I had seen The Salt Path by Raynor Winn in a bookshop in St Ives. It appeared to be a book about her and her husband Moth's journey along the South West Coast Path. This book is so much more than a guidebook or travel log though. Their journey begins when they discover that Moth is terminally ill and then their home is taken away from them. They find themselves penniless and homeless. With no real options before them, they make the brave decision to walk the 630 miles along the South West Coast Path. They buy tents, sleeping bags and set off with the bare minimum they need to live with, as they have to carry everything. They live day to day, struggling with Moth's illness, the weather, having no money, no plan and to all intents and purposes no future. Wild camping in some of the most beautiful and spectacular scenery in Britain, their trip becomes not just a physical one but a spiritual one. One of discovery, of how much they can succeed in the face of adversity, and of how strong they really are. It also questions how we view homelessness in this country. It is all to easy to look at a homeless person and say, oh, yes, its because of drink or drugs, but there are many reasons why someone becomes homeless. I do have some knowledge of this, as I did work in the local authorities homeless section for a time. Anyone can become homeless, it can easily happen to anyone. I loved how Raynor and Moth were met with such kindness from some people.
I really warmed to both Raynor and Moth, I hope that they are both doing well and do hope that Raynor thinks about writing another book. This is not a sad book, although in parts it did make me cry but it is an uplifting read, inspirational and makes you question what you would do if faced in their situation. This book is a joy to read, Raynor's writing is wonderful. From descriptions of the weather, scenery, wildlife, observations on society, nature, other people and their relationship. This is a wonderful story of coming to terms with grief (premature grieving, something I know about unfortunately) and about finding yourself and what is really important when it seems that everything is lost.
Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet or computer – no Kindle device required.
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.
Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
Great on Kindle
Great Experience. Great Value.
Putting our best book forward
Each Great on Kindle book offers a great reading experience, at a better value than print to keep your wallet happy.
Explore your book, then jump right back to where you left off with Page Flip.
View high quality images that let you zoom in to take a closer look.
Enjoy features only possible in digital – start reading right away, carry your library with you, adjust the font, create shareable notes and highlights, and more.
Discover additional details about the events, people, and places in your book, with Wikipedia integration.
Get the free Kindle app: 
Enjoy a great reading experience when you buy the Kindle edition of this book.
Learn more about Great on Kindle, available in select categories.
Customers who viewed this item also viewed
Page 1 of 1 Start againPage 1 of 1
Popular highlights in this book
I was a part of the whole. I didn’t need to own a patch of land to make that so. I could stand in the wind and I was the wind, the rain, the sea; it was all me, and I was nothing within it. The core of me wasn’t lost. Translucent, elusive, but there and growing stronger with every headland.Highlighted by 762 Kindle readers- This second in the millions of seconds was the only one, the only one that we could live in. I was home, there was nothing left to search for, he was my home.Highlighted by 567 Kindle readers
- Meet me there, where the sea meets the sky, Lost but finally free.Highlighted by 473 Kindle readers
From the Publisher
|
|
|
|
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
About the author
Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Reviews with images
A tale that pares back the trappings of modern life and opens up the joys of the unknown.
An extraordinary tale that shows, when all has gone wrong, it could be a hidden gift. Nature becomes a worthy companion and the reader is drawn to see the public as aliens and the homeless as real people. There is no hope, no plan, no home. There's only the open road and mysterious soothsayers en route. What a story!
Top reviews from other countries
HeidiML
Heartfelt, Tender, Powerful, Five-Star Memoir
Reviewed in the United States on 15 March 2024
