Raynor and Moth in the space of a few days, hear that Moth has a terminal illness, they have lost their home and livelihood - bailiffs are at the door. Not knowing what to do they decide to walk the South West Costal Path, 630miles from Somerset to Dorset all round the peninsula of Devon and Cornwall. Along the way they battle loneliness, hunger, destitution and illness. The harshness of the endeavour that they have set themselves seems to be their salvation. The beauty of the landscape, the nature, sky, sea and sounds appear to cleanse them of their issues. This seems trite but it does. A poignant read, even if the protagonists aren't that likeable.
This book generated a good talk about how easily we can lose everything. How homelessness is a harsh and unforgiving state - we are all only one bad investment away from this. How people judge the homeless.
Words used to describe it: perceptive, harrowing, humbling, chilly, cold, sobering
Marks out of 10: between 7 - 9
Next book
Wide Sargasso Sea by Jean Rhys
Next meeting
7th October
Venue: TBC
