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A review by tesslw
The Salt Path by Raynor Winn
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-paced
5.0
Goodness me, this book made me FEEL THINGS. This remarkable memoir follows Raynor and her husband, Moth - just days after Moth is diagnosed with an incredibly rare, incurable and degenerative disease, they lose their home and livelihood in the climax of a long and emotionally draining legal battle. With nothing left to lose and a sobering realisation about the realities of their own mortality, Raynor and Moth decide, on a whim, to pack up what is left of their lives and walk the 630 mile coastal path from Somerset to Dorset (passing through Cornwall and Devon en route), wild camping and living out of rucksacks. This momentous decision makes for the most incredible story - the hardship that these two faced and the resilience they show is truly mindblowing. It is a beautiful reminder of the power of hope, and the spirit of love.
The nature writing and the descriptions of the landscape in this are absolutely glorious - whilst some of the descriptions of putting up their tent in the freezing cold or lashing rain made me shiver in my bones, in other chapters I could almost feel the grass between my toes or the salt from the waves as I swim in the glittering sea.
This book also provides just a glimmer of insight into the prejudice and contempt that anyone who is homeless has to face in this country - a community whom we should be treating with compassion and rallying round to offer support, not judgement and vitriol. The assumptions that are made about the circumstances leading to the couple’s journey and homelessness are nothing short of poisonous in places. However it also spotlights the kindness of many - the camaraderie and generosity Raynor and Moth receive from some is wonderful, and in turn the way that they resolve to help others even when they have so little themselves is truly admirable.
Despite going directly against doctors’ orders to rest, Moth’s condition actually seems to improve throughout their journey, despite the gruelling miles and the heavy packs - at least in part a testament to nature’s healing powers (though PLEASE don’t get me wrong, I am not for a moment suggesting that all any serious ailment requires is some fresh air and a good long walk), but Moth’s medical journey throughout this really is remarkable.
I would absolutely recommend this, I think it’s a tender, moving and deeply beautiful memoir about extraordinary people in extraordinary circumstances
The nature writing and the descriptions of the landscape in this are absolutely glorious - whilst some of the descriptions of putting up their tent in the freezing cold or lashing rain made me shiver in my bones, in other chapters I could almost feel the grass between my toes or the salt from the waves as I swim in the glittering sea.
This book also provides just a glimmer of insight into the prejudice and contempt that anyone who is homeless has to face in this country - a community whom we should be treating with compassion and rallying round to offer support, not judgement and vitriol. The assumptions that are made about the circumstances leading to the couple’s journey and homelessness are nothing short of poisonous in places. However it also spotlights the kindness of many - the camaraderie and generosity Raynor and Moth receive from some is wonderful, and in turn the way that they resolve to help others even when they have so little themselves is truly admirable.
Despite going directly against doctors’ orders to rest, Moth’s condition actually seems to improve throughout their journey, despite the gruelling miles and the heavy packs - at least in part a testament to nature’s healing powers (though PLEASE don’t get me wrong, I am not for a moment suggesting that all any serious ailment requires is some fresh air and a good long walk), but Moth’s medical journey throughout this really is remarkable.
I would absolutely recommend this, I think it’s a tender, moving and deeply beautiful memoir about extraordinary people in extraordinary circumstances
Content Warnings
Graphic: Terminal illness
Moderate: Chronic illness