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Sail Away

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Now London. Suzy Marshall 60+ gets no calls from her agent—even for the oft recognized star of a wildly popular 1980s TV series. Until she flies to Zurich for a plum role, Lady Bracknell in The Importance of Being Earnest. Then police knock on the locked stage door. Suzy takes a job on a cruise ship to get home.

Meanwhile widow Amanda Herbert 60s, downsizing, is homeless in rainy Clapham. The financier selling her new apartment changes his mind, and her selfish children refuse help. An ad has prices that would ease her troubles. She takes the same ship as Suzy—and the villain for both is a thief, a killer.

364 pages, Paperback

First published February 22, 2018

155 people are currently reading
1213 people want to read

About the author

Celia Imrie

49 books287 followers
Celia Imrie is an English actress.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 189 reviews
Profile Image for Carrie.
3,567 reviews1,693 followers
June 6, 2018
Sail Away by Celia Imrie is a contemporary story with a bit of mystery involved. The book follows two different women as they both go about their lives with their paths being drawn together and crossing.

Suzy Marshall is an out of work actress that finds that jobs get harder and harder to obtain now that she is in her sixties despite being on popular programs years before. When her agent contacts her with an opportunity she immediately gets excited thinking she will finally have something to pay the bills but when things fall through Suzy ends up finding work aboard a cruise.

Amanda Herbert has also fond herself in a bit of a bind now that she’s older. Planning to sell the home she had raised her children in she never expected the flat she had planned on moving to to fall through. But with both of her adult children unable to help and no where to go Amanda finds that it would be much cheaper to board a cruise for the weeks she needs a home than to stay at a hotel.

Being a lover of cruising of course I had to pick up this title as soon as I saw it if for nothing else than to see what this author does with a story aboard a cruise ship. After reading I have to say the actual story of Suzy and Amanda was quite interesting with a bit of a mystery going on with my only drawback being it did move a bit slowly.

However, as far as the cruising side I kept finding little details that didn’t add up to me along with times that the story lost the feel of the setting completely and could have taken place anywhere. Now as far as not feeling authentic to me I have only cruised out of the U.S. and on bigger lines so it could be a case of not familiar with this type of ship/cruise though. Along with the setting side though this review copy had a ton of errors which normally I’d overlook but that also brought my rating down a tad and led to this just being an OK read for me.

I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.

For more review please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
Profile Image for Sally Whitehead.
209 reviews7 followers
March 10, 2018
I received this as part of a Goodreads Giveaway.

The opening section was great fun and I read the first 100 or so pages really quickly, it was all just the right side of camp and theatrical.

However, by the final 100 pages I was ready to throw myself overboard as I found myself stuck on this ship with a melodramatic plotline being laboriously dragged out for far longer than necessary. It all seemed to sort of lose sense of what it wanted to be - farcical comedy? Why then throw in themes of a much darker and grimmer nature which were utterly ill-fitting and could never be dealt with in anything other than a reductive nature alongside such "silly" high jinks.

The characters' needless and incessant rehashing of events, and bizarre little incidental character traits (Miriam bloody Malaprop) just served to irritate and grate by the end.

An oddly champagne flavoured crime melodrama.

I remember now why I don't like champagne. Too many bubbles, and gives me a headache.
Profile Image for Clare .
851 reviews47 followers
April 23, 2019
Listened to in audio format.

Sail Away is the third book I have listened to from actress Celia Imrie. After listening to her last two books Not Quite Nice and Nice Work she became one of my go to authors. When I saw she had released a third book I had to buy it.


Like Suzy and Amanda I have also been on a voyage from Dover to New York. The authors descriptions of the cruise ship were very realistic and I could imagine myself on board The Blue Mermaid.

The plot of Sail Away was actually quite complex with some dark undertones. My favourite characters were actress Suzy Marshall who left stranded in Zurich. Penniless she had to become a drama teacher on The Blue Mermaid to get home to London. I also liked fellow Jason who had to become a GHOST - Gentleman Host to get home.

I enjoyed this very English comedy with an edge.



Profile Image for AnnaG.
465 reviews33 followers
February 24, 2019
Celia Imrie is an excellent actress, but I found her writing in this book mediocre. The plot is somewhat convoluted at first as she tried valiantly to make up sensible reasons why all of her characters have ended up on the same boat and after that it chases itself round in circles a bit with people being able to fake IDs and identities with ease...
Profile Image for Cath Hughes.
423 reviews11 followers
December 2, 2021
I've read much better books, but I fancied reading a tale about a trip on a cruise ship with some adventure.

There is a lot of recapping of the story which got on my nerves!
Profile Image for Rachel Gilbey.
3,324 reviews571 followers
April 20, 2019
It seemed rather apt to read a book featuring a cruise ship, while on board a boat trip myself.

I loved getting to know both Suzy and Amanda, even before their path crossed and everything became that bit more complicated.

They are both women of an older generation, and through circumstances have decided that this trans-Atlantic cruise is the best thing they can do for the time being, one of them as its offering her work, and the other as she is sort of between homes, as her house buying chain wavers.

Although some of the connections between them seemed quite obvious, there are plenty of twists and turns in this funny book.

I was enthralled by what I was reading, and really did enjoy the story, even if at times the plot became slightly convoluted.

An enjoyable holiday read, which brightened up my boat trip!
Profile Image for Leanne.
289 reviews1 follower
April 27, 2020
2 stars (and that's generous)

I'm so sorry celia imrie! I still love you but this was a Flop with a capital F. 😔

I finished this book earlier today and I still don't know what to think.
The first thing I will say though is that I'm really quite disappointed with 'sail away'. I hate to say that because I have been wanting to read this for such a while but it was just flat.

I felt that all of the characters were really rude and I spent most of the time thinking that if I was spoken to the way some of the characters speak to Amanda and Suzy, I'd most certainly not appreciate it.

It took what felt like an age to get on the boat and when we finally got on the boat (sorry, ship- thought the amount of times the captain corrected the characters would teach me. Oops silly me) I just wanted to get off. I remembered why i don't like travel by sea, it made me rather sea sick.

The unnecessary plot including PAEDOPHILIA?! Was just gross. It is not something I ever want to think about. The plot could have been centred around something less perverse and simply disturbing. I wanted to not finish the book but I'm not a quitter, so I stuck with it.

Sometimes folks, books should not be written.

On to the positives (the very few positives)

What was good about it? Hmmm. I like Zurich? And also I really enjoyed the ending because it meant that I didn't have to endure the characters any longer.

If you read this, it is your own fault. You've been warned!
Profile Image for Franziska Self Fisken .
664 reviews45 followers
August 18, 2018
Light-hearted, fast-paced, amusing romp starring 2 60-odd Englishwomen whose lives become entwined due to a scoundrel. Humorous rather than witty, I shall certainly happily read more books by Celia Imrie!
I enjoyed reading yet another book with elderly heroines. Am realising that this is the new genre for fiction and films, just as romantic fiction featuring tired middle-aged divorcees appeared circa twenty years ago. Will I await fiction featuring 80 year olds in the 2030's?
Profile Image for Samantha.
760 reviews24 followers
February 21, 2019
My first novel by this immensely talented actress who now is becoming an immensely talented author!

A light-hearted, fun farce based around the antics of a couple of 60 ish women who both find themselves on a cruise ship for different reasons that lead their lives to be linked together. I liked Imrie's style of writing, obviously dipping into her vast theatrical background and using her great sense of humour to deliver an enjoyable fun read.

Lots happening in this book; likeable characters that work well together, if I have one criticism it would be that it does tend to be strung out a little and does ask that you be patient until it all unravels. I did guess who the mysterious Karl really was fairly early on but it didn't detract from the story that was well thought out and tidied up all the ends satisfactorily.

It was quite refreshing to have the majority of the characters being 60 ish who showed they were certainly not past a bit of fun and mystery a good holiday read. I look forward to reading more novels by Celia Imrie - this one gets a 4 stars from me.
Profile Image for Elisha Condie.
667 reviews24 followers
May 1, 2019
Celia Imrie writes books!? I had no idea. And they are pretty fun! Or at least this one was. It wasn't anything serious or heavy but I liked it. It's about Suzy, an older actress who joins a company for "The Importance of Being Earnest" in Germany which suddenly gets inexplicably cancelled and she finds work on a cruise ship lecturing to get home, and Amanda (a sixty-something grandmother) who finds herself between apartments and hops on the same cruise ship to pass the time.

There is a mystery and their stories intersect and there's the nice supporting cast of B characters and a bad guy who you know is lurking but it takes a bit to find him. I enjoyed it, it's just the right kind of book to read on a vacation.
Profile Image for SnoopyDoo.
655 reviews339 followers
July 30, 2018

 


 


*I received a free copy from the publisher and chose to leave a voluntary review. Thank you!*


 


 


3 ½ ★


 


 


This, for me was the perfect summer read. Set on a cruise ship, exploring the world and enjoying the sun.


I really enjoyed this book, and most of everything about it.


I really liked the characters and they seemed real with real problems and easy to relate to. 


The story was fun and easy to follow as well and I enjoyed it a lt. There were quite the few laugh out loud moments in the book that made me look silly reading in public. I may or may not have snorted a few times


The setting made me feel like I’m right there with them in the ship. Enjoying the cruise along with the fun and a bit of mystery.


As I said overall I enjoyed the story a lot but there were a few ones that just dragged on a bit too much and could have made shorter.


Also there were a few “funny’ moments while funny, they also seemed a bit forced and just didn’t come over too well. But overall it was a great fun and very enjoyable summer read.


I rate it 3 ½ ★


 


Profile Image for Megan Jones.
1,552 reviews25 followers
April 13, 2018
Suzy Marshall is discovering that acting for a woman over sixty is a struggle. When she is offered the role of Lady Bracknell in The Importance of Being Earnest in Zurich, she jumps at the chance. Until, the play is abruptly suspended and she is stranded. In desperate circumstances, Suzy takes a job on a cruise ship to get home. Meanwhile Amanda Herbert finds herself homeless in rainy Clapham. Her flat purchase has fallen through and she is faced with exorbitant hotel fees. Then she spots an advertisement for an Atlantic cruise and realises a few weeks on a cruise will save her money and be an adventure. As the two women set sail, neither can predict the strange characters and dodgy dealings they will encounter and neither can foresee how their lives will intertwine. 
The latest read from Imrie is utterly enjoyable a so much fun to read. I enjoyed the set up for the plot but the book really takes off when we are on-board the cruise ship. Suddenly there is a lot more going on and a lot more fun to be had. The plot for 'Sail Away' is very enjoyable and very humorous, and I expect nothing less from Imrie. This is different in that there is a darker tinge to the plot, I will not spoil it by specifying but Imrie certainly adds plot threads of a more serious nature and I thoroughly approve of her doing so. I particularly enjoyed Imrie's views on social situations, especially those of ageing actors, Imrie weaves her views into the plot seamlessly.
The plot itself is divine but so too are the characters. Suzy and Amanda are both very realistic, likeable and well developed characters whom I enjoyed reading about. We see them down on their luck and them making the best of bad situations and it was entertaining and humorous and overall a joy. The other characters are all worthy of being included as well, some are more likeable than others and of course, some are there to be the bad guys, all of them have their moments to shine and I enjoyed curling up with them for a few hours. 
'Sail Away' is yet another, entertaining, humorous read from Imrie and one that will definitely provide you with absorbing, exciting reading. 
5,950 reviews67 followers
June 29, 2018
Suzy is an unemployed actress of a certain age, desperate for a job, who finds herself lecturing on a cruise ship after a strange and unpleasant gig in Zurich falls through. Amanda is a widow who has just sold her house but whose plans for moving into an apartment have fallen through. She finds herself on the same cruise. Then there's Jason, who swears he's not responsible for the debacle in Zurich, and who takes a job on the ship as a gentleman host, dancing with unescorted women. What could happen as they cross the stormy north Atlantic? Well, someone is responsible for all the problems they've had, and they learn that just maybe there is more to the situation than they had realized.
754 reviews1 follower
May 10, 2022
Suzy and Amanda do not know each other but due to strange circumstances these two 60-something women find themselves aboard the Blue Mermaid, a cruise ship bound for New York. As the story unfolds these circumstances lead the reader to the reality that Suzy’s and Amanda’s lives are linked.

If you enjoy cruising then you will probably relate to many of the onboard scenarios. A delightful read despite some of the dark backstory.
Profile Image for Holly.
218 reviews73 followers
May 25, 2018
Intrigue on the High Seas

I’ve never been on a cruise ship but I almost feel like I have after reading Sail Away. I expected a fun, light summer read and was not disappointed. I didn’t see the twists coming and was surprised to learn how the characters were ultimately interconnected.

Sail Away is the story of two older British women who each ends up on the same three week cruise ship. It is an entertaining read with some amusing characters and a few laugh ts along the way. There are a few twists along the way which keep it interesting and build the suspense.

Suze is an actress well past her glory days as her claim to fame was a role in the highly rated show Dahlias, which aired 30 years ago. Nowadays she has trouble landing any acting gigs and often has to take on temp work to pay her bills. So when her agent calls offering her a part in The Importance of Being Earnest for a six week run in a Zurich theatre, she jumps at the chance. After two weeks of unpaid rehearsals, Suze comes to Zurich only to learn that the play has been cancelled at the last minute. Without the funds to buy a return airline ticket, Suze is thrilled when her agent comes to the rescue with a job aboard a cruise ship, which will get her home.

Amanda is a grandmother who has sold her house and buys a new flat. Just as she is about to move in, the deal suddenly falls through and Amanda is forced to put her belongings in storage. She tries to stay with each of her children but neither works out. She begins looking for a new apartment and is relieved when her agent calls to tell her the deal is back on but with one caveat, she has to wait 2-3 weeks. After scouting around for an inexpensive hotel without much success, she impulsively opts to go on a three cruise.

The author provides the reader with plenty of back story on each of these women and we get a clear sense of their current situations in life and their motivations for going on the cruise. I really felt like I got to know Suze and Amanda will before the ship set sail.

As the story unfolds, Suze is giving acting classes on the ship while Amanda attracts an admirer. In the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, untethered to phones and internet connections, new difficulties arise for Amanda back home. In the meantime, Suze is desperately trying to succeed at being a lecturer/teacher while still trying to understand what went wrong in Zurich with her acting gig. That’s when the fun begins and there is suspense, intrigue and lots of dancing and drinking.

Thank you to Bloomsbury USA and NetGalley for an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
176 reviews
February 24, 2022
An enjoyable and amusing story with eccentric characters which also has its dark side. Suzy and Amanda for different reasons end up on the same cruise ship on a cruise from Southhampton to New York. Their two stories merge when on board and a criminal is discovered. A quick easy read.
Profile Image for Cameron.
262 reviews16 followers
June 12, 2024
Like her other books, a light, easy read, with an over the top storyline. This went too far though and was too contrived and too ridiculous. Not a bad book for a holiday read, while you're in an eternal good mood. Otherwise... nah.
2,276 reviews49 followers
June 19, 2018
A cruise ship two women a delicious read a bit of a mystery.A perfect read to help you sail away even if you never leave your couch.Aperfect summer read,
Profile Image for Emanuela.
53 reviews1 follower
July 31, 2025
Booooooooring. Well written but the story unfolds in the least intriguing way. Not for me.
Profile Image for Mandy.
500 reviews6 followers
August 13, 2025
Enjoyable easy audiobook with author narrating. Last part of the book was a little far fetched. Overall enjoyable.
Profile Image for Trevor.
515 reviews77 followers
May 5, 2019
An enjoyable read, though it could have been cut by about 25%, there was far too much padding in the story - mainly descriptive passages that added nothing to the story.
Profile Image for Colin Devonshire.
Author 97 books27 followers
September 25, 2019
It was unusual how I came by this book. My family and I had moved to a new house, 'Sail Away' had been left behind, untouched. Picking it up and flicking through a page or two. I was gripped. Thrillers are my normal choice, since reading Agatha Christie as a child I had not picked up a cozy novel.
Celia Imrie is known to me as a brilliant and funny actress. She is also a fantastic author.
A pleasant surprise, highly recommended.
Profile Image for Namrata Saigal.
16 reviews4 followers
February 22, 2018
Quintessential brit chic-lit that never ever gets dull... waiting to read more works from Celia Imrie
Profile Image for Claire.
73 reviews2 followers
September 10, 2022
For me this book started well then took a big nose dive until well over a hundred pages in. I nearly gave up but glad I persevered as really enjoyed it once the story picked up a bit.
45 reviews3 followers
December 31, 2018
Haven't read a summer contemporary in a long time,so this was a nice change.

Pros:
* The setting was fun, on a cruise ship and I practically felt I was on one while reading this
* I liked the little trivia I learnt about actors and what goes on behind the scenes.
* Was a tad slow but really picked up towards the last half. The plot was great and a thriller set on a cruise ship made this extra delicious.


Cons:
* Seemed a little dragged on in the middle.



Profile Image for Azar Farehi.
251 reviews3 followers
December 19, 2024
A bit of a different mystery story, okay for the most part, but really dragged on and the characters annoyed me more than once or twice!
82 reviews2 followers
February 25, 2019
I really like Celia Imrie and read and enjoyed her previous two books - partly because they were very light reads and not too demanding. I struggled with this book a bit. It was a mix of the light and the dark and I was not convinced that this entirely worked. There were some jokey parts, such as the cruise guest who misspoke on numerous occasions. However, the darker parts of this book made for a slightly uncomfrtable read. Partly because of the subject matter, but also partly because I wasn't sure that it felt like a comfortable fit within the story.

The novel felt like a departure from the previous books by Celia Imrie and I just don't think that it entirely worked. It was readable, but felt a bit of a stretch at times. Not one of Celia's better books.
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