Description

**A Guardian, Observer & Waterstones Nonfiction Book of 2024**

‘One of those very special books that makes you put everything on hold so you can get back to it’ RACHEL JOYCE

What begins as an eccentric English love story turns into one of the most dramatic adventures ever recorded…

Maurice and Maralyn couldn’t be more different. He is as cautious and awkward as she is charismatic and forceful. It seems an unlikely romance, but it works.

Bored of 1970s suburban life, Maralyn has an idea: sell the house, build a boat, leave England — and its oil crisis, industrial strikes and inflation — forever. It is hard work, turning dreams into reality, but finally they set sail for New Zealand. Then, halfway there, their beloved boat is struck by a whale and the pair are cast adrift in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.

On their tiny raft, their love is put to the test. When Maurice begins to withdraw into himself, it falls upon Maralyn to keep them both alive. Filled with danger, spirit, and tenderness, this is a book about human connection and the human condition; about how we survive — not just at sea, but in life.

‘Extraordinary . . . Elmhirst is a terrific writer’ ELIZABETH DAY
**READERS ADORE MAURICE & MARALYN**
‘A riveting tale of survival . . . and of the power of love when all appears lost’
‘A mind-blowing story of resilience and love in the face of adversity’
‘The very best kind of true story, and beautifully written’
‘I couldn’t put this book down’
‘I was absolutely hooked from the outset’

Publisher Review

An extraordinary account * Guardian, *Books to Look Out For 2024* * I loved everything about this inspirational, funny, painful, jaw-dropping and moving celebration of an ordinary couple caught in the most dramatic circumstances imaginable. A poignant reminder that in facing catastrophe, we often discover who we really are — RACHEL JOYCE, author of Maureen Fry & the Angel of the North This dramatic, profound human story is so beautifully told in calm, thoughtful, perfectly judged prose. I really could not put it down — NINA STIBBE, author of Love, Nina An extraordinary story of an even more extraordinary marriage. Sophie Elmhirst’s prose is spare and elegant, and in her hands Maurice and Maralyn come vividly to life, characters who will remain with the reader long after they finish this compelling book. I turned each page with my heart in my mouth — FRANCESCA SEGAL, author of Mother Ship A beautiful, searing book — a miniature epic of seafaring and survival with an unbreakable, unusual love story at its heart — SAM KNIGHT, author of The Premonitions Bureau An exciting, fast-paced, terrifying adventure story, and at the same time a slow, gentle commentary on love — ALEXANDER MASTERS, author of Stuart: a Life Backwards No one finds the wit, warmth and mischief in a story quite like Sophie Elmhirst. I will read anything she writes — HELEN LEWIS, author of Difficult Women Much of human life is contained in this beautiful, moving book about two people cut off from everything but each other — LARISSA MACFARQUHAR, author of Strangers Drowning