49 pages • 1 hour read
The Salt Path
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Book Brief
275
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
South West Coast Path • 2010s
2018
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Salt Path: A Memoir (2018) by Raynor Winn is a nonfiction work that chronicles the journey of Raynor Winn and her husband, Moth, along the 630-mile South West Coast Path after they lose their home and Moth is diagnosed with a degenerative disease. Faced with homelessness, they traverse the rugged trail, confronting physical and emotional challenges while rediscovering resilience and hope.
Contemplative
Inspirational
Emotional
Adventurous
Bittersweet
Reviews & Readership
112,713 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Raynor Winn's The Salt Path is often praised for its emotional depth and raw honesty. Reviewers commend her vivid descriptions and inspiring journey, shedding light on resilience and the healing power of nature. However, some criticize its pacing and sporadic repetitiveness. Overall, it's a moving memoir that resonates deeply but may not appeal to those seeking fast-paced narratives.
Who Should Read The Salt Path?
Readers who enjoy The Salt Path by Raynor Winn are typically fond of memoirs with themes of resilience, nature, and personal transformation. Fans of Cheryl Strayed’s Wild and Elizabeth Gilbert’s Eat, Pray, Love will appreciate Winn's poignant prose and reflective journey along the South West Coast Path.
112,713 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Moth
Moth
Raynor's husband, who shares the journey on the South West Coast Path, dealing with his own health challenges while offering support and companionship to Raynor.
Tom and Rowan
Tom and Rowan
Raynor and Moth's college-age children who are adjusting to their parents' unexpected lifestyle changes, representing different perspectives in how they handle the family's situation.
Colin
Colin
An unhoused man that Raynor and Moth meet in Plymouth, who extends kindness and offers a different perspective on homelessness.
David and Julie
David and Julie
Fellow backpackers whom Raynor and Moth meet on their journey, providing companionship and contrasting different walks of life.
Grant
Grant
A wealthy individual who provides temporary shelter and hospitality to Raynor and Moth, mistakenly identifying Moth as Simon Armitage.
John and Gav
John and Gav
Two unhoused men who Raynor and Moth meet, offering shelter in informal housing and a fresh perspective on resilience and community support.
Josh and Adam
Josh and Adam
Young backpackers who cross paths with Raynor and Moth, representing youthful energy and reflecting on themes of freedom and endurance.
Paddy Dillon
Paddy Dillon
The author of the guidebook that Raynor and Moth rely on during their hike, serving as a humorous and indirect presence that influences their journey.
Polly
Polly
A friend who offers temporary shelter to Raynor and Moth, reflecting the complexities of friendship and support during difficult times.
Simon Armitage
Simon Armitage
A writer whom Moth is frequently mistaken for during their hike, highlighting societal perceptions and misconceptions about identity.
275
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
South West Coast Path • 2010s
2018
Adult
18+ years
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