The Shell Seekers

First published in 1987 by Thomas Dunne Books/St. Martin's Press, The Shell Seekers became one of Rosamunde Pilcher's most famous best-sellers. Set in England, it has the trademarks of all of Rosamunde's best novels.

Plot summary

Shifting in time, the novel tells the story of Penelope Keeling, the daughter of unconventional parents (an artist father and his much-younger French wife), examining her past and her relationships with her adult children. When the novel opens, Penelope is in her 60's and has just been discharged from the hospital after what is seemingly a heart attack. Penelope's life from young womanhood to the present is revealed in pieces, from her own point-of-view and those of her children. Much of the forward impetus of the novel involves the work of her father, including a painting called "The Shell Seekers," given to Penelope as a wedding present.

Film, TV or theatrical adaptions

In 1989, The Shell Seekers was made into an Emmy award-winning television film, disregarded by fans because of significant changes to the novel's plot. The film starred Angela Lansbury as Penelope Keeling.

In 2005, the novel was adapted into a stage play. The UK tour starts in Spring 2006.

In 2004, it was made into a Mini-series starring Vanessa Redgrave as Penelope Keeling. It is set to air in late 2006.