Readers of the beloved memoir The Salt Path are up in arms after realising that the much-anticipated sequel, The Wild Silence, is largely a rehashed version of Raynor Winn's earlier work, Landlines.
Many fans, who pre-ordered the book expecting fresh content, feel misled and are now demanding refunds from retailers and the publisher. Social media has been flooded with complaints, with some calling it a 'betrayal' of trust.
What’s the controversy about?
The Salt Path, which chronicled Winn’s journey walking the South West Coast Path with her husband after losing their home, became a bestseller and won numerous awards. Its sequel, The Wild Silence, was marketed as a continuation of their story.
However, readers quickly noticed that large sections of the book were identical to Landlines, a lesser-known title Winn published years earlier. Some chapters were even copied word-for-word, with minimal new material added.
Readers react with fury
Disappointed fans have taken to platforms like Twitter and Facebook to vent their frustration. One reader wrote: 'I feel cheated. This isn’t a sequel—it’s a recycled book with a new cover.'
Others have accused the publisher of deceptive marketing, arguing that the book’s description should have made it clear that much of the content was repurposed.
Will refunds be issued?
So far, neither the publisher nor major retailers have addressed the backlash publicly. However, some independent bookshops have offered refunds to dissatisfied customers.
Legal experts suggest that readers may have grounds for refunds under consumer protection laws if the book was misrepresented in its marketing.
For now, the controversy serves as a cautionary tale for publishers about transparency—and a reminder to readers to check reviews before buying.
