The Stowaway by Mary-Anne O’Connor – Norway, 1828. A fiery descendant of Vikings, Elsa Ferner wasn’t termed Elsa the Determined by her father for no reason. So when her mother pushes her to marry a wealthy but unscrupulous man, she seizes the opportunity to stow away and escape. Now aboard The Starling with her ally, handsome English officer Thompson Smith, she chooses to trust her heart, following their shared destiny on the salted wind.
On arriving in Iceland, it seems the pair might finally explore the possibilities of a new life together. However, a rash and catastrophic act sees Thompson taken away in chains, with Elsa the one now fighting for their future, and leading them on to new frontiers. Unfortunately, tragedy strikes, and Thompson chooses to stowaway himself, this time to Tasmania, embittered yet resolved to find a new life with their son, Sven.
Little do they know that Elsa searches for them, even to the ends of the earth, never giving up on love…
Unsurprisingly, the narrative by this talented author is such an accurate epic adventure. The Stowaway was inspired by Mary-Anne’s Great Grandfather, who was found with his young son halfway across the Atlantic Ocean, clutching onto a trunk that contained all his belongings. A trunk that is still owned by Mary-Anne’s family today. She was also inspired by Danish adventurer, Jorge Jorgenson, who once declared himself “king of Iceland”, then later became a convict in Tasmania!
It is both a fascinating and riveting must-read for 2025!
ISBN:9781761350313
The Stowaway is available in paperback, e-book and audiobook.
About Mary-Anne O’Connor
Mary-Anne O’Connor has a combined arts education degree with specialities in environment, music and literature. After a successful copywriting and marketing career she now focuses on writing fiction and non-fiction as well as public speaking. Mary-Anne lives in a house overlooking her beloved bushland in northern Sydney.
Absolutely captivating! The Stowaway pulls me into a world of adventure, romance, and resilience. Mary-Anne O’Connor’s storytelling is vivid, and the historical inspiration adds a fascinating layer. A must-read for lovers of epic tales!