From the very first page of The Salt Path by Raynor Winn, I was captivated by her storytelling skills. Her words draw you in, making the scenes feel almost palpable. The vivid portrayal of Raynor and Moth, huddling under their stairs as the bailiffs tried to find a way into the house, highlights her ability to blend vulnerability with warmth and humour. For me, the real strength of the book was how she nailed the emotions they’d gone through.

The story of Moth and Raynor is more than just a challenging hike; it’s about confronting life’s real adversities. Having lost their home, facing Moth’s deteriorating health, and having only £50 to their name when they start their adventure, their challenges are massive. Their hike along the 630-mile South West Coast Path is a testament to resilience and love – a raw, real bond.

The hike isn’t completed in one straightforward trip. For example, they find brief respite with an old friend, Polly. Moth gets busy plastering the walls of their makeshift abode, but his health declines dramatically during this stint. Ray, ever resourceful, slips into the role of a sheep wool packer, but by mid-summer they are back on the road, when Moth’s health seems to almost miraculously recover. I don’t know, call me a cynic, but Winn’s beautifully lyrical prose at this point made me wonder about the line between reality and embellishment. This then made me doubt the authenticity of early moments like the rehoming of chickens and the tale of Smotyn the sheep. I have a friend who never lets the truth get in the way of a good story and I have a feeling that Raynor Winn might have a similar outlook.

 To summarize I’d say that The Salt Path weaves a tale of love, challenge, and self-discovery, reminding us that even when life is tough, resilience and love can guide the way. A captivating read, but perhaps best taken with a grain of salt.