Maurice And Maralyn: An Extraordinary True Story Of Shipwreck, Survival And Love

**WINNER OF THE NERO BOOK AWARDS NON-FICTION AWARD 2024**

An extraordinary true story of shipwreck, survival and love

‘An absolute jewel of a book’ India Knight
‘A gripping tale of adventure’ Elizabeth Day
‘An extraordinary survival story’ Sunday Times

Bored of 1970s suburban life, Maurice and Maralyn plan their escape: sell the house, build a boat, set sail for New Zealand. Then, halfway around the world, their beloved boat is struck by a whale and the pair are cast adrift in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Alone on a tiny raft, their love is put to the test. This is a book about human connection and the human condition; about how we survive – not just at sea, but in life.

‘This skilful storytelling drew me in…very touching indeed’ James Rebanks
‘With the adrenaline kick of Jaws . . . A remarkable portrait of a marriage kept afloat against the odds’ Financial Times
‘This dramatic, profound human story is so beautifully told. I really could not put it down’ Nina Stibbe

A Guardian, Observer & Waterstones Non-fiction Book of the Year

**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’

'Electrifying . . . a tender portrait of two unconventional souls blithely defying the conventions of their era and making a break for freedom' - Guardian

'An extraordinary survival story… Elmhirst’s reconstruction of their ordeal is riveting, told in illuminating detail' - Sunday Times

'A compelling book about a shipwreck, but also as thoughtful a tale about marriage, for better and worse, as you are likely to read' - Observer

'An amazing tale of survival . . . reminds me how incredibly hard it is to find love out there in the world' - New Statesman

'A gripping tale of maritime catastrophe but also of marriage' - Sunday Times

SPECIFICATIONS:

Author:Sophie Elmhirst - Софи Элмхирст

Publisher:Vintage

Language:English

Publication Date:2025

Number of pages:272 pst

Format:Paperback

Width:129 mm / 5,1'

Height:197 mm / 7,8'

Weight:195 g

ISBN:9781529931495