The Salt Path, a widely celebrated memoir of resilience and healing, has come under intense scrutiny following allegations that key elements of the story may have been fabricated—raising questions about the integrity of the narrative and the future of both the book and its recent film adaptation.

Authored by Raynor Winn, The Salt Path recounts the journey of Winn and her husband, Moth, as they trekked 630 miles along England’s South West Coast Path after losing their home and learning of Moth’s rare terminal illness, corticobasal degeneration (CBD). The memoir resonated with millions, selling over 2 million copies, spawning two sequels, and leading to a film adaptation starring Gillian Anderson and Jason Isaacs.

However, a report published last Sunday by The Observer has challenged the veracity of the memoir. The investigation claims the couple’s real names are Sally and Timothy Walker and that their financial downfall stemmed not from a failed investment, as stated, but from allegations of embezzlement. It also alleges the couple were not actually homeless, as they reportedly owned a house in France at the time.

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Further doubts have been cast over Moth’s medical condition. Experts interviewed by The Observer questioned whether he had CBD at all, citing his apparent recovery and lack of typical symptoms.

In response, Penguin Michael Joseph, the book’s publisher, announced on Friday that the release of Winn’s upcoming book On Winter Hill would be delayed. The decision follows growing public concern and what the publisher described as “intrusive conjecture” about the couple’s circumstances.

Winn has rejected the allegations as “highly misleading,” while admitting to “mistakes” in her business past. She released documents that she claims support Moth’s diagnosis and said the backlash had left them “devastated.”

Penguin stated that it had conducted “the necessary pre-publication due diligence” and had received no prior complaints about the book.

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As questions loom over future sales and the film’s U.S. distribution, the controversy has already begun impacting the author’s public engagements. Winn has withdrawn from her planned appearance on the Saltlines tour due to ongoing legal proceedings.

Source: Agency