TEN BIRDS THAT CHANGED THE WORLD

A Guardian Observer & Waterstones Nonfiction Book of 2024 One of those very special books that makes you put everything on hold so you can get back to it RACHEL JOYCEWhat 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 and the pair are cast adrift in the middle of the Pacific Ocean On their tiny raft their love is put to the test When Maurice begins to withdraw into himself it falls upon Maralyn to keep them both alive 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 Extraordinary Elmhirst is a terrific writer ELIZABETH DAY READERS ADORE MAURICE & MARALYN A riveting tale of survival and of the power of love when al