The Rosamund Pilcher's Shell Seekers (DVD)

Advantages: Delightful characters, very well-written, eminently re-readable
Disadvantages: None for me personally

..., an 18-year-old girl. All take their places in this beautifully choreographed book at exactly the right time. 'The Shell Seekers' was a ground-breaking book in more ways than one. For one thing, it was the book which lifted Rosamunde Pilcher from a little-known writer of short-stories to a best-selling novelist. For another, it broke just about every 'rule' of novel-writing and yet was a resounding success. Prior to this I had never read a novel that revolved around a grandmother, but despite being younger myself I could relate to Penelope strongly. Perhaps this is because the author was herself in her sixties when she wrote it. The first time I read this book, I rushed through it, eager to find out what happened - as much as I could rush through a book of over 650 pages, anyway. There were parts which saddened me; inevitably... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: Readable, compelling,
Disadvantages: None because it's perfect within its genre

...'s worth a go because of the story, which is beautifully told and utterly compelling . The book revolves around Penelope Keeling an her three very diferent children, humdrum housewife Nancy, successful journalist Olivia, and selfish spendthrift Noel. At the age of 64, facing health problems, Bohemian Penelope looks back on her life and when she discovers one of ner father's paintings (The Shell Seekers) is worth a small fortune things change irrevocably. Much of the book is based on Pilcher's own experiences as a wartime wife and mother to four children. The heroine, Penelope , is clearly based on herself. All the characters are believable, the scene sfits between London, Cornwall and Spain with consummate ease and she draws you into her world in a way which makes this 600-page plus novel pass in a flash. It's one... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Indepth, heart warming, sensitive, romantic, endearing
Disadvantages: A tad old fashioned, slightly stereotypical characters

...Rosamunde Pilcher's phenomenally successful novel, The Shell Seekers captures the hearts and minds of all who read it. Despite having a long and distinguished career as a novelist and a short story writer it was this book that won Rosamunde Pilcher her world wide recognition as one of the best-loved novelists of our time. The book is centred around Penelope Keeling and her three children. Penelope's family are one by one introduced and woven together in such a clever way that each section leads neatly on to the next. The novel has sections told from each of the very different characters perspectives. By writing in this way Pilcher makes you fall in love with every character (even Noel) despite their downfalls. The descriptions of the locations and scenery make it easy to invisage the houses and town where Penelope Keeling lives... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful