. If you enjoy Rosamund Pilcher definitely give these a listen. Her writing has held up well over the years.

Lovely story

The Shell Serkers spans three generations and takes us from the Impressionist era to the modern 1980s. Well written and perfectly narrated.

Fantastic comfort listen

Pilcher writes books that I love to escape into, and The Shell Seekers is among her best. This performance lives up to the text in its ability to sweep you away and bring you entirely within the world it creates.