Maurice and Maralyn Bailey became household names in 1973 after managing to survive 118 days adrift at sea after their yacht sunk after being struck by a whale . The fickle hand of celebrity/notoriety has resulted in the story of this incredible couple being cast aside and lost in 50 years.
Sophie Elmhirst has taken the books written by the couple and other resources and retold the story of the Maurice and Maralyn. If alive today the couple's story would be standing alongside Raynor Winn on the bookshelf. This is a tale of survival in the most extreme circumstances. The book captures the diversity in the couple's characters and how in many ways this complimented the marriage - balancing strengths and weaknesses and how in true love and life this recognised.
The excitement of escaping every day life is told with clarity but it is the palpable emotions of desperation and fear being stranded on the Pacific ocean with a dinghy and life raft that truly bring this book alive. Although in a wide open space , the feeling of a claustrophobia emanates off the page. It is clear that Maralyn was the motivator and the one that kept the couple alive in this time of disaster. The subsequent tale of rescue and life beyond the 1973 event conveys the determination to return to sea and the love the couple had for each other but there is also a sense of life never returning to what they dreamed.Maurice recognises that despite the extreme circumstances they endured by the time they return to England more focus and praise is given to footballers and pop stars - nothing has changed.
This is a moving retelling of a survival story and deserves to be read and recognised by new generations and readership.