The Salt Path (The Film)

Wow! I’m quite staggered by the depth of feeling against them and their decision to walk. I suppose none of us know what we would do in sudden and life changing circumstances (and they had two!) but I think they were very brave and their decision had massive positive implications for Moth’s health. I found the book inspiring and honest- would you really begrudge them, in such circumstances, a free nights camping/shower and a couple of chocolate bars which were stolen in the heat of the moment? The book is stripped back to not hide things done out of desperation and which they were probably not proud of and also how they felt at times - raw misery, hunger and exhaustion. Nope - you’re right. No one forced them to take on the walk - but what a life affirming decision it was.
I too was a little disappointed on the film as it couldn’t possibly tell the whole story in the depth of the book and it was a bit frustrating knowing there was far more in the story to tell. Just my opinion of course!

Enjoyed the book
I thought she was an excellent writer but the liberal use of the f word I found totally un-necessary

I agree with Primrose.

The only thing I couldn’t understand in the book is why they never used a food bank. There are lots of those in towns along the Sw coast path. I really enjoyed the book and finished the subsequent two books. I found the film ok but not riveting. I would be more interested in the full details of how they lost the farm in the first place. Seems very stupid as they explain it.

totally agree. I found the book preachy and annoying, and the two of them grabby, thieving and entitled. They lost their home. Well, bad stuff happens. They weren't entitled to a nice house and lifestyle. But I found the film much better - a subtle exploration of a long marriage, and of having nothing, with great performances from Gillian Anderson and Jason Isaacs.

Saw the film yesterday. Found it a bit dull & drawn out. However I did enjoy the scenery! Jason Isaacs was brilliant and so physically like the real Moth. Gillian Anderson’s accent grated after a while. I don’t think I’d recommend it. Wait till it’s on the telly so it can be turned off if required 😉

I imagine they are rich beyond their wildest dreams, with the books and the film rights.

I’m heartened to read all these comments as I felt quite curmudgeonly after reading the book . All this poor me stuff / we ve got no money but others do. It annoyed me but felt bad thinking that ! Anyways she’s ok now isn’t she ~ didn’t someone “ lend “ them a home 😡

Sorry but this doesnt sound interesting in the least- as someone else said- i'll wait for Netflix to show it and then see, but at least if its got nothing going for it other than the scenery i can switch off & not have wasted my time&money😆

Have just started listening to the book on Audible as I take my (somewhat shorter!) walks. I am so glad that I am not the only one finding it difficult to engage with the main characters. I guess that the "Big Idea" that comes to her is to write a book about their journey.....I hope there is something else as well...

I found her irritating in the book & hated how she stole from shops. I’ll watch the film though as I love the SW coast path.

Parsley3

I have read the book and didn't take to either of them. They stole and scrounged their way along the route. She is lucky that the people contibuting to her book success were prepared to overlook the more dubious behaviour. As for the film, I will go as I like the two lead actors.

I didn't like them either Parsley3 and (like Sara1954) I thought it was ridiculous that they tackled the walk when his health was in such a bad way. I felt uncomfortable re the scrounging and their attitudes.

I won't be going to see the film after finding the book irritating.

I won’t see the film, I’m tempted by the scenery, love that part of the country.
But I agree with Primrose above, their choice, anyone would think they were forced to do it. I also question their ‘strong relationship’ if my husband had just been diagnosed with a terminal illness, I don’t think I’d be dragging him off on a totally foolhardy journey.
Glad you enjoyed the film though TerriBull.

I agree that some people are desperate and starving. But the point about this couple was that they did have a choice. They weren't sitting selling the Big Issue.
They were hiking around the South West coastline, as middle class people tend to do. At any point when they they felt they could no longer do this in a self sustainable way through wild camping and thrift (ie not stealing and freeloading) they could have gone home and sought accommodation. I hope they paid back what they took. Nevertheless, shd writes well, it was a fascinating read and made me think.

I enjoyed the ok but for some reason ( which I feel a bit bad about) find the author irritating, even though she does write beautifully.

I enjoyed the book, although there were some things that made me feel a bit uncomfortable. The subsequent books I found less engaging.

I've no desire to see the film - for one thing the pictures won't be as good as those in my imagination!

I haven't read the book but have heard about it. Recently I have seen lots of publicity about the film. I really don't know much of the story but straight away I wondered about how 'true' this story was, and what has happened to them since?
Now I have read these posts I really don't think it is the thing for me...
Lots of people are made homeless but don't then to go on to make money from book sales and film rights.
Call me a cynic, but they won't be getting any money out of me.

I was in town with a DGD when they were filming but thought we'd better not go and join in!
Perhaps I should go and see it to see if I spot anyone I know.

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.

I have read the book and didn't take to either of them. They stole and scrounged their way along the route. She is lucky that the people contibuting to her book success were prepared to overlook the more dubious behaviour. As for the film, I will go as I like the two lead actors.

Well I did say I forgot the finer detail. Whilst, not condoning stealing per se, stealing to survive, possibly not so shocking in light of the fact that times have moved on since the book was published and now society is in an age of almost sanctioned shoplifting. Shoplifting out of pure greed, not to survive, but stealing to order, luxury items to sell on, whilst the powers that be appear to have thrown their hands up in the air and turned a blind eye in a "oh well what can we do?" I agree in an ideal world people wouldn't steal, it affects businesses, it isn't a victimless crime.

Intetesting comments! I enjoyed the book but had the same qs about their homeless situation and a few other bits that didn't add up. Was particularly annoyed aboyt the shoplifting and the early escape from the campsite without paying. I remember writing this on a Goodreads review and got such an angry response..... anyway, it's cheered me up to read these posts

She stole stuff to eat. It’s in the book.

It was a while ago I read the book, I can't remember the finer detail, and I know it divided opinions, as no doubt the film will, insomuch as some were exasperated possibly by viewing them as architects of their own misfortune. I think I read and viewed it in the spirit of resilience triumphing over adversity.

"I hope she's been back and repaid the people that she stole from" What did that relate to, I've not read about it?

I enjoyed the book but not the film, I felt so much of the book had been omitted.
To me Gillian Anderson just didn't fit portraying Winn.
The scenery however was stunning.