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

Cherish yourself, by listening to this beautifully written, perfectly read story about life.

If you have not read Pilcher, you are standing on the brink of a delightful discovery! One review, read so long ago said something to the effect of....”Rosamunde Pilcher, where have you been all my life?” That pretty much summed it up for me too.
Im so glad this amazing novel has finally been given its due, by being presented unabridged ....and read so masterfully! Thank you!

By far, The Shell Seekers is the greatest novel written...a true classic to be cherished!

The Shell seekers should be in the same category as Gone With the Wind, an ageless novel of phenomenal storytelling, character depth and description! A masterpiece!

Even if you don't like the story....

which is hard to imagine 😊 the narration is wonderful! So glad I stumbled upon this gem from the past!

A classic for a reason.

How many times have I read The Shellseekers? Such a lovely portrait of a unique woman in astonishing times. This was my first time to listen to it, and it was just as wonderful.

My 4* review on performance is really 4.5*. I blame the director rather than the performer. There were some strangely long pauses between sections that shouldn't have been there, and others that shouldn't have ran together. The performer has a lovely accent and usually (although not always) made it clear which character was speaking, but she did occasionally, and jarringly mispronounce a word, which the director should have caught.

If you haven't experienced this book, treat yourself to the Audible. It's a true pleasure.

Great story with much detail.

This is the first book I have listened to or read by Rosamunde Pilcher and I really enjoyed it. Lots of atmospheric details and history of the times and daily life during WWII. The only thing that really annoyed me was the narrator who seemed like she was under duress or angry that she had to read this long story. I won't be listening to any other books read by her.

Possibly the best of Pilcher's novels

This story of the intricacies of three generations of a family's life is beautifully written. When one can learn from the characters in a book how to more satisfactorily respond to one's own relationships, it is an enjoyable and enlightening read. The characters were well developed, the settings were easy to envision, the family interactions were relatable, the plot was wonderful.

A classic worth the listen

While long, the author and narrator do a great job taking you through time and space, you may find yourself feeling the English countryside sea breeze. A classic that’s worth the time and while it may not be THE BEST book you’ve ever read I don’t think you’ll regret doing so. You may even want to pick up some paint brushes.

Beautiful Writing about A Woman's Difficult Life

I am an avid listener of British novels of any sort. It took me some time to decide to purchase this book and I am so glad I did. The main character, Penelope, is many faceted, and always surprising, full of love, vinegar, and some dark sides as well. The other characters are not all equally developed, but they are clear, and the subject matter concerning the true nature of 'family' is treated with an unsparing eye. The English countryside is beautifully and elegiacally described. The book takes place over several generations and Pilcher's ability to put the reader in the time period is so vivid that at times I worried about just who was going to win the war! I found the narrator to be good, but there were times when I didn't know who was speaking. However, she has a beautiful voice and is an actress of real sensitivity.

Could not put down!

This story was so rich and satisfying- a true Gem to listen to!
I will be listening to all of Rosamunde Pilcher’s novels!
Finally a historic drama that captures all the fullness of each character!
Bravo!!

Beautiful story

Beautifully written! I loved the story of Penelope and Richard, of Penelope and her 3 kids. I just loved the entire story. Some of the parts that were read, particularly the male parts, were almost to soft to hear. That is the only bad thing I could say about The Shell Seekers. #Magical #Nostalgic #WorldWarII #Tagsgiving #Sweepstakes