A MARRIAGE AT SEA
By Sophie Elmhirst
Publisher: Riverhead
In 1972, an incident with a breaching whale turns a couple’s dream of sailing on a boat into a monthslong struggle for survival on a raft.
Review by By The Books Reviewer
Sophie Elmhirst's "A Marriage at Sea" is a masterful narrative that chronicles the harrowing ordeal of Maurice and Maralyn Bailey, a British couple who, in 1972, embarked on a voyage that would test the very fabric of their marriage and their will to survive. ([washingtonpost.com](https://www.washingtonpost.com/books/2025/07/05/marriage-at-sea-elmhirst-review/?utm_source=openai))
The Baileys, disillusioned with their mundane existence in Derby, England, sold their possessions and set sail for New Zealand aboard the Auralyn. Their journey took a catastrophic turn when a breaching whale collided with their yacht, sinking it and leaving them adrift in the vast Pacific Ocean. ([washingtonpost.com](https://www.washingtonpost.com/books/2025/07/05/marriage-at-sea-elmhirst-review/?utm_source=openai))
Elmhirst's meticulous research and evocative prose bring this true story to life. She delves into the couple's contrasting personalities—Maurice, the meticulous and introverted planner, and Maralyn, the resilient and optimistic partner. This dynamic becomes the linchpin of their survival as they endure 118 days on a life raft, battling starvation, exposure, and the psychological toll of isolation. ([washingtonpost.com](https://www.washingtonpost.com/books/2025/07/05/marriage-at-sea-elmhirst-review/?utm_source=openai))
The narrative is both gripping and intimate, capturing the physical challenges and the emotional complexities of their predicament. Elmhirst's portrayal of Maralyn's ingenuity—fashioning fishhooks from safety pins, harvesting rainwater, and maintaining morale—is particularly compelling. ([washingtonpost.com](https://www.washingtonpost.com/books/2025/07/05/marriage-at-sea-elmhirst-review/?utm_source=openai))
However, the book is not without its shortcomings. While the survival story is enthralling, the post-rescue chapters feel somewhat rushed and lack the depth of the earlier sections. The exploration of the couple's psychological states could have been more profound, providing a richer understanding of their resilience and the impact of their ordeal on their relationship. ([bookpage.com](https://www.bookpage.com/reviews/marriage-at-sea-sophie-elmhirst-book-review/?utm_source=openai))
Despite these minor flaws, "A Marriage at Sea" stands as a testament to human endurance and the complexities of marital bonds under extreme conditions. Elmhirst's narrative is a compelling blend of adventure and introspection, making it a worthwhile read for those interested in survival stories and the intricacies of human relationships.
Final Recommendation: Highly recommended!
Recommendation: Highly recommended!
written on: 7/17/2025