"A vibrant, often hilarious emotional and physical journey. And let's be honest, who hasn't wanted to drift away on a narrowboat?" - Ian Moore, author of Death and Croissants

All Boats Are Sinking is a memoir of love, life and chaos on a narrowboat, perfect for fans of Dolly Alderton, Helen Fielding and Phoebe Waller-Bridge

"All boats are sinking, Hannah, just at different rates."

After a break-up, some hit the gym; some cut their hair; others have a one-night stand. In the aftermath of her break-up, Hannah bought a narrowboat.

Newly single and plunged into life on the water, Hannah had to learn quickly how to grapple with exploding toilets, disappearing hulls, and the curious glances and questions from pedestrians on the towpath. But when career burn-out, a global pandemic and an ill-advised rebound relationship threatened to sink her, Hannah felt the need to escape. In a bid to let go of the past and restore her sense of self-worth, she embarked on a narrowboat odyssey which took her from the bustling streets of London to the tranquil yet dramatic waterways of West Yorkshire.

Suffering from an apparent magnetism to drama but buoyed by her brilliant friends, Hannah tells of the challenges of off-grid life as a single 30-something on the water. All this as she tries to balance the tension between owning her singledom and giving in to a deep desire to find love.

Peppered with lists, recipes, maps, footnotes and diagrams, and spanning hundreds of miles of the British waterways, it's an uplifting and often hilarious story of adventure and personal growth, and of a woman trying to keep her boat and life afloat. And to answer that perennial question: yes, it's cold on the boat in winter.

About the Author

Hannah Pierce has worked as an actor, pub manager, events promoter and live music programmer. She wrote, produced and performed in several theatre shows for young people and adults. Her one-woman theatre show on the valiant adventures of an online dater received critical acclaim. Hannah currently lives on a narrowboat, somewhere on the British waterways. This is her first book.

Find her on Instagram at @hannahonthewater.

Reviews
A vibrant, often hilarious emotional and physical journey. And let's be honest, who hasn't wanted to drift away on a narrowboat? * Ian Moore, author of Death and Croissants *
I cannot recommend this book more! It's a heart-warming, hilarious and honest account of the adventures of living on a narrowboat. I LOVE it! * Michelle Dockery, actress (Downton Abbey, This Town) *
If you've ever felt the call of adventure, this book is for you. Uplifting and witty, a great read. * Pip Stewart, adventurer and author of Life Lessons from the Amazon *
All Boats Are Sinking is truly uplifting and brilliantly fun. Spending time with Hannah on her narrowboat is like hanging out with a good mate. Expect gossip, laughs and insights into her at-times chaotic love life, and to walk away with a smile on your face. * Elise Downing, author of Coasting *
This is a delightful, moving and funny book which will speak to anyone who has experienced heartbreak or personal crisis, and in the aftermath sought to forge a fresh path. Just as we follow the waterways of London and beyond, the reader is taken on a journey with Hannah as she finds freedom and a sense of purpose. Interspersed with intriguing vignettes of history and lists cheekily summarising boat dos and don'ts, Hannah's honest and witty prose brings to life her experiences, the people who share the waterways with her and the challenges and joys of life on the canal. * Kat Hill, author of Bothy *
Hugely entertaining, moving, and uplifting, All Boats are Sinking sings of boldness and tenacity as it travels the waterways. * Liz Robinson, LoveReading expert review *


Awards
Nominated for Nero Book Awards, Non-Fiction category 2024 (UK).



Book Information
ISBN 9781837994014
Author Hannah Pierce
Format Paperback
Page Count 368
Imprint Summersdale Publishers
Publisher Octopus Publishing Group