Reviews

I first became aware of this a twenty-something new bride visiting my in-laws. The fact that my mother in law raved about it was, to my younger self, a very good reason not to bother with it. I'm a bit sorry now that I'm middle aged myself that I waited all this time because I really loved this book. I'm not sure why...perhaps because I in no small measure identified with the central character of the book Penelope. It is her life that is the central hook on which the rest of the story hangs.She is in some respects an unconventional woman,child of an artist father and french mother, brought up in a vaguely bohemian style between Cornwall and London and various jaunts to the pre ww2 continent.
'The Shell Seekers 'of the the title is a painting given to her by her father. As she ages and has a heart attack it becomes of great interest to two of her three children, none of whom are particularly involved with their mother. When it becomes known that the artist's works are becoming valuable they become very interested indeed..
There is so much more to the story than this; Penelope's life and love outside of her stultifying and unhappy marriage, new friendships that come into her life to the chagrin of her children, and her beloved Cornwall..a place I have never visited, and after reading this I wish had..
This doesn't purport to be great literature but it is a great story..I shall certainly be looking out for the authors other works..

christinede3e1's review against another edition

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challenging emotional inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

rtdarden2's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

lindseyrinehart's review against another edition

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relaxing slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

I’ve been meaning to read this beloved oldie for a long time. It’s very cozy and atmospheric. Half the characters are quite lovable and half are despicable. There is a hefty chunk of WWll historical fiction in here, before everyone else in the world wrote a WWll historical fiction book. There is not much plot, it’s a quiet family drama.

crizzle's review against another edition

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emotional reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No

5.0

librarywarrior's review against another edition

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lighthearted reflective sad medium-paced

Loveable characters? Yes

4.0

I kept seeing this book on the shelf at work (public library) and was drawn to it because I remember seeing it at my grandma's house. I finally brought it home and read it. There were a couple things that didn't age well but all in all I enjoyed the story.

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