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The Shell Seekers cover art

The Shell Seekers

Written by: Rosamunde Pilcher
Narrated by: Hayley Atwell
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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.

What the critics say

“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

What listeners say about The Shell Seekers

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Full of art and masterful too

This is a wonderful epic family story. I love the characters, so detailed and emotional and true. Careful descriptions of English gardens, food and life are so vivid, I feel like I've been there! The narration is flawless, with subtle yet unmistakable vocal variations between characters, male and female roles both read consistently and with ease. Have already recommended this book, and will continue to do so!

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4 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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A nice old story, with a great new twist.

I first read this book years ago in my 20's. It was good then and is still good now in my 60's.
(although I think the sixties are quite a bit younger now.) It is a comforting story set in the England countryside. Having it read to me on Audible was really a treat. Penelope and her children & all the other characters really came alive in a new way. Hayley Atwell's reading of the story made it so charming. It gave the story a wonderful new dimension. I loved it!

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1 person found this helpful

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Love this book!

I loved the story, the characters and the narration. Have listened to it more than once. Provides a lot of insight of what it was like to live during WWII, but not overly sad as there are also more modern components to the book. Written so vividly, I find myself thinking about the characters outside the book.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Beautifully written and excellent narration

I loved everything about this story. The dynamics surrounding the character’s are so very real and believable. The love and heartbreak full of emotion and the vivid descriptions of the art, the landscapes the food, the war, everything….were told with such detail that I could visualize it clearly. The narration was excellent!

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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Good story, ok naration.

While I really enjoyed the story, I am left a bit less enthusiastic about the naration. I never loss the knowledge I was being read to. Ive listened to numerous books and as usually swept away to foreign lands and into intriguing stories, with this one it was always close in my mind this was a story I was listening to. I never "got lost" in the story because of this. I think at some point I will listen to another of this authors stories in hopes of losing myself in the details cause I did like the story.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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A Joy to Listen to

Wonderful characters, beautiful vivid setting. Brought me peace and a break from today’s complicated world

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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A story that pulls you in

Engaging characters, very well written story, read perfectly! I was very sorry to see the book end and not have a sequel!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Classic

This is a wonderful novel with lots of delicious details. The performance is outstanding. You won’t want to stop listening.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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  • Dan
  • 2022-08-25

An enjoyable listen

I enjoyed listening to a favourite book. Marred at times by the narrator’s mispronouncing some words.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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The Shell Seekers

This book is well organized to ensure that the reader knows all of the characters. Every chapter induced the reader to be interested in each one. I enjoyed it very much.

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