Tracy Chevalier: Maurice and Maralyn

October’s Book of the Month was chosen by Tracy Chevalier, author and Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature. She is the author of 11 novels, including A Single Thread, The Glassmaker and Girl with a Pearl Earring, an international bestseller that has sold five million copies, been translated into 43 languages, and been made into a film, a play and an opera. Tracy works with various charities, including Freedom From Torture, First Story and Fine Cell Work, which teaches prisoners how to embroider and quilt, with the idea that sewing can be psychologically and financially rewarding.

Tracy Chevalier’s Book of the Month is Maurice and Maralyn by Sophie Elmhirst 

‘Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be stranded at sea in a lifeboat for 118 days, with no food, no water and only your partner for company? How would you cope? This book will tell you, because it really happened. In 1973 a couple built a boat and set sail from the UK to New Zealand. In a freak accident with a whale, their boat was wrecked off the coast of Central America. Incredibly, they – and their relationship – survived. (Hint: sea turtles, rainwater, perseverance and hope.) It’s a riveting read.’

Thank you to Tracy Chevalier for recommending this book! 

Every Book of the Month is sent to each of our projects with a bookplate sharing why it was chosen. You can order your copy of Maurice and Maralyn and our previous Books of the Month from our affiliate list on Bookshop.org: