Maurice and Maralyn

An extraordinary true tale of love, shipwreck, and survival, beautifully told—Maurice and Maralyn's escape from 1970s England and its oil crisis, strikes, and inflation is also a story for our times.

SHORTLISTED FOR 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'