**THE SUNDAY TIMES TOP TEN BESTSELLER****WINNER OF THE NERO AWARDS GOLD PRIZE BOOK OF THE YEAR 2024****WINNER OF THE NERO AWARDS NON-FICTION BOOK OF THE YEAR 2024** An extraordinary true story of shipwreck, survival and love'An enthralling, engrossing story of survival' Bill Bryson An absolute jewel of a book India Knight A gripping tale of adventure Elizabeth Day An extraordinary survival story Sunday TimesBored 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 StibbeA 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