Book Synopsis:
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. It sinks within an hour, and the pair are cast adrift in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.
On their tiny raft, over the course of days, then months, their love is put to the test. When Maurice begins to withdraw into himself, it falls upon Maralyn to keep them both alive. Their pet turtle helps, as does devising menus for fantasy dinners and dreaming of their next voyage.
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.
Out 24th February 2024.
My Review:
Maurice And Maralyn is a beautiful, moving and gripping read that is even more extraordinary as it’s based on a true story.
Firstly, I absolutely loved Maurice and Maralyn and enjoyed getting to know them throughout the book. They were a fantastic couple, so different to each other but it was lovely to see how they complimented and helped each other. Out of the two Maralyn was definitely my favourite and I really admired the strength she showed on board the life boat. Her ability to find the fun in even the most dire of situations made me smile and the way she helped keep Maurice’s spirits up brought tears to my eyes.
The book is divided into sections with the reader being taken through the couple’s lives from the moment they met until their deaths. It was interesting to learn more about the their different personalities and to see how the idea for sailing to New Zealand came about. The beginning of their journey seemed wonderful and I loved the vivid descriptions of the counties they visited as well as their interactions with some wonderful sounding friends. This contrasts sharply with their lives after the ship wreck and I think helped make their experience even more bleak as the reader realises how utterly alone the pair are. I found the bit detailing the ship wreck very gripping and I was unable to put the book down as I was so absorbed in the story. It was interesting to learn more about the practicality of surviving at sea, how they got water, what they ate to survive and how they kept themselves entertained. I don’t think I’ll ever look at a turtle without thinking of this book again though!
Overall I absolutely loved this book which has stayed with me long after reading. The author cleverly blends fact with fiction to make for a truly fascinating read that’s unlike anything I’ve read before. I liked how the author continues the story after they are rescued so the reader is able to find out what happens to them afterwards. I’d happily rate this one of the best books I’ve ever read and can’t wait for more people to read it so I can discuss it.
Huge thanks to the publisher for my copy of this book through my work at Rossiter Books. If you’re looking for a gripping, unique true story then I highly recommend this one.
About The Author:
Sophie Elmhirst is a journalist. She writes regularly for the Guardian Long Read and the Economist’s 1843 magazine, among others. In 2020, she won the British Press Award for Feature Writer of the Year, and a Foreign Press Award for Finance and Economics Story of the Year. Her first book, Maurice and Maralyn, will be published by Chatto and Windus in 2024.
Over The Rainbow Blog 
Great review but, with respect, mentioning they are rescued is a spoiler unless it’s revealed at the beginning of the book.
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It is. It’s actually a true story so you could Google it and find out š
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