The Guardian long read writer’s ‘enthralling’ first book was said to reach ‘the highest literary eminence’ by judging chair Bill Bryson

A book by a Guardian long read writer about the true story of a couple who were lost at sea for 118 days in the 70s after their boat was struck by a whale has won the Nero Gold prize.

Sophie Elmhirst was presented with the £30,000 award for her book Maurice and Maralyn: An Extraordinary True Story of Shipwreck, Survival and Love at a ceremony in London on Wednesday evening.