The Shell Seekers by Rosamund Pilcher is one of my favourite books. It has some of the best writing I’ve come across that describes ageing in a positive and energetic way and deals expertly with the themes of mothers and daughters and the relationship between grown up children and their parents. It’s in my mind at the moment as I’m off to see my mother next weekend who recommended it to me and am looking forward to a family Christmas with three generations of grown-up children, parents and grandparents.

The story of Penelope’s life, which is looked back on as she recovers from an operation in her 60s, is really engaging told, and it’s easy to empathise with her and her children and to become immersed in their loves and losses. I particularly liked the sections on her life during the war, whilst the subject of how to deal with family heirlooms, their financial implications and the power struggles they can cause is expertly dealt with.

The scene of Penelope in the garden at the end of the book has stayed with me clearly although it’s quite a while since I read it. I often find myself mentally sitting on the bench in her garden and drawing from the sense of stillness, peace and completeness which radiates from the book. I would highly recommend this beautifully written and gentle book.