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Love with a Chance of Drowning Paperback – May 14, 2013

by Torre DeRoche (Author)
4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 1,027 ratings
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New love. Exotic destinations.

A once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

What could go wrong?

City girl Torre DeRoche isn't looking for love, but a chance encounter in a San Francisco bar sparks an instant connection with a soulful Argentinean man who unexpectedly sweeps her off her feet. The problem? He's just about to cast the dock lines and voyage around the world on his small sailboat, and Torre is terrified of deep water. However, lovesick Torre determines that to keep the man of her dreams, she must embark on the voyage of her nightmares, so she waves good-bye to dry land and braces for a life-changing journey that's as exhilarating as it is terrifying.

Somewhere mid-Pacific, she finds herself battling to keep the old boat, the new relationship, and her floundering sanity afloat. . . .

This sometimes hilarious, often harrowing, and always poignant memoir is set against a backdrop of the world's most beautiful and remote destinations. Equal parts love story and travel memoir, Love with a Chance of Drowning is witty, charming, and proof positive that there are some risks worth taking.
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Previous page
  1. Print length
    352 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publication date
    May 14, 2013
  4. Reading age
    18 years and up
  5. Dimensions
    5.25 x 1 x 8.13 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    1401341950
  7. ISBN-13
    978-1401341954
  8. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"A funny, irresistibly offbeat tale about the risks and rewards of living, and loving, with an open heart." Kirkus Reviews

"Wow, what a book. Exciting. Dramatic. Honest. Torre DeRoche is an author to follow." Australian Associated Press

"DeRoche has penned such a beautiful, thrilling story you'll have to remind yourself it's not fiction." Courier Mail

"Hilarious... recounts the adventure of a lifetime." Vogue

"The story of how DeRoche overcame her fears, her self-deprecating humour and her way with words would have been enough to make this a great story. The fact her Argentinian boyfriend combines the passion of a Latin lover with the grit and spirit of a Scandinavian seafarer makes this book a Hollywood dream come true." Sydney Morning Herald

About the Author

Torre DeRoche has been published in the travel writing anthology An Innocent Abroad, alongside Cheryl Strayed, Dave Eggars, Sloane Crosley, Pico Iyer, et al. Her work has also appeared in the Atlantic, the Guardian Travel, Sydney Morning Herald, and Emirates' Open Skies magazine, as well as a range of digital publications. Her blog fearfuladventurer.com has been profiled in Nat Geo, HelloGiggles.com, and hundreds of websites around the world, including Viator's Top 25 Travel Blogs of 2015.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Hachette Books; Illustrated edition (May 14, 2013)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 352 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1401341950
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1401341954
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 18 years and up
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 10.4 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.25 x 1 x 8.13 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 1,027 ratings

About the author

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Torre DeRoche

Torre DeRoche

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Torre’s first memoir, LOVE WITH A CHANCE OF DROWNING, (Penguin ANZ) was optioned in Hollywood. Since then, her profile as a travel writer has continued to grow. Her blog, fearfuladventurer.com, has been profiled in NatGeo and was one of Viator’s Top Travel Blogs of 2015. Her work has appeared in The Atlantic, The Guardian Travel and alongside Cheryl Strayed, Dave Eggers and Sloan Crosley in the Lonely Planet travel writing anthology, An Innocent Abroad.

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
4.5 out of 5
1,027 global ratings
Opposites attract and then what
5 Stars
Opposites attract and then what
Opposites attract and then what do you do? Sail across the Pacific Ocean in a dilapidated 32-foot boat dubbed the Amazing Grace, of course. Naturally, you are terrified, but love for an adventurer pulls you forward and you risk life and limb for what? For him. Now, don’t get me wrong this is a true love story and I enjoyed the vicarious thrills of being onboard during the good and bad times with Torre and Ivan. However, I wanted to learn more about the stunning scenery of the places visited on the journey. The idyllic islands in the Marquesas, Tonga and the Cooks are all on my radar. Torre never got further than the sandy shores of these islands to explore hikes to waterfalls and such, or she did not find them share Nor, did she impart the history of the Islands which as a travel writer myself, I want to know. But, this is not a travelogue, it is a very personal memoir. Torre says that once visual impact of paradisiacal lagoons was over, she saw them as good places to be lonely. It seemed to me she never did connect with nature, although she says that is what she got from the journey. She was always yearning for the internet cafes and conversation with others. None, the less, she did brave discomfort, the big blue and many hardships to be with her lover. The writing is clever, catchy, entertaining and draws the reader forward. I tend to agree with Ivan who wants to escape society, unplug from technology and to flow freely through life. He asks her “Why leave home if you are going to take it all with you?” Love kept these polar opposites in the same tiny boat for two years.
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Top reviews from the United States

Linda Ballou
5.0 out of 5 stars Opposites attract and then what
Reviewed in the United States on March 29, 2017
Verified Purchase
Opposites attract and then what do you do? Sail across the Pacific Ocean in a dilapidated 32-foot boat dubbed the Amazing Grace, of course. Naturally, you are terrified, but love for an adventurer pulls you forward and you risk life and limb for what? For him. Now, don’t get me wrong this is a true love story and I enjoyed the vicarious thrills of being onboard during the good and bad times with Torre and Ivan. However, I wanted to learn more about the stunning scenery of the places visited on the journey. The idyllic islands in the Marquesas, Tonga and the Cooks are all on my radar. Torre never got further than the sandy shores of these islands to explore hikes to waterfalls and such, or she did not find them share Nor, did she impart the history of the Islands which as a travel writer myself, I want to know. But, this is not a travelogue, it is a very personal memoir. Torre says that once visual impact of paradisiacal lagoons was over, she saw them as good places to be lonely. It seemed to me she never did connect with nature, although she says that is what she got from the journey. She was always yearning for the internet cafes and conversation with others. None, the less, she did brave discomfort, the big blue and many hardships to be with her lover. The writing is clever, catchy, entertaining and draws the reader forward. I tend to agree with Ivan who wants to escape society, unplug from technology and to flow freely through life. He asks her “Why leave home if you are going to take it all with you?” Love kept these polar opposites in the same tiny boat for two years.
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Linda Ballou
5.0 out of 5 stars Opposites attract and then what
Reviewed in the United States on March 29, 2017
Opposites attract and then what do you do? Sail across the Pacific Ocean in a dilapidated 32-foot boat dubbed the Amazing Grace, of course. Naturally, you are terrified, but love for an adventurer pulls you forward and you risk life and limb for what? For him. Now, don’t get me wrong this is a true love story and I enjoyed the vicarious thrills of being onboard during the good and bad times with Torre and Ivan. However, I wanted to learn more about the stunning scenery of the places visited on the journey. The idyllic islands in the Marquesas, Tonga and the Cooks are all on my radar. Torre never got further than the sandy shores of these islands to explore hikes to waterfalls and such, or she did not find them share Nor, did she impart the history of the Islands which as a travel writer myself, I want to know. But, this is not a travelogue, it is a very personal memoir. Torre says that once visual impact of paradisiacal lagoons was over, she saw them as good places to be lonely. It seemed to me she never did connect with nature, although she says that is what she got from the journey. She was always yearning for the internet cafes and conversation with others. None, the less, she did brave discomfort, the big blue and many hardships to be with her lover. The writing is clever, catchy, entertaining and draws the reader forward. I tend to agree with Ivan who wants to escape society, unplug from technology and to flow freely through life. He asks her “Why leave home if you are going to take it all with you?” Love kept these polar opposites in the same tiny boat for two years.
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Tracey Norton
4.0 out of 5 stars I loved this book
Reviewed in the United States on September 9, 2015
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I loved this book! My husband's greatest dream and desire is to sail and explore the world, like Torre & Ivan. He almost got it right, but regrettably life had other plans at the time .... He recommended this book to me and if it was a not too subtle ploy to make me want to do this crazy thing, it worked! I could really relate to Torre, with all of her fears and misgivings! I am not as phobic about the ocean, but I too would have fought tooth and nail for that ditch kit! Torre's easy style of writing draws one in, like chatting to an old friend and her vivid descriptions of both violent sea sickness and incredible, breath taking Pacific islands, make you feel like you are there too. This is wonderful memoir of an incredible and inspirational life changing event. Torre will make you laugh out loud and think deeply about life choices and facing your demons ..... Even if the love of your life does not want to traverse oceans on a 30ft yacht.
2 people found this helpful
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Sonya Moore
5.0 out of 5 stars Didn't want to put it down!
Reviewed in the United States on March 20, 2023
Verified Purchase
Loved this book so much! It pulls you in from the first page. Actually, from even before you get to the first page - the title and the cover are irresistible. The writing is vivid and engaging and the story is entertaining and full of adventure - I felt that I was living the experience as I read. I love books that make me laugh out loud and this one did that so often. Didn't want to put it down, especially in the second half.
2 people found this helpful
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Marlene
5.0 out of 5 stars Delightful and courageous journey!
Reviewed in the United States on March 28, 2014
Verified Purchase
I chose this book because with every new sailing season I begin to feel the fear of sailing again. Intellectually I know that fear is all in my head and that with some good deep breaths, I may very well be able to dissipate the feelings that I could die in storm as sea, break an arm caused by a 20-foot wave, or fall overboard. Torre DeRoche's fears were much like my own, yet she persevered and broke through her fears by motivating herself to learn about sailing and all the functions of the sailboat. And she met an amazing young man who she could sail with, learn with, grow with, and with whom she genuinely loved. Her humor is continuous throughout and it was so helpful to me to know that with humor many circumstances aboard a boat can become less unnerving than they may appear. I liked that caution was taken along Torre's journey and I learned that stopping to smell the roses is ever so important. Torre gets to the heart of the matter in terms of family and friends--how very important those people are in our lives and how being out in the ocean alone with one other person can teach you what's important in life. So when we challenge ourselves we renew who we are and appreciate life even more. Thank you, Torre, for those important life lessons.
3 people found this helpful
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Melanie Norman
4.0 out of 5 stars A walk through walls of fear!
Reviewed in the United States on June 1, 2018
Verified Purchase
Torre, your story was certainly one worth writing. The book was recommended to a very adventurous woman friend, so my husband decided to try it too. He could not get past your invasion of a stranger’s wallet, after finding yourself in the bed of a stranger. His loss was my gain, and really the perspective of a woman struck cords for me. Owning a 36 ft. Columbia names Sorrento, I could relate to your adventures, enjoying your great sense of humor. And you are lucky to have such a dynamic mate. All the best as you multiply life by the power of two! Fear is a wall YOU know how to walk through!
One person found this helpful
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Amy T.
5.0 out of 5 stars Fun easy read…makes you want to sail off
Reviewed in the United States on May 25, 2023
Verified Purchase
I read this entire book in 12 hours. It was such a fun read as a sailor who is longing to return to sailing It makes me want to sell everything and test my will and strength against the open ocean. Great story. Well done.
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Patricia Martin
3.0 out of 5 stars It's Ok
Reviewed in the United States on August 15, 2020
Verified Purchase
I am in a book club and we choose from several books and vote on the one to be read for the month. Love, With a Chance of Drowning was the book that was chosen. It is a true story. For me, it was an OK book. The first 5 chapters were very slow and I had a hard time getting into the book. Others in my group loved it. So all books are not for everyone and this one was just ok for me.
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Mari C
4.0 out of 5 stars Amei!
Reviewed in Brazil on August 7, 2018
Verified Purchase
é um livro super legal de ler, principamente para se distrair e sentir como que transportada a uma ilha do Pacífico.
Torre DeRoche tem um jeito descontraido e envolvente de escrever. Recomendo a leitura!
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Madam Pullen
5.0 out of 5 stars So honest! Love it
Reviewed in Australia on June 20, 2020
Verified Purchase
Torre tells her story with such humanity, and such honest. What a ride. We cringe with her and laugh with her in equal measure.
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Sofie
5.0 out of 5 stars 5 STARS
Reviewed in Canada on October 20, 2014
Verified Purchase
This is an absolutely brilliant travel autobiography about Torre DeRoche who follows the man she loves on a boat trip across the pacific ocean. The summary is a little misleading though. When I first read it, I got the impression that Torre and Ivan weren't even an official couple when she decided to pack up her life and pursue love. Actually she and Ivan were in a long-term relationship for over a year by the time they set sail.

Torre is a young Australian who decided to come to America and work for a year. Having only been in one relationship her whole life - a long-term one starting when she was 19 - Torre has no idea what to do when she wakes up next to a handsome stranger the morning after a night of drinking. She can't get him out of her head and as it turns out, he can't stop thinking about her either. It isn't long before they develop a deep relationship and Ivan just assumes she will be coming with him on his sailing trip even though she is terrified of the ocean. Torre is very stubborn and insists she will *never* sail around the world.

But of course love wins, and soon Torre finds herself on an amazing adventure. I find that some autobiographies, while fascinating in subject, are poorly written. This is not one of them. Torre is a great writer and a great story teller. She writes about the challenges of her relationship, her efforts to overcome her seasickness and fears, and all the wondrous experiences she has. You really can smell the sea salt and feel the ocean breeze when you read her book. I couldn't put it down.

Torre is a very likable person who tries her very best and is aware that she is a bit of a scaredy-cat, but is humorously self-deprecating about it. I enjoyed following Torre's adventures as she finally grows her sea legs. Ivan I found to be very interesting and honestly at the beginning of the book, I was very wary of him - as Torre acknowledges, you can always judge a man by the way he treats his mother, and Ivan does not treat his mother well. He was so incredibly stubborn that he frequently put himself and Torre at risk by not taking proper precautions. Ivan immigrated to the US from Cuba and his parents followed suit. We eventually learn just how traumatic his experiences in Cuba were and how they shaped him as a society-hating man who is not just a hardcore loner, but appears to be a bit of a misanthrope as well. But Ivan, much like Torre, grows throughout the story and although it is mostly Torre's growth that we follow, I really enjoyed learning more about Ivan and his past.

The adventures these two go on are simply astounding. I learned about islands I never knew exited and are barely on Google. While this book has not convinced me to sail the world, I can now see why the ocean is so seductive for people. I had no interest in sailing before reading this book and quite frankly, I still don't, but this is hands down the best travel autobiography I have ever read. It is possibly the best one ever written. It is engaging, magical, and humourous. I highly recommend it to anyone who is interested in travelling, regardless of whether or not sailing the world is their cup of tea.
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Nathalieso
3.0 out of 5 stars Lecture agréable mais répétitive au bout d'un moment
Reviewed in France on October 13, 2013
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Le début de ce livre est très sympathique et embarque le lecteur, il le perd un peu après.
Il existe des répétitions (dans les épisodes et les petites blagues) et la relation entre les deux protagonistes n'est pas explorée en profondeur.
J'ai apprécié le compte-rendu assez précis des difficultés d'avoir un bateau et de faire le tour du monde, de ce côté, on est loin de la "fuite dans les rêves".
Dans l'ensemble c'est une lecture agréable et qui, pour moi avait un intérêt car je connais quelqu'un qui a fait le tour du monde à la voile, et dans ce cas, cela donnait un bon aperçu de leur vie à bord. L'anglais utilisé est assez simple (pas de jargon maritime en abondance), le ton est bon enfant.
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GS
4.0 out of 5 stars Interesing combo - memoir, travelogue
Reviewed in Canada on September 14, 2013
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I found this book by chance and with my recent interest in memoirs, I purchased it with no expectations. I found the writing engaging and quickly found myself thorough enchanted with the story ! Torre has a style that draws you in and she quickly becomes a "real person" and her struggles become yours. You root for her and hope that the "happy ending" everyone dreams of, will become hers.
I have recommended this book to a few friends - especially those who need to see others come thru the other side of struggle and fear and hardship,
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