Maurice and Maralyn

by Sophie Elmhirst
Maurice and Maralyn cover
Good Books rating 4.5
Adventure
Technical
  • ID: 3965
  • Added: 2025-10-20
  • Updated: 2025-10-20
  • ISBN: 9781529931495
  • Publisher: Vintage
  • Published: 2025-01-16
  • Reviews: 3

Bored with their 1970s suburban life, Maurice and Maralyn embark on an adventurous journey to sail to New Zealand, only to face a harrowing ordeal when their boat is struck by a whale, leaving them adrift in the vast Pacific Ocean. Their survival hinges on their resilience and the strength of their love, making this a profound tale of human connection and the will to endure. /n/n This book is not just an adventure story but a deep exploration of the human condition, showcasing how love and determination can keep one afloat against all odds. Praised for its skilful storytelling and emotional depth, it's a riveting account that readers won't be able to put down.

Reviews
Book Lovers Sanctuary · 2024-02-21
engaging 4.50

The book is praised for its readability and clarity, offering an accessible account of an extraordinary experience. The reviewer finds it engaging and well-crafted.

The reviewer at Book Lovers Sanctuary highlights the book's readability and clarity, making it an accessible account of an extraordinary experience. They appreciate the precision with which the story is rendered, finding it engaging and well-crafted. The reviewer notes that the book's ability to convey the extraordinary within a relatable narrative makes it a standout read. They particularly enjoy the balance of danger, spirit, and tenderness, which adds depth to the story.

Quick quotes

    An eminently readable and accessible account of an extraordinary experience, rendered with clarity and precision; for me, however, ...

    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.

    It seems an unlikely romance, but it works.

The Guardian · 2024-02-14
compelling 4.00

The book blends real events with a fictional feel, effectively conveying the characters' thoughts and emotions. It offers a unique perspective on survival and human connection.

The reviewer appreciates how the book masterfully combines real events with a narrative that feels like fiction. This approach allows for a deep exploration of the characters' inner worlds, making their experiences relatable and compelling. They highlight the book's focus on survival and human connection, noting that it transcends the typical adventure story to offer profound insights into the human condition. The reviewer finds the blend of danger, spirit, and tenderness particularly noteworthy, making it a memorable read.

Quick quotes

    Maurice and Maralyn may be based on real events, but it has the feel of fiction – all the better to convey the thoughts, fears and coping ...

    The result is a compelling book about a shipwreck, but also as thoughtful a tale about marriage, for better and worse, as you are likely to read ...

    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.

Over the Rainbow Book Blog · 2023-11-01
extraordinary 5.00

The book is described as beautiful, moving, and gripping, with the added intrigue of being based on a true story. The reviewer finds it extraordinary and highly recommendable.

The reviewer from Over the Rainbow Book Blog describes Maurice and Maralyn as a beautiful, moving, and gripping read. They are particularly impressed by the fact that the story is based on true events, which adds an extra layer of intrigue and authenticity. The reviewer finds the narrative compelling and the characters' journey extraordinary, making it a highly recommendable book. They appreciate the emotional depth and the way the story captures the essence of human resilience and connection.

Quick quotes

    Maurice And Maralyn is a beautiful, moving and gripping read that is even more extraordinary as it's based on a true story.

    It seems an unlikely romance, but it works.

    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.

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