Penelope, the daughter of a famous artist and war bride, lives in 1980 s England, in a small home. The Shell Seekers is a painting by her famous father and is used in the novel as a McGuffin -the impetus for the family discord. Her children have never appreciated its beauty and sentimental value.
As the news reports that paintings by their grandfather have recently gone up in value, two of the children swarm like vultures. This sends Penelope on a trip...literally... into the past.
I found the characters not only flawed but one dimensional. Penelope plays favorites with her children, preferring distant, independent Olivia, and never can communicate with snobby Nancy or scheming Noel.
The end of life decisions she makes seem rash and sentimental.
In all, a bit overrated. ( )

Excellent author Goodreads ReviewThe Shell Seekers is a novel of connection: of one family, and of the passions and heartbreak that have held them together for three generations. The Shell Seekers is filled with real people--mothers and daughters, husband and lovers--inspired with real values. The Shell Seekers centers on Penelope Keeling--a woman you'll always remember in world you'll never forget. The Shell Seekers is a magical novel, the kind of reading experience that comes along only once in a long while.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. (less)

I've been hearing about this book for a long time. I'm so glad I finally read. It was amazing. I was afraid after seeing the table of contents with a list of names that I would never remember all of the characters or be able to keep them straight. Not so. The author made sure that all of the characters were intertwined perfectly. It was a great book. ( )

I loved this book. It's my second of Pilcher's books. I will read more. ( )

A joke at book club recently led me to re-read some of Pilcher's books. Just as when I first read them, I tackled Coming Home first and this one second. I think it's fair to say that The Shell Seekers is her most beloved work, and I did enjoy it, but not quite as much as Coming Home. There wasn't that feeling of being so strongly attached to as many (any?) of the characters in this one. ( )