Apr 30, 2015

Book Beginning: The Shell Seekers by Rosamunde Pilcher

The Shell Seekers by Rosamunde Pilcher
Paperback published May 12, 2015; St. Martin's Griffin
Hardcover first published in 1987
Genre: fiction

Book description: 
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. (publisher)
Book beginning: The taxi, an old Rover smelling of  old cigarette smoke, trundled along the empty country road at an unhurried pace. It was early afternoon at the very end of February, a magic winter day of bitter cold, frost, and pale, cloudless skies. The sun shone, sending long shadows, but there was little warmth in it, and the ploughed fields lay hard as iron. From the chimneys of scattered farmhouses and small stone cottages, smoke rose, straight as columns, up into the still air, and flocks of sheep, heavy with wool and incipient pregnancy, gathered around feeding troughs, stuffed with fresh hay.  
Sitting in the back of the taxi, gazing through the dusty window, Penelope Keeling decided that she had never seen the familiar countryside look so beautiful.  
page 56:
"It's just that...this is the sort of place where I think I could stay. I wouldn't feel trapped or rooted here. I don't know why." She smiled at him. "I don't know why."
 This book was first published in 1987 and has been a bestseller since then. I have never read it but have heard about it, and now have the chance to read the new paperback edition to be published in May, Thanks to the publisher for an ARC.

The Friday 56: *Grab a book, turn to page 56 or 56% in your eReader. Find any sentence, (or few, just don't spoil it) that grabs you. Post it. Add your (url) post in Linky at Freda's Voice.
Also, visit Book Beginning at Rose City Reader.

19 comments:

  1. I've read this excellent book more than once, and I'll probably read it again. One of my favorites. I hope you enjoy it.
    My Friday post features MIDDLE-AGED CRAZY.

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    1. Just started it, Sandra, but like the characters and the writing!

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  2. I've never heard of this one before but it sounds promising. Thanks for sharing.

    Check out my 56 with Book Beginnings.

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    1. Glad to introduce you to a new book, Lauren!

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  3. I loved this book when i read years ago. The quotes bring back happy memories.
    My Friday Quotes

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    1. I'm reading it now and am glad to hear you liked it so well.

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  4. Aah as a German I have seen a lot of Rosamunde Pilcher-films on tv and I can totally imagine this book as one as well. I love the sound of the F56 though, because I'm also looking for a place like that. I love the cover as well, it's very pretty! Thanks for sharing :) I hope you have a great weekend!
    My Friday post
    Juli @ Universe in Words

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    1. The book sounds as if it' could appeal to all readers! The first chapters deal with an aging parent and the children who have to take care or worry about her.

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  5. I loved this book! I read it a couple of times, and I also have the movie on DVD, with Angela Lansbury as Penelope Keeling...in fact, I think I'll watch that one again this weekend! LOL

    Here's mine: “NEVER TELL A LIE”

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    1. I'll try to find the movie, Laurel-Rain. Glad you mentioned it! Enjoy it this weekend!

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  6. Ohhhhh....I absolutely LOVED this book.

    ENJOY!!!

    Elizabeth
    Silver's Reviews
    My Book Beginnings

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    1. Seems a lot of people have read and loved this book!

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  7. I like that opening. Beginning a book with a narrative that is mostly description seems ideal to me.

    The book itself has such a good reputation. I am looking forward to reading your thoughts on this when you finish it.

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  8. I remember this book from long ago, but haven't read it. Sounds very good though!
    I added you to the Linky! Happy weekend!

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  9. I haven't read this book in years but I can't count how many times I've read it. At least 2 copies fell completely apart. There's a sequel of sorts called September that I enjoyed as well.

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  10. Oddly enough, I've never heard of this one before, so thanks for mentioning it. :)

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  11. I still remember how much I LOVED this book... and it's been decades!

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  12. I loved this book and read it so many years ago. I have never reread it. I should. And I loved the sequel, September, as well.

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I appreciate your comments and thoughts...

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