In 'The Sheltering Sky', Paul Bowles weaves a haunting tale of existential yearning and cultural dislocation amidst the vastness of the North African desert. The story follows an American couple, Port and Kit Moresby, as they embark on a journey through an unfamiliar landscape, grappling with the fragility of their relationship and the mysteries of life. As they venture deeper into the desert, they encounter a series of surreal and life-altering experiences that challenge their perceptions of reality. Bowles' lyrical prose captures the stark beauty and profound emptiness of the environment, reflecting the characters' inner turmoil. This haunting narrative explores themes of isolation, identity, and the search for meaning in a world that feels both alien and familiar.
By Paul Bowles
Published: 2014
"Because we are all so much better at seeing things from the outside than from the inside, we are inclined to believe that what we see is all that matters."
A beautiful 65th anniversary paperback edition of the landmark literary work by acclaimed author Paul Bowles. In this classic work of psychological terror, Paul Bowles examines the ways in which Americans apprehend an alien culture—and the ways in which their incomprehension destroys them. The story of three American travelers adrift in the cities and deserts of North Africa after World War II, The Sheltering Sky is at once merciless and heartbreaking in its compassion. It etches the limits of human reason and intelligence—perhaps even the limits of human life—when they touch the unfathomable emptiness and impassive cruelty of the desert.
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“Because we are all so much better at seeing things from the outside than from the inside, we are inclined to believe that what we see is all that matters.”
Sheltering Sky
By Paul Bowles
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.
Paul Bowles (1910-1999) was an American author and composer known for his unique, haunting prose and exploration of themes of isolation, existentialism, and cultural dislocation. He is best known for his novel 'The Sheltering Sky' (1949), which portrays the lives of American expatriates in North Africa and examines the clash between Western and Eastern values. Bowles' other notable works include 'Let It Come Down' (1952), 'The Spider's House' (1955), and 'Their Heads Are Green and Their Hands Are Blue' (1963), a collection of short stories. His writing style is characterized by sparse, yet lyrical language and a deep psychological insight into his characters. Bowles spent much of his life in Morocco, where he drew inspiration from the local culture, further influencing his literary work.
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