What do you think?
Rate this book
The Shell House
Greg’s casual interest in the history of a ruined mansion becomes more personal as he slowly discovers the tragic events that overwhelmed its last inhabitants. Set against a background of the modern day and the First World War, Greg’s contemporary beliefs become intertwined with those of Edmund, a foot soldier whose confusion about his sexuality and identity mirrors Greg’s own feelings of insecurity.
This is a complex and thought-provoking book, written with elegance and subtlety. It will change the way you think.
From the Hardcover edition.
This is a complex and thought-provoking book, written with elegance and subtlety. It will change the way you think.
From the Hardcover edition.
352 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published July 1, 2002
3 people are currently reading
461 people want to read
About the author
Linda Newbery
84 books53 followersLinda Newbery's latest novel for adults is THE ONE TRUE THING. She has published widely for readers of all ages, and is a Costa Prize category winner with SET IN STONE, a young adult Victorian mystery. She has twice been shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal, with THE SHELL HOUSE and SISTERLAND.
With friends Adele Geras and Celia Rees, Linda hosts the literary blog WRITERS REVIEW, which features reviews, recommendations, interviews with authors and insights from booksellers.
Linda is an active campaigner on animal and environmental issues and has published a guide to compassionate living: THIS BOOK IS CRUELTY FREE - ANIMALS AND US.
She lives in rural Oxfordshire.
With friends Adele Geras and Celia Rees, Linda hosts the literary blog WRITERS REVIEW, which features reviews, recommendations, interviews with authors and insights from booksellers.
Linda is an active campaigner on animal and environmental issues and has published a guide to compassionate living: THIS BOOK IS CRUELTY FREE - ANIMALS AND US.
She lives in rural Oxfordshire.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
August 12, 2016
This book's writing style is very florid and sentimental. I knew from the summary that it probably would be. I thought by biggest complaint would be the writing style, but to my disappointment, sentimentality is the least of what made me want to throw this book at a wall. Most of the dialogue during the present times felt ridiculously staged, Edmund got to the point where he was so scornful he became a flat and unrelatable character, and the ENDING. This is the angriest I've been at the ending to a book since Mockingjay.
***SPOILERS***
The book opens with Greg the high school photographer stumbling upon a pretty, decaying mansion. Graveney Hall. (Can you tell how happy this place is? I bet the family was kind and loving and never judged anything ever.) This symbolic naming of things for their rolls in the story continues with Faith, the girl Greg meets by chance there. She's a devout Christian (what? Really????) and becomes the irritating, stereotypically self-righteous religion character that makes Greg question his atheism. She's also the token Independent Woman. (If I'm bitchy and snotty enough to you in the beginning, everyone will believe I'm my own person and root for us to be together when I eventually kiss you!) His relationship with Faith becomes the main plot line, despite what the summary says.
Greg and James talk a little in the beginning, have a little spat, and practically nothing else happens between them for the rest of the book. Yep. Oh, Greg considers the IDEA of James a lot, often comparing him to another girl he meets (a flat character that purely exists so that he can feel guilty about sex). But Greg is much happier talking to Faith about Edmund and religion than talking to James. I actually like James, even though he's as mild as most of the other characters. Too bad Faith is more important.
Now, Edmund. The World War I plot is more interesting, mainly because Edmund is a bastard instead of a lukewarm character like Greg. Alex's death is well-done. Even though I saw it coming from a mile away, it still felt awful and sad. Even after Alex's death, when Edmund is crazy and way too ridiculously mean to his pretty neighbor, (I mean really. No one would be THAT awful) I still found it more interesting than Greg's life. At least Edmund is a horrible person.
Now you would think, with all of this religious lead-up, there would be some sort of religious closure at the end. I did, anyway. Instead we get this cross crap with Faith. Greg feels guilty because he believes he made her lose her faith. I get it. That part is interesting. He takes her cross for safe-keeping to make sure she doesn't throw it away.
Then we get a dream illustrating how Greg is struggling to choose between sex or love with the random girl and James, and Greg goes to swim with James but doesn't talk to him. Heaven forbid the two actually hint at something concrete between them. You can easily read this scene as James accepting that Greg is only a friend and nothing more, which would be fine if we weren't given glaring evidence in the form of the dream that Greg does NOT feel that way. Unless he chose sex over love. I don't know. Greg doesn't say. Or tell James. For one of the main couples of the book, these two sure suck at communication.
And then Greg is threatening to throw the cross into the water, trying to get Faith to stop him. The real climax--his relationship with Faith. Pun intended. And we get this ambiguous-ass sentence that could either be him throwing it in the lake or him stopping it from falling in the lake.
And it ENDS. With NO closure between him and James, NO closure between him and Faith, but hey, at least we finally know who burned down the freaking MANSION because I totally didn't know it was Edmund fifty pages in!!!
***SPOILERS***
The book opens with Greg the high school photographer stumbling upon a pretty, decaying mansion. Graveney Hall. (Can you tell how happy this place is? I bet the family was kind and loving and never judged anything ever.) This symbolic naming of things for their rolls in the story continues with Faith, the girl Greg meets by chance there. She's a devout Christian (what? Really????) and becomes the irritating, stereotypically self-righteous religion character that makes Greg question his atheism. She's also the token Independent Woman. (If I'm bitchy and snotty enough to you in the beginning, everyone will believe I'm my own person and root for us to be together when I eventually kiss you!) His relationship with Faith becomes the main plot line, despite what the summary says.
Greg and James talk a little in the beginning, have a little spat, and practically nothing else happens between them for the rest of the book. Yep. Oh, Greg considers the IDEA of James a lot, often comparing him to another girl he meets (a flat character that purely exists so that he can feel guilty about sex). But Greg is much happier talking to Faith about Edmund and religion than talking to James. I actually like James, even though he's as mild as most of the other characters. Too bad Faith is more important.
Now, Edmund. The World War I plot is more interesting, mainly because Edmund is a bastard instead of a lukewarm character like Greg. Alex's death is well-done. Even though I saw it coming from a mile away, it still felt awful and sad. Even after Alex's death, when Edmund is crazy and way too ridiculously mean to his pretty neighbor, (I mean really. No one would be THAT awful) I still found it more interesting than Greg's life. At least Edmund is a horrible person.
Now you would think, with all of this religious lead-up, there would be some sort of religious closure at the end. I did, anyway. Instead we get this cross crap with Faith. Greg feels guilty because he believes he made her lose her faith. I get it. That part is interesting. He takes her cross for safe-keeping to make sure she doesn't throw it away.
Then we get a dream illustrating how Greg is struggling to choose between sex or love with the random girl and James, and Greg goes to swim with James but doesn't talk to him. Heaven forbid the two actually hint at something concrete between them. You can easily read this scene as James accepting that Greg is only a friend and nothing more, which would be fine if we weren't given glaring evidence in the form of the dream that Greg does NOT feel that way. Unless he chose sex over love. I don't know. Greg doesn't say. Or tell James. For one of the main couples of the book, these two sure suck at communication.
And then Greg is threatening to throw the cross into the water, trying to get Faith to stop him. The real climax--his relationship with Faith. Pun intended. And we get this ambiguous-ass sentence that could either be him throwing it in the lake or him stopping it from falling in the lake.
And it ENDS. With NO closure between him and James, NO closure between him and Faith, but hey, at least we finally know who burned down the freaking MANSION because I totally didn't know it was Edmund fifty pages in!!!
February 8, 2014
An interesting book of love, war and friendship but I felt it was rather unfinished. I hate it when books are left open for the reader to make up their own minds about what could have happened. I felt that there were still some mysteries of Graveley Hall unresolved and I wanted some resolution between Greg and Dean,
I also wanted Greg to know more about Edmund. I thought he might have done as Edmund's father was given his personal possessions and must have realised the truth. I desperately wanted Greg to find out the truth a bit too and for the characters to realised that they're not much different after all. Instead the book went along the route of faith and the existence of God, which is not what I wanted to read about at all!
I also wanted Greg to know more about Edmund. I thought he might have done as Edmund's father was given his personal possessions and must have realised the truth. I desperately wanted Greg to find out the truth a bit too and for the characters to realised that they're not much different after all. Instead the book went along the route of faith and the existence of God, which is not what I wanted to read about at all!
July 28, 2024
I liked it well enough. I would have given four stars but for a couple of detractors that were sizeable enough to eat a star.
The first issue, the smaller of the two, is when we'd be suddenly dropped into an ontological theological "discussion". Discussion being in air quotes because the back-and-forthing never got past bottom-of-the-barrel points/counterpoints that one might see in a Facebook quarrel, ie neither viewpoint was done justice by their champion.
Now when I first formed this opinion, I then thought "Maybe I'm being too harsh, these characters are children after all, who hadn't given it a lot of thought until now, and so of course they'd come in at that level.
But then I realised why I had forgotten that these were children in the first place: I'd been pulled right out of the story. It had stopped being those two characters talking and thus creating a dialogue and instead became a dialogue, for which there were some people to explain how the dialogue could exist.
But maybe that's just how it is when your characters get into it with each other for a few pages to talk about real world polarising topics... maybe two fictional characters talking for a few pages about their political leanings, or the best way to manage their money... maybe that'd be just as jarring, nothing to be done about it.
I honestly don't know where I land on this on a deeper sense, but as a reading experience it was frustrating.
The bigger issue is that the end fell off!
I got invested in these characters dammit!
I travelled with them through a whole bunch of upheaval and uncertainty but then right as the emotional payoff loomed on the horizon... *pop*... I was transported back to reality by a sudden blank page. And it's this that sealed its result in my Bookshelf Tribunal.
I don't want to theorise on an ending that doesn't exist. I don't want to come up with my own ending. You were telling me a story, so tell the story!
Books with "the ending is up for interpretation" should come with a warning!
Aside from those issues, here are things I liked.
The two different timelines told in parallel was cool. I felt sorry for the present day characters trying to piece together what happened to the characters in the past, knowing they would never know all the details that I got a front row seat to see.
And there was representation, not just for the obvious main demographic, but also young, didn't-do-it-to-themselves kidney failure representation. It really does have an impact when you see elements of your own experience amongst the characters you meet.
"Read it. Assess it. Possess it or purge it." Bookshelf Tribunal result: Purge.
The first issue, the smaller of the two, is when we'd be suddenly dropped into an ontological theological "discussion". Discussion being in air quotes because the back-and-forthing never got past bottom-of-the-barrel points/counterpoints that one might see in a Facebook quarrel, ie neither viewpoint was done justice by their champion.
Now when I first formed this opinion, I then thought "Maybe I'm being too harsh, these characters are children after all, who hadn't given it a lot of thought until now, and so of course they'd come in at that level.
But then I realised why I had forgotten that these were children in the first place: I'd been pulled right out of the story. It had stopped being those two characters talking and thus creating a dialogue and instead became a dialogue, for which there were some people to explain how the dialogue could exist.
But maybe that's just how it is when your characters get into it with each other for a few pages to talk about real world polarising topics... maybe two fictional characters talking for a few pages about their political leanings, or the best way to manage their money... maybe that'd be just as jarring, nothing to be done about it.
I honestly don't know where I land on this on a deeper sense, but as a reading experience it was frustrating.
The bigger issue is that the end fell off!
I got invested in these characters dammit!
I travelled with them through a whole bunch of upheaval and uncertainty but then right as the emotional payoff loomed on the horizon... *pop*... I was transported back to reality by a sudden blank page. And it's this that sealed its result in my Bookshelf Tribunal.
I don't want to theorise on an ending that doesn't exist. I don't want to come up with my own ending. You were telling me a story, so tell the story!
Books with "the ending is up for interpretation" should come with a warning!
Aside from those issues, here are things I liked.
The two different timelines told in parallel was cool. I felt sorry for the present day characters trying to piece together what happened to the characters in the past, knowing they would never know all the details that I got a front row seat to see.
And there was representation, not just for the obvious main demographic, but also young, didn't-do-it-to-themselves kidney failure representation. It really does have an impact when you see elements of your own experience amongst the characters you meet.
"Read it. Assess it. Possess it or purge it." Bookshelf Tribunal result: Purge.
March 14, 2011
I couldn't get myself to finish this book. I kept trying and trying in hopes that the novel would get better--especially with so many high reviews on Goodreads. The only plot line I found somewhat interesting was Edmund's storyline. Unfortunately, it was a minor storyline because it mostly focused on Greg and Faith.
I didn't like Newberry's writing style, which is probably one of the main reasons I put the book down. I couldn't connect with it--at times I thought the prose was too sentimental and at others too superficial. There were a lot of adverbs that evoked cliche emotions and movements. I also thought that many of the conversations between the characters, especially Greg and Faith, were unnatural and perhaps even forced. Faith is so incredibly open its almost unbelievable--they have incredibly deep discussions for hardly knowing each other. Most people I know don't open themselves up that much that fast! Also, the repetition of the image of a "shell," which is clearly a symbol in the novel, was too obviously placed at times (so that it bordered on contrived).
I am really sad that I did not enjoy the book because I love the blend of historical and modern time frames in a novel. As I rarely choose to put a book down and stop reading, since I love to finish every book I start, I read nearly 100 pages in hopes that it would improve. Unfortunately for me, it didn't; I couldn't stand it anymore! I'm so busy at the moment and have so many books I want to read that I can no longer motivate myself to keep reading the novel--even for the intriguing Edward storyline.
I didn't like Newberry's writing style, which is probably one of the main reasons I put the book down. I couldn't connect with it--at times I thought the prose was too sentimental and at others too superficial. There were a lot of adverbs that evoked cliche emotions and movements. I also thought that many of the conversations between the characters, especially Greg and Faith, were unnatural and perhaps even forced. Faith is so incredibly open its almost unbelievable--they have incredibly deep discussions for hardly knowing each other. Most people I know don't open themselves up that much that fast! Also, the repetition of the image of a "shell," which is clearly a symbol in the novel, was too obviously placed at times (so that it bordered on contrived).
I am really sad that I did not enjoy the book because I love the blend of historical and modern time frames in a novel. As I rarely choose to put a book down and stop reading, since I love to finish every book I start, I read nearly 100 pages in hopes that it would improve. Unfortunately for me, it didn't; I couldn't stand it anymore! I'm so busy at the moment and have so many books I want to read that I can no longer motivate myself to keep reading the novel--even for the intriguing Edward storyline.
January 12, 2015
A thoroughly enjoyable read. I seem to be in a bit of a war phase at the minute and I loved the way the life of Edmund and Alex in the trenches was paralleled, in some ways, by Greg and Jordan;s modern life. Both historical periods were portrayed really realistically with dialogue completely convincing for the time. The switch between narrative voices seemed seamless - I was left wondering, was it in fact the same narrator (well I know it was as in writer, but …) , I kept thinking of Edmund if only he could go be treated by Rivers in Regeneration he would have been fine; the outcome would have certainly have been less dramatic! The central theme amongst the modern duo of accepting who they were was cleverly explored. Greg’s aggression and hostility that he showed at times was really powerful. This book explores so many important issues, class, relationships, religion, the very purpose of existence; an astute and intelligent teenager would love it. I really think it would be a wonderful class text as the language is beautiful too, Hardy’s poem held things together brilliantly. If only it was published with a trendy cover it would be a massive seller. I haven’t read so many books that are so powerful and still have plenty of action, violence and romance. Top read for me.
Read
October 25, 2011"Muchas veces se ha pretendido aleccionar a los jóvenes a través de novelas “de maduración”, pobladas con todo tipo de traumas adolescentes, rabietas y clichés exagerados con los que supuestamente debían sentirse identificados. Sin embargo, pocas veces se ha escrito sobre jóvenes de verdad, a los que se les permita ser espirituales, reflexivos, maduros, curiosos… “The Shell House” es una de esas excepciones. Cuando Greg, un joven aficionado a la fotografía, se topa por casualidad con las ruinas de una antigua mansión del siglo XVIII, Graveney Hall, se siente inmediatamente cautivado por el misterio de su destrucción. Indagar en la historia de los Pearson, la familia a la que perteneció, y sobre todo de Edmund, el hijo de la familia que fue enviado a luchar al frente durante la Primera Guerra Mundial, donde desapareció y fue dado por muerto, revelará a Greg mucho más sobre sí mismo de lo que esperaba. Las historias de Greg y Edmund se entretejen con sorprendente sencillez y efectividad en una novela realista, profunda y apasionada que da mucho que pensar. => Sigue leyendo la reseña en http://www.eltemplodelasmilpuertas.com"
January 29, 2017
A brilliant and very different war novel set against the backdrop and during WWI and also the present day which has an indirect bearing on the narrative.
Greg is struggling with lots of personal issues in his life, his attraction to his best friend Jordan, his religious friend Faith who makes him question his own relationship with religion and peer pressure in general.
When he suddenly stumbles on the story of Edmund Pearson a gay soldier who falls in love with his best friend Alex and who suddenly disappears without a trace despite the inheritance of his ancestral home Graveney in the future.
At a time when homosexuality was shunned by society Greg is determined with the help of Faith to unravel the mystery that is Edmund and the story of the Shell house...
Absorbing, a refreshing slant on a war story and looks at the human aspect of life for someone who did not fit in with what a community and more widely, society considered "the norm."
A great read.
Greg is struggling with lots of personal issues in his life, his attraction to his best friend Jordan, his religious friend Faith who makes him question his own relationship with religion and peer pressure in general.
When he suddenly stumbles on the story of Edmund Pearson a gay soldier who falls in love with his best friend Alex and who suddenly disappears without a trace despite the inheritance of his ancestral home Graveney in the future.
At a time when homosexuality was shunned by society Greg is determined with the help of Faith to unravel the mystery that is Edmund and the story of the Shell house...
Absorbing, a refreshing slant on a war story and looks at the human aspect of life for someone who did not fit in with what a community and more widely, society considered "the norm."
A great read.
February 11, 2014
An interesting dual time story with a present-day boy facing questions about his sexual orientation against a backdrop of a First World War love affair and mystery.
Unfortunately I thought it got bogged down in religious discussion and there was very little resolution at the end. It just seemed to end at a random moment. And I'm sorry but I thought some of Edmund's poems were terrible. The last one made me cringe with embarrassment.
Still I was intrigued by the story, wanted to know what happened, and felt involved with the characters. I thought this could have been a really great story but it went off the rails somewhere.
Unfortunately I thought it got bogged down in religious discussion and there was very little resolution at the end. It just seemed to end at a random moment. And I'm sorry but I thought some of Edmund's poems were terrible. The last one made me cringe with embarrassment.
Still I was intrigued by the story, wanted to know what happened, and felt involved with the characters. I thought this could have been a really great story but it went off the rails somewhere.
October 31, 2021
I love this book, and often go back to reread it. I met the author and she is the most lovely lady, so unassuming and kind, and she writes a book you cannot help but become absorbed in. Set across two time periods we follow the story of two young men, on the cusp of true adulthood, both confronting confusing feelings and a sense of things changing in such a way that you can never go back. Linked by the shell of a house, the story reveals itself through poems and snatches of history. Faith is questioned in more ways than one, and before you reach the end your heart will break for one or both of them. A brilliant read, confronting at times, while billed as young adult anyone over the age of 15 will enjoy this wonderful book.
May 15, 2009
Interesting. Main modern character is not resolved enough in the end and the ending leave you wanting. The modern and historic characters and not connected enough. But it is compelling. Note content in this book may not be suitable for all readers
March 20, 2008
This book (I assume this is the audio CD?) is a very good read, bouncing between modern day and one of the world wars. The caharaters are amazingly deep and the two stories reflect one another.
January 29, 2012
This book didn't go far enough. Engaging and fascinating at times, it had so much potential it ignored..
July 30, 2013
Originally posted on Once Upon a Bookcase.
When I was first sent this to review, I wasn't sure if it would be my cup of tea. As you may have read, I'm generally not a fan of historical novels, so that aspect didn't appeal to me, especially as it was about the First World War. And I wasn't too sure about Greg's fascination with the house either. The story just didn't much appeal to me. I decided to give it a go anyway. I'm so glad I did, it's awesome!
A budding photographer, Greg takes an interest in the dilapidated stately home Graveney Hall, seeing beauty where others see ruin. When he looks more into the history of the house and it's destruction, he discovers Edmund Pearson, the heir to the home, died mysteriously around the same time the house was destroyed in a fire. Edmund Pearson was a soldier in the First World War, and Greg is determined to find out what happened to him. As we learn more about Edmund's story, similarities between his and Greg's lives are brought to light; for neither boy lives a life without difficulty.
The Shell House is a dual narrative, going back and forth in time the roughly present day and First World War, following the lives of Greg and Edmund. Greg is a sixth former with an interest in photography who finds a new friend in Faith, the daughter of a Friend of Graveney Hall who are doing the home up, and discovers he's seeing his friend Jordan in a new light. Twenty one-year-old Edmund is fighting in the First World War, where he met Alex, the man who opened his eyes to what love is. He is struggling to work out how to live the life he wants, with Alex, when he is expected to come home, take over Graveney Hall, marry and produce a new heir. Edmund wants a life of love, but has been born into a life of responsibility.
Greg is a photographer, Edmund is a poet. So each chapter, depending on who's it is, is opened with a description of a photo - a photo Greg took, a photo that Greg would have taken if he had his camera on him, or a photo he's seen - or a poem written by Edmund. The photos and poems relate to what happens in each chapter, and they give you a fantastic insight into the personality and feelings of each character.
Although their stories are very different, both characters experience similar things. There are questions of sexuality and religion, which also plays a huge part in the story, for both characters. Edmund was a believer who lost his faith, Greg was an atheist who starts to question. I find it interesting how differently Edmund and Greg view their sexuality. Edmund lives in a time where homosexuality is completely unacceptable but has no issues with his sexuality and is happy in his love for Alex.
Where Greg, on the other hand, lives in a time where people are more accepting (though, granted, not as accepting as we could be) but has such difficulty coming to terms with and admitting the things he's feeling.
That's not to say Edmund doesn't have his own issues regarding his sexuality. His problems are more to do with outsiders' views and his faith.
These two passages show something I find really difficult to deal with. I myself am an atheist, but have nothing against religion and love people with strong faith. As I've been reading these books for LGBTQ YA Month, I've found myself worrying about young religious teens who are questioning their sexuality, and don't know how to reconcile what they feel with what they believe. I genuinely worry, because, god, what a position to be in! The thoughts they may be thinking! It hearts my heart, it really does. And then there are the religious people who treat gay people absolutely disgustingly, and they make me so angry! I may disagree with the views, but everyone has a right to their own opinion. However, no-one has the right to force their opinions and beliefs on another, whether it be preaching at me as an atheist, or scornfully telling an LGBTQ person that the way they live their life is wrong. It makes my blood boil. But back to the book...
There comes a point when conversations have to be had, and Greg can't keep his confusion to himself. Greg is flawed, he does some downright awful things at times, but it comes from fear and uncertainty, and I just wanted to give him a hug. Especially when Jordan comes out to him, and they have this conversation.
The Shell House discusses faith and spirituality as much as it does sexuality. For the most part, despite what what I quote above, it's a separate discussion to what religion says about sexuality, it's more a discussion about whether God exists or not. There are so many different views shared, it's just so fascinating. Greg uses scientific advances and discoveries as reasons for there not being a God, but there are also thought out, believable arguments for the non-existence of God in Edmund's time, too, when scientific advancement is yet to come into play. It's less about religion, and more about belief, what each character believes to be true. Both sides of the argument are represented so well, I couldn't tell you whether Newberry is religious or not.
The Shell House is beautifully written. Some passages are just so deliciously put together, you want to read them out loud. Sometimes poetic, always gorgeous. The imagery is beautiful, and there are certain ideas the characters have, on love, on sex, on words, that really resonated with me because they are so like my own, but expressed in a way I would never have been able to.I have literally been copying out sections for myself, to read whenever I wish. If I was going to give this book one criticism, despite the beautiful language, Greg and Jordan used language that is a little old fashioned for present day; I don't hear teens saying "Blast!", "You little oik!", or "Damnation!" There is some swearing in the book, so it's not as if they're used instead of swear words. It just seemed a little strange and jarring.
The Shell House is an amazing story, about people, about a house, about love, sexuality and faith. A beautiful, wonderful story, and one I would highly recommend!
Thank you to RHCP for the review copy.
When I was first sent this to review, I wasn't sure if it would be my cup of tea. As you may have read, I'm generally not a fan of historical novels, so that aspect didn't appeal to me, especially as it was about the First World War. And I wasn't too sure about Greg's fascination with the house either. The story just didn't much appeal to me. I decided to give it a go anyway. I'm so glad I did, it's awesome!
A budding photographer, Greg takes an interest in the dilapidated stately home Graveney Hall, seeing beauty where others see ruin. When he looks more into the history of the house and it's destruction, he discovers Edmund Pearson, the heir to the home, died mysteriously around the same time the house was destroyed in a fire. Edmund Pearson was a soldier in the First World War, and Greg is determined to find out what happened to him. As we learn more about Edmund's story, similarities between his and Greg's lives are brought to light; for neither boy lives a life without difficulty.
The Shell House is a dual narrative, going back and forth in time the roughly present day and First World War, following the lives of Greg and Edmund. Greg is a sixth former with an interest in photography who finds a new friend in Faith, the daughter of a Friend of Graveney Hall who are doing the home up, and discovers he's seeing his friend Jordan in a new light. Twenty one-year-old Edmund is fighting in the First World War, where he met Alex, the man who opened his eyes to what love is. He is struggling to work out how to live the life he wants, with Alex, when he is expected to come home, take over Graveney Hall, marry and produce a new heir. Edmund wants a life of love, but has been born into a life of responsibility.
Greg is a photographer, Edmund is a poet. So each chapter, depending on who's it is, is opened with a description of a photo - a photo Greg took, a photo that Greg would have taken if he had his camera on him, or a photo he's seen - or a poem written by Edmund. The photos and poems relate to what happens in each chapter, and they give you a fantastic insight into the personality and feelings of each character.
Although their stories are very different, both characters experience similar things. There are questions of sexuality and religion, which also plays a huge part in the story, for both characters. Edmund was a believer who lost his faith, Greg was an atheist who starts to question. I find it interesting how differently Edmund and Greg view their sexuality. Edmund lives in a time where homosexuality is completely unacceptable but has no issues with his sexuality and is happy in his love for Alex.
'"I'm not really joking," he said,turning his head towards Alex. 'I mean it. I can't imagine a future without you.'Alex looked down at him and said softly, "Nor I".At moments like this, Edmund had the sense of everything settling into place. This, then, was love - not love as his father wanted it, all tied up with property and respectability and procreation. This was love that demanded nothing but itself.' (p93)
Where Greg, on the other hand, lives in a time where people are more accepting (though, granted, not as accepting as we could be) but has such difficulty coming to terms with and admitting the things he's feeling.
'Into his mind, vivid and disturbing, slipped the moment yesterday morning in the changing room when Jordan had turned and looked at him. It had only taken an instant, but there had been a sort of connection. An exchange, an unspoken understanding. He had stared openly at Jordan as he stood there naked; he had gazed for too long, and Jordan had seen and not minded. Jordan's glance had seemed to say: I know. It's all right.
God, what am I thinking? Is he - am I - does he think - do I--' (p176)
'Greg walked back slowly, kicking at leaves, thinking about Jordan. I am not gay, he told himself. Not even remotely. Just because I--Just because he's always on my mind. Just because I'd rather be with him than with anyone else. Just because it's enough to be together, not even talking. Just because he obviously likes me the same way.Again, Greg thought of that glance, of what had seemed like a current running between them. But what had Jordan actually said? Hi. Ready in a couple of minutes, if you don't mind hanging on. Definitely not the words of someone who had just experienced a blinding revelation. Male bonding, Greg decided, that's all.' (p178)
That's not to say Edmund doesn't have his own issues regarding his sexuality. His problems are more to do with outsiders' views and his faith.
'And Edmund, unable to reconcile his Church of England upbringing with what he had discovered about his sexual leanings, had been glad to discard God. Now, though, in his desperation, he yearned for the comfort of a father-figure who would listen and heed and intervene. He closed his eyes and tried to pray as he had never prayed before...Alex's suffering was a punishment for his homosexuality. And his own punishment was this: to be forced to stand by, helplessly, while his lover passed through torment and out of his reach.' (p115-156)
"Thou shalt not lie with mankind as with womankind; it is an abomination!" the Reverend Tillety quoted fiercely. "So it is written in the Book of Leviticus. And what is wrong in God's eyes cannot be made to seem right or justifiable, whatever the situation. I will not listen while you make excuses for your sin - if it is repulsive to me, imagine how much more repulsive it is to the Lord! You must realize, man, that not only is it morally repugnant, it is also a crime in the eyes of the law! Have you no shame?"' (p304-305)
These two passages show something I find really difficult to deal with. I myself am an atheist, but have nothing against religion and love people with strong faith. As I've been reading these books for LGBTQ YA Month, I've found myself worrying about young religious teens who are questioning their sexuality, and don't know how to reconcile what they feel with what they believe. I genuinely worry, because, god, what a position to be in! The thoughts they may be thinking! It hearts my heart, it really does. And then there are the religious people who treat gay people absolutely disgustingly, and they make me so angry! I may disagree with the views, but everyone has a right to their own opinion. However, no-one has the right to force their opinions and beliefs on another, whether it be preaching at me as an atheist, or scornfully telling an LGBTQ person that the way they live their life is wrong. It makes my blood boil. But back to the book...
There comes a point when conversations have to be had, and Greg can't keep his confusion to himself. Greg is flawed, he does some downright awful things at times, but it comes from fear and uncertainty, and I just wanted to give him a hug. Especially when Jordan comes out to him, and they have this conversation.
'"You didn't answer just now when I asked if you minded.""No. No, I don't mind. But if you're asking if I'm gay--"Jordan nodded, waiting.Greg shook his head. "I've never thought so. But it's doing my head in. I mean I fancy girls. I don't know any more - it's weird, all this--""All this what? What's doing your head in?""This is. You are. I think about you all the time." Greg's mouth wrenched itself into a grimacing smile; he shook his head, looking down at his clasped hands."What's funny?""Can't believe what I just said."' (p210-211)
The Shell House discusses faith and spirituality as much as it does sexuality. For the most part, despite what what I quote above, it's a separate discussion to what religion says about sexuality, it's more a discussion about whether God exists or not. There are so many different views shared, it's just so fascinating. Greg uses scientific advances and discoveries as reasons for there not being a God, but there are also thought out, believable arguments for the non-existence of God in Edmund's time, too, when scientific advancement is yet to come into play. It's less about religion, and more about belief, what each character believes to be true. Both sides of the argument are represented so well, I couldn't tell you whether Newberry is religious or not.
The Shell House is beautifully written. Some passages are just so deliciously put together, you want to read them out loud. Sometimes poetic, always gorgeous. The imagery is beautiful, and there are certain ideas the characters have, on love, on sex, on words, that really resonated with me because they are so like my own, but expressed in a way I would never have been able to.I have literally been copying out sections for myself, to read whenever I wish. If I was going to give this book one criticism, despite the beautiful language, Greg and Jordan used language that is a little old fashioned for present day; I don't hear teens saying "Blast!", "You little oik!", or "Damnation!" There is some swearing in the book, so it's not as if they're used instead of swear words. It just seemed a little strange and jarring.
The Shell House is an amazing story, about people, about a house, about love, sexuality and faith. A beautiful, wonderful story, and one I would highly recommend!
Thank you to RHCP for the review copy.
December 31, 2019
What the hell, Greg? About 90% of reading I asked myself WTF you're doing??
Spoilers, everyone!
The Shell House is a remerkable story, or at least started as one, with an unproper ending and with no solution. I hardly remember any book with such a foggy ending, such as the one in Sprout.
Greg is a physics student who is very much confused with everything in his life. He doens't get along with his family, his best friend is a stupid stud, and his other friend turns out to be gay, while he himself pretty much discovering his own desires, but for some reason, or rather for a reason we're all familiar with, he doesn't accept it, and goes ahead to sleep with a whore, over and over, to prove himself wrong. DENIAL DENIAL DENIAL
In the meantime Greg developes an inexplained obsession towards a mystery in an ancient household, where lived Edmond Pearson, who was gay himself, and fell in love with a soldier. We get to know both stories, in both timelines, one at 1917 and other at 2002, at the same time, dealing with different challenges, with the background of the same "problem".
The writing was overwhelemd and I really cared for the characters. They were all very interesting. The stories were interesting and I especially was in love with Jordan.
But I was troubled by two matters.
First, GREG
He was decent at first. But afterwards starting making stupid decisions. I don't get it. You don't want to go to the party! And you're going anyway? The girl wants to believe God or whatever, in the Devil's name, why bother arguening? Or rather, the girl doesn't want to believe anymore! Hurra! You go and pray for her salvation? For her faith? Instead of just ignoring bunch of silly kids, you go ahead and attack them? What did you expect? And the worst of all, the boy of your dream comes out to you, and what you're doing? Getting all hysterical, which is okay at first, but even after a bunch of days, you're acting like a doosh. I mean, what is that? A mature and english version to Absolutely Positively Not?
Secondly, the ending, which was a horror. They didn't really solve the mysery. They don't know the real story. More than that, what's next? He's ending up in DENIAL? You love the boy but you go ahead and sleep with the damn whore anyway. And that talk about God at the end, I love philophical discussion and all the merrier, but what was their point? so he's a beliver now like in SHREK?
To conclude, a wonderful book, with a bigger potencial, no ending, and a moron narrator (not Edmond. He's the love of my life).
***
Check out my new published book with LGBT and WAR theme in it >> The Third Man
Spoilers, everyone!
The Shell House is a remerkable story, or at least started as one, with an unproper ending and with no solution. I hardly remember any book with such a foggy ending, such as the one in Sprout.
Greg is a physics student who is very much confused with everything in his life. He doens't get along with his family, his best friend is a stupid stud, and his other friend turns out to be gay, while he himself pretty much discovering his own desires, but for some reason, or rather for a reason we're all familiar with, he doesn't accept it, and goes ahead to sleep with a whore, over and over, to prove himself wrong. DENIAL DENIAL DENIAL
In the meantime Greg developes an inexplained obsession towards a mystery in an ancient household, where lived Edmond Pearson, who was gay himself, and fell in love with a soldier. We get to know both stories, in both timelines, one at 1917 and other at 2002, at the same time, dealing with different challenges, with the background of the same "problem".
The writing was overwhelemd and I really cared for the characters. They were all very interesting. The stories were interesting and I especially was in love with Jordan.
But I was troubled by two matters.
First, GREG
He was decent at first. But afterwards starting making stupid decisions. I don't get it. You don't want to go to the party! And you're going anyway? The girl wants to believe God or whatever, in the Devil's name, why bother arguening? Or rather, the girl doesn't want to believe anymore! Hurra! You go and pray for her salvation? For her faith? Instead of just ignoring bunch of silly kids, you go ahead and attack them? What did you expect? And the worst of all, the boy of your dream comes out to you, and what you're doing? Getting all hysterical, which is okay at first, but even after a bunch of days, you're acting like a doosh. I mean, what is that? A mature and english version to Absolutely Positively Not?
Secondly, the ending, which was a horror. They didn't really solve the mysery. They don't know the real story. More than that, what's next? He's ending up in DENIAL? You love the boy but you go ahead and sleep with the damn whore anyway. And that talk about God at the end, I love philophical discussion and all the merrier, but what was their point? so he's a beliver now like in SHREK?
To conclude, a wonderful book, with a bigger potencial, no ending, and a moron narrator (not Edmond. He's the love of my life).
***
Check out my new published book with LGBT and WAR theme in it >> The Third Man
October 6, 2021
This book started off so well, which was why I was generous and gave it three stars, but it seemed to get very strange towards the end.
I loved the character Faith, who was so original, but then by the end of the book she was trusting all normal and boring! She had the belief that many others her age didn't have, and she had such interesting opinions, but at the end it all changes and I really hated that.
Then Greg. At the beginning of the book I thought that he and Faith would end up being together, which, however predictable, should have been so sweet, and they would have made awesome partners! But then... you know the feeling you get when you want to die because you are drowning in the realisation that this book is just going down hill? For goodness sake! It felt like the author just went, "Oh! Things are getting complicated, so I'm going to 'surprise' my readers and make my main character gay! Whoopee!!!! Everything is sorted now! Oh, and just to make things even stranger, I will make him like his best friend... who, guess what... is also gay!" This made me want to throw the book on the floor and scream. (But I managed to contain myself... just.) Actually, I found this so annoying that I stopped reading the book for three weeks while I adjusted. Afterwards, it wasn't too bad when you finally got used to the gay part, but it was still disappointing. Well never mind.
I loved the character Faith, who was so original, but then by the end of the book she was trusting all normal and boring! She had the belief that many others her age didn't have, and she had such interesting opinions, but at the end it all changes and I really hated that.
Then Greg. At the beginning of the book I thought that he and Faith would end up being together, which, however predictable, should have been so sweet, and they would have made awesome partners! But then... you know the feeling you get when you want to die because you are drowning in the realisation that this book is just going down hill? For goodness sake! It felt like the author just went, "Oh! Things are getting complicated, so I'm going to 'surprise' my readers and make my main character gay! Whoopee!!!! Everything is sorted now! Oh, and just to make things even stranger, I will make him like his best friend... who, guess what... is also gay!" This made me want to throw the book on the floor and scream. (But I managed to contain myself... just.) Actually, I found this so annoying that I stopped reading the book for three weeks while I adjusted. Afterwards, it wasn't too bad when you finally got used to the gay part, but it was still disappointing. Well never mind.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 7, 2025
Bought this book in school when the author came to give a talk and sign copies - must have been about 15 years ago.
Glad I spotted it when collecting books to take when moving house and decided to finally give it a go - a surprisingly enjoyable read. I really liked the concurrent storytelling between the present day and the First World War, and the parallels between them.
Knowing the book was based on locations near where I grew up was an added bonus.
The ending felt a tad rushed, but I liked how it was left open to interpretation for the most part.
Glad I spotted it when collecting books to take when moving house and decided to finally give it a go - a surprisingly enjoyable read. I really liked the concurrent storytelling between the present day and the First World War, and the parallels between them.
Knowing the book was based on locations near where I grew up was an added bonus.
The ending felt a tad rushed, but I liked how it was left open to interpretation for the most part.
February 23, 2018
I liked many things about this book, it was gentle and meditative and featured young people asking difficult and interesting questions, but I was never really pulled in by the story. I enjoyed it while I was reading it but could have quite happily stopped halfway through without feeling I was missing anything. Recommended for someone who wants a book to chew over, but not a particularly gripping read.
August 21, 2020
It was really boring in the first half of the book, I even decided to stop reading it. I don't have anything to do, so I continued to read it and I find the story more interesting and I was not actually expecting that this book is a Boy's Love, and I loved it. Hahaha. Though, I was not satisfied with the ending, without any assurance that Greg would be with Jordan or where might Edmund went? What happened to him. Overall, I give 5 stars, because of the Boys Love. Hahaha.
Read
August 30, 2021I read this book as a preteen/early teen, I believe, and just recently found it after googling the few details I could remember. For a long time I had merged this and The Wars by Timothy Findley in my mind. It was interesting to see how much YA and just general societal attitudes have changed over the last two decades-- certain tropes and lines of dialogue took me straight back to the 2000s.
December 4, 2023
Read this book based on a recommendation from a colleague. I was intrigued by the LGBT WW1 Vs modern day storyline; it had such potential, but in reality I was pretty disappointed. The dialogue between the characters felt forced and verbose, with long drawn out conversations about Christianity and faith which bordered on propaganda. I finished the book but it was a struggle, sorry not for me!!
December 11, 2019
Loved it until the ending. I like a resolution so that's just personal preference
March 16, 2020
It was ok. Ending didn't have a whole lot of resolution, but the descriptions of the big house and gardens were pretty detailed and fun.
May 9, 2020
Touching on modern teenagers and WWI. Questioning the process of war, faith and homosexuality. No real conclusion at the end. Not good.
January 6, 2021
Two different stories were well integrated. Dialogue was a bit clunky in places. Discussions about religion seemed a little heavy handed but poetry and WWII sections were good.
January 7, 2023
Absolutely loved this book. I've read it several times but not for a few years. I can still visualise some parts of it well, a brilliantly written story in my opinion and a definite read!
March 5, 2023
I had trouble getting into this book but persevered, and it had me thinking about god and our personal decisions in life by the end.
May 17, 2023
Tò much empasis on religion.. war .. and dated attitudes to relationships.. didnt really like the writing style felt it was a bit preachy and quite patronising in places.
November 8, 2025
i need to think about this book for a while
October 13, 2022
The main character is literally called Greg.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews