The Shell Seekers by Rosamonde Pilcher

This novel is set in an interesting way, devoting chapters to Penelope and individual members of her family, but also to more secondary characters such as Antonia and Dannus (the bright spots). Each snapshot gives characters their own unique voice.

The Shell Seekers by Rosamonde Pilcher has a dual timeline, WWII and present day which was 1987. Penelope's three children were a bit hard to take. Olivia seemed the most sensible, although loaded with the “I am woman hear me roar” vibe, at least she was not greedy like her siblings. Nancy and Noel were unlikeable and self-absorbed.

Pilcher's writing is unique in that she uses the senses extremely well. Her ability to make readers hear the ticking clock, smell the food being served, hear bird’s song, and even feel the importance of plants as a symbol of growth highlight the best parts of the book. Penelope did not have an easy life, her husband ran off with his secretary leaving Penelope the kids and his gambling debts to pay off.

Penelope grew up in a loving and welcoming home with a famous artist for a father. Nancy and Noel are eager to sell the beloved painting of Lawrence Stern called The Shell Seekers. Penelope ponders to herself, “perhaps she had not expected enough of them.” “I have given them all I can and they always want more.” Pilcher painted a powerful picture of ingratitude in this novel.

The first sentence of Leo Tolstoy's novel Anna Karenina is: “Happy families are all alike; every unhappy family is unhappy in its own way.” The Shell Seekers shows the tension families have when wills collide. Won't you join us for the ride?