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The Salt Path (The Film)

(333 Posts)
TerriBull Tue 03-Jun-25 19:21:49

I think there have been quite a few discussions on GN about the book since its publication. We went to see the film this afternoon, mixed reviews, not an overwhelming 5 stars from some critics. I loved it, found it very affecting in the portrayal of the depth of Ray and Moth's relationship, a rock solid marriage facing insurmountable problems, losing their home, subsequently made homeless, related in flashbacks. Practically penniless bar the meagre weekly benefit they received drawn along the way, whilst they set off on what would seem an insane challenge given Moth's serious and rare illness. Set backs en route, not least of all the elements wreaking havoc on their flimsy tent whilst they undertake the daunting, but beautiful south west coastal walk, I love that part of the world one of the reasons that drew me to the book in the first place.. Fantastic acting particularly from Gillian Anderson and Jason Isaacs ultimately uplifting.

bikergran Tue 08-Jul-25 17:17:22

Well I had intended going to see the film( not read the book)

But don't think I will bother with either now shock

It has disappeared from the listings now.

M0nica Wed 09-Jul-25 09:41:35

Allira

^Life in Cornwall^:
Raynor and Moth live in Cornwall, near Fowey, where they were gifted a cider farm by a fan of "The Salt Path".

Lucky them!

But how much longer before they are evicted and make up another tall tale and head off to walk the Pennine Way or immerse themselves somewhere working with the suffering in order to write another book.

Magenta8 Wed 09-Jul-25 10:26:37

M0nica I am rather hoping that the next book will be prison memoirs.

Allira Wed 09-Jul-25 10:40:10

M0nica

Allira

^Life in Cornwall^:
Raynor and Moth live in Cornwall, near Fowey, where they were gifted a cider farm by a fan of "The Salt Path".

Lucky them!

But how much longer before they are evicted and make up another tall tale and head off to walk the Pennine Way or immerse themselves somewhere working with the suffering in order to write another book.

The Welsh Coastal Path perhaps?

As some scenes in The Salt Path were filmed near here, we can pre-order exclusive signed copies of Raynor Winn's next book at a local shop. 🤔

Boz Wed 09-Jul-25 11:58:16

If I was Gillian Anderson, I would be miffed. OK, only a job of work maybe but no doubt directed to play a nice, sympathetic , hard-done-by Raynor Wynn - a heroine instead of an immoral fantasist on the run with 'sick' husband, scrounging along the SWCP to avoid the mess they had created.

Diddles Thu 10-Jul-25 08:32:23

I haven't read the book or seen the film therefore not qualified to have an opinion, but after reading the article last week in the Observer, detailing the embezzlement from her former employer and several expert neurologists doubt over his illness, I think it's unlikely I ever will indulge

Iam64 Thu 10-Jul-25 08:46:10

Ray or Winn has published some of Moth’s letters from consultants. I should learn how to link 🙈. My brief reading raised questions

MayBee70 Thu 10-Jul-25 12:07:58

Iam64

Ray or Winn has published some of Moth’s letters from consultants. I should learn how to link 🙈. My brief reading raised questions

I think I read that it is one of those conditions that doesn’t have a specific test but is diagnosed by a sort of process of elimination so perhaps a misdiagnosis could have been made initially. However, with something with such a bad prognosis I would have thought that he would have been under the hospital and required frequent appointments? I’ll try to find the letters.

Pantglas2 Thu 10-Jul-25 12:15:10

Pantglas2

We saw the film this afternoon and I will source the book to see what they left out!

I prefer to do it this way round as I’m normally rather cross when I enjoy a book first then find the film has cut corners.

Well this was rather noncommittal of me! Seems rather a lot was left out…🫣

I had thought of buying the book but given developments I’ll wait for a cast off from my local charity shop!

TerriBull Thu 10-Jul-25 12:17:33

TerriBull

I think there have been quite a few discussions on GN about the book since its publication. We went to see the film this afternoon, mixed reviews, not an overwhelming 5 stars from some critics. I loved it, found it very affecting in the portrayal of the depth of Ray and Moth's relationship, a rock solid marriage facing insurmountable problems, losing their home, subsequently made homeless, related in flashbacks. Practically penniless bar the meagre weekly benefit they received drawn along the way, whilst they set off on what would seem an insane challenge given Moth's serious and rare illness. Set backs en route, not least of all the elements wreaking havoc on their flimsy tent whilst they undertake the daunting, but beautiful south west coastal walk, I love that part of the world one of the reasons that drew me to the book in the first place.. Fantastic acting particularly from Gillian Anderson and Jason Isaacs ultimately uplifting.

I think I would just add now the dust has settled, given everything that has come to light since I first opened this thread.....well just suffice to say, I probably would never have started it in the first place, if I'd known a fraction of what has been uncovered. I wasn't wearing my cynic's hat when I read the book and saw the film, just thought it was an uplifting account of a couple overcoming some of the adversity that life had dished out, not realising the role they'd played in their own downfall and worse than that the embezzlement and cheating, they've made a fortune on the back of the books and the film, hope they will be paying some of it back. All very disappointing. I bet their publishers, Gillian Anderson and Jason Isaacs are none too pleased hmm

J52 Thu 10-Jul-25 12:26:30

There was an article in today’s Times where Raynor Winn/Walker, produced redacted snippets from the consultants letters. Because they were not in context it is very difficult to give them credence.

Iam64 Thu 10-Jul-25 14:22:43

I read the letters, I’m prepared to be told I’m wrong but, I couldn’t see a diagnosis, reference to Mother reporting symptoms

Cressy Thu 10-Jul-25 14:24:14

www.raynorwinn.co.uk/

This is the link to Raynor Winn’s statement today.

Another interesting read.

Magenta8 Thu 10-Jul-25 19:01:44

I have just read the statement.

If even half of what Sally/Raynor claims is actually true she would be able to take The Observer to the cleaners and make even more money. It will be interesting to see how much, if any, of her statement actually holds water.

MayBee70 Thu 10-Jul-25 19:07:06

Well she can afford to use the very best lawyers. I wonder if the relative that lent them the money was actually very dodgy. She says she’s paid everybody back but isn’t that what the £100,000 was for anyway?

Lathyrus3 Thu 10-Jul-25 19:17:11

If you divest it of the emotive narrative there is not actually much there of facts. It is a statement designed to restore the sympathy that followed The Salt Path.

The one thing she disputes that is provable is the Observers statement that a relative loaned money to pay of the embezzlement and avoid criminal proceedings and her statement that the money was actually a repayment of a loan that they made to him some years earlier.

That will be easily provable if it is the truth or one lie amongst many.

I hold no credence to her claim that the embezzled money was a “mistake”. It was a very large of money taken over several years.

Moth’s illness is a matter between him and his doctors and only he and they can judge on that.

No doubt I will now open myself again to jibes of “the Lathyrus show” for posting and to judgements of being “pious”, “sanctimonious” “”without compassion” and unable to appreciate the ‘shades of grey” of life.

Actually I prefer to think of it as ‘clear-sighted”.

merlotgran Thu 10-Jul-25 19:51:16

On Channel 4 News now.

Iam64 Thu 10-Jul-25 19:58:48

Thanks Merlot, I missed ch4 will try catch up

Iam64 Thu 10-Jul-25 20:01:42

Lathyrus3

If you divest it of the emotive narrative there is not actually much there of facts. It is a statement designed to restore the sympathy that followed The Salt Path.

The one thing she disputes that is provable is the Observers statement that a relative loaned money to pay of the embezzlement and avoid criminal proceedings and her statement that the money was actually a repayment of a loan that they made to him some years earlier.

That will be easily provable if it is the truth or one lie amongst many.

I hold no credence to her claim that the embezzled money was a “mistake”. It was a very large of money taken over several years.

Moth’s illness is a matter between him and his doctors and only he and they can judge on that.

No doubt I will now open myself again to jibes of “the Lathyrus show” for posting and to judgements of being “pious”, “sanctimonious” “”without compassion” and unable to appreciate the ‘shades of grey” of life.

Actually I prefer to think of it as ‘clear-sighted”.

Lathyrus, I’ve missed these accusations of pious sanctimonious posts. I missed the posts as well 😁

I agree with your summary

merlotgran Thu 10-Jul-25 20:26:13

Iam64

Thanks Merlot, I missed ch4 will try catch up

Very short….Nothing we don’t already know.

Iam64 Thu 10-Jul-25 20:46:11

Thanks Merlot

Allira Thu 10-Jul-25 21:21:38

MayBee70

Iam64

Ray or Winn has published some of Moth’s letters from consultants. I should learn how to link 🙈. My brief reading raised questions

I think I read that it is one of those conditions that doesn’t have a specific test but is diagnosed by a sort of process of elimination so perhaps a misdiagnosis could have been made initially. However, with something with such a bad prognosis I would have thought that he would have been under the hospital and required frequent appointments? I’ll try to find the letters.

However, with something with such a bad prognosis I would have thought that he would have been under the hospital and required frequent appointments?

Yes, I agree. The immediate reaction would be to follow the recommendations of the Consultants, not to change your names and disappear. I'm surprised, having received such a diagnosis, he went along with the hare-brained scheme.

Not having read the books or seen the film, I wonder if this couple was still in touch with their children throughout?

Primrose53 Thu 10-Jul-25 21:34:06

Allira

MayBee70

Iam64

Ray or Winn has published some of Moth’s letters from consultants. I should learn how to link 🙈. My brief reading raised questions

I think I read that it is one of those conditions that doesn’t have a specific test but is diagnosed by a sort of process of elimination so perhaps a misdiagnosis could have been made initially. However, with something with such a bad prognosis I would have thought that he would have been under the hospital and required frequent appointments? I’ll try to find the letters.

However, with something with such a bad prognosis I would have thought that he would have been under the hospital and required frequent appointments?

Yes, I agree. The immediate reaction would be to follow the recommendations of the Consultants, not to change your names and disappear. I'm surprised, having received such a diagnosis, he went along with the hare-brained scheme.

Not having read the books or seen the film, I wonder if this couple was still in touch with their children throughout?

They were barely mentioned in the book and just briefly in the film. She said they were at Uni.

Iam64 Thu 10-Jul-25 21:57:06

I can’t imagine leaving my university age children to walk hundreds of miles with their very ill father,

Allira Thu 10-Jul-25 22:00:32

Me neither.
I'm far from a helicopter parent but I think they need to know where their parents are and how they are.