You voice the thoughts of many, I'm sure. I shared your bafflement when I read the book, I could not imagine dragging my newly diagnosed, supposedly terminally ill husband on a lengthy and arduous hike against the elements. They were offered B&B accommodation and she refused it. I'd have done everything in my power to make him safe and comfortable. I agree that she is deflecting from questions about the alleged criminality, too, she makes no apology and reframes embezzlement as 'mistakes'. I absolutely think the name change is an attempt to distance herself from a version of herself that doesn't fit her narrative. She clearly loves her celebrity lifestyle and being lauded as a paragon and an inspiration. It is also telling, I think that Mr Walker remains silent.
I bumped into Moth at this years Hay festival, as we were both heading to see Raynor appear.
He was friendly, yet Quiet: I remarked on how crazy all of this must seem - he concurred.
I said I felt much of it hinged on the fact that wrong had been righted - That they were so badly stitched up in losing their home, where the book begins, but now look at where they now are!
Oh, how I wonder what was in his thoughts in that moment when he smiled and nodded!
Wow Jo, what a brilliantly piece of writing … It’s so funny as I nearly sent you the article ftom The Observer , and then I changed my mind, not wanting to inflict such disappointment , knowing that you would have probably already be on the verge of reading it or might have likely read before me, and you might need some time to assimilate the news! Ha ha! I never read The Salt Path, as I found the narrative weirdly patronising and irritating, but I can’t articulate why …. ! But yes, I loved reading your very honest substack asking for some humility and truth in her explanation. Brave… xxx
You voice the thoughts of many, I'm sure. I shared your bafflement when I read the book, I could not imagine dragging my newly diagnosed, supposedly terminally ill husband on a lengthy and arduous hike against the elements. They were offered B&B accommodation and she refused it. I'd have done everything in my power to make him safe and comfortable. I agree that she is deflecting from questions about the alleged criminality, too, she makes no apology and reframes embezzlement as 'mistakes'. I absolutely think the name change is an attempt to distance herself from a version of herself that doesn't fit her narrative. She clearly loves her celebrity lifestyle and being lauded as a paragon and an inspiration. It is also telling, I think that Mr Walker remains silent.
I bumped into Moth at this years Hay festival, as we were both heading to see Raynor appear.
He was friendly, yet Quiet: I remarked on how crazy all of this must seem - he concurred.
I said I felt much of it hinged on the fact that wrong had been righted - That they were so badly stitched up in losing their home, where the book begins, but now look at where they now are!
Oh, how I wonder what was in his thoughts in that moment when he smiled and nodded!
One can only imagine. 😔
Wow Jo, what a brilliantly piece of writing … It’s so funny as I nearly sent you the article ftom The Observer , and then I changed my mind, not wanting to inflict such disappointment , knowing that you would have probably already be on the verge of reading it or might have likely read before me, and you might need some time to assimilate the news! Ha ha! I never read The Salt Path, as I found the narrative weirdly patronising and irritating, but I can’t articulate why …. ! But yes, I loved reading your very honest substack asking for some humility and truth in her explanation. Brave… xxx
Ay, Graçias Bea!
Like many, I’m so shocked by this ‘fall from grace’… and caught up in wondering what was in their minds.
I think it’s more complicated than either ‘they are good people, there’s a valid explanation’ and ‘they are all- bad swindlers & thieves’…