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ashleyjean6's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
relaxing
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
One of my all time favorites. I reread it semi-regularly. It's very atmospheric and cozy despite some sad themes. The characters are absolutely amazing and vivid and complex.
mtzbookworm64's review
5.0
Beautifully written story of Penelope Keeling’s family. Filled with love, loss, grief, greed and family struggles. The author has skillfully woven the past and present together during the story with each chapter focusing on a person in Penelope’s life.
katykelly's review
5.0
Finally, after two years in my 'to read' pile, I motivate myself to pick this up... And wonder "what was I worried about?!"
Long books don't have to mean dull or difficult.
The Shell Seekers caught my eye after being included in the BBC's Big Read top 100 list several years ago. It's a 670 (my edition, anyway) novel that encompasses a large cast of related characters, all a part of or close to the Keeling/Stern family.
And it's lovely. Penelope Keeling is a widow, and at 63 has suffered a minor heart attack in her country cottage. Her three children visit: Nancy, the eldest, a social-climber; Olivia, a smart magazine editor; and Noel, a well-connected drifter.
Each chapter follow a different character, some in Penelope's present, some in her past, in her childhood, in her World War Two years as wife and mother. Eventually all the threads are brought together, connected by her artist father's paintings, including The Shell Seekers.
I was expecting more 'family saga' to it, but the characterisation went further than that.
The sense of period, especially in the war chapters was excellent. You had to concentrate to remember just who was who and how they fit in the story's web of relationships.
A very satisfying book that pays off in terms of enjoyment. You forget part-way how long it all is and get sucked into the stories unfolding today and in the past.
Long books don't have to mean dull or difficult.
The Shell Seekers caught my eye after being included in the BBC's Big Read top 100 list several years ago. It's a 670 (my edition, anyway) novel that encompasses a large cast of related characters, all a part of or close to the Keeling/Stern family.
And it's lovely. Penelope Keeling is a widow, and at 63 has suffered a minor heart attack in her country cottage. Her three children visit: Nancy, the eldest, a social-climber; Olivia, a smart magazine editor; and Noel, a well-connected drifter.
Each chapter follow a different character, some in Penelope's present, some in her past, in her childhood, in her World War Two years as wife and mother. Eventually all the threads are brought together, connected by her artist father's paintings, including The Shell Seekers.
I was expecting more 'family saga' to it, but the characterisation went further than that.
The sense of period, especially in the war chapters was excellent. You had to concentrate to remember just who was who and how they fit in the story's web of relationships.
A very satisfying book that pays off in terms of enjoyment. You forget part-way how long it all is and get sucked into the stories unfolding today and in the past.
jessthemess8112's review
emotional
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
I thought this story was so beautifully written that the reader experiences the family drama, the greed, the perseverance of living during war time, the FMC's self discovery journey, and love not just from romantic relationships, but from friendships as well. Although it was a slow paced book, it really made you part of the family.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity, Grief, Alcohol, and War
Moderate: Classism, Death, Death of parent, and Pregnancy
Minor: Injury/Injury detail
hinesight's review
3.0
I am surprisingly unhappy with this book. It is one-dimensional, with the "bad" characters like cartoons, and the lovely "good" characters so impossibly wonderful that it's hard to accept them. I bought this as "comfort reading" but it's so annoying that I'm not sure the word "comfort" actually applies.
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Having finished the book, I like it a bit better, but only a bit. I won't seek out another book by Pilcher.
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Having finished the book, I like it a bit better, but only a bit. I won't seek out another book by Pilcher.
book_lizard42's review against another edition
4.0
I have read this one so many times that I have memorized parts of it. One of my very favorite comfort reads.
cat_book_lady's review
3.0
My second book by Rosamunde Pilcher which was thoroughly satisfying and comforting - perfect for a stressful time in my life when I needed something cozy and warm. Though rather long, this saga takes you through all the characters belonging to a family of a future famous artist as all their lives intertwine into a tapestry of friendships, lovers, and sibling rivalry. Pull up a chair next to a warm fireplace and allow the waves of nostalgia to wash over you, and you will feel as if you are part of the story. I shall be returning to Pilcher the next time I need a wonderfully beautiful story.
sarafanggrant's review
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
nostoneunturned's review against another edition
hopeful
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5