With all the mentions I've made of Raynor Winn's The Salt Path over the past few years, I feel it incumbent upon me to make this post.
I was on youtube yesterday when a little video popped up. This one. A reporter at The Observer dug deep and found out that the Winns' real names are Sally and Tim Walker They are basically embezzlers and tax evaders, for a start. Three books were written, to acclaim, and now the film is out; I've been waiting for it to show over here. Now, I don't think I can bring myself. The full article - very thorough and interesting - is here.
I really am stunned. Of course we know these things go on. But it was a great story, and so hopeful, the way Moth seemed to get better after these long hikes they went on. They're not even sure now about the truth of his illness, and that whole part of it.
What really amazes me is that she has done so many interviews, her face has been everywhere, for those who've been following their story, and didn't she think that someday they'd be found out? That nobody they've ever known would be watching the news? What will happen now? You can run, but you can't hide forever, and especially not when you're famous. Incredible.
About "journalism". This reporter, Chloe Hadjimatheou, did a stellar job. But there is altogether too much of this:
But I do agree with them on one point: They are extremely dangerous to our democracy.
I was lent Landlines by a friend last year and enjoyed the book. Raynor Winn/Sally Walker is a very good story-teller and that is the nub of the whole issue I think. She is extremely plausible. It is such a shame that she decided to turn a gift into a crime. I wonder if her husband (like Macbeth) is a weak man who lets her get on with it. Perhaps he suffers from guilt and his illness is psychosomatic? We may never know, but knowing the 'press', who are like dogs with bones, we will probably hear all there is to know fairly soon. Unless of course, they have to go to court, in which case, all will be revealed once the trial is over.
ReplyDeleteYes, she is plausible; even though it’s an amazing story, it’s plausible!
DeleteI think I learned of the books from this blog - I read the first two as I could never find the 3rd in my library system. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the stories. I am looking forward to reading the article you linked.
ReplyDeleteRosemary
www.mapmakingthroughlife.blogspot.com
Rosemary, she really writes well. But now I wonder how much of it is true? It's presented as true, so readers should have a right to know if it is. I suppose more people may come forward to fill out the story, after a while.
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