The Sheltering Sky

by Paul Bowles
The Sheltering Sky cover
Good Books rating 4.0
Literary Fiction
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Paperback • £9.99
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Technical
  • ID: 9963
  • Added: 2026-01-05
  • Updated: 2026-01-05
  • Published: 2002-01-01
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

This annotated collector's edition brings together three of Paul Bowles' most significant works, providing a comprehensive look at the author's unique perspective and literary genius. As a companion to 'Collected Stories and Later Writings,' this volume is a must-have for fans and scholars alike, offering insights into Bowles' creative process and the themes that defined his career. /n/n The collection showcases Bowles' distinctive voice and his ability to blend travel, culture, and personal introspection into compelling narratives. Whether you're a longtime admirer or a newcomer to his work, this edition offers a rich and rewarding exploration of one of America's most enigmatic literary figures.

Reviews
Reading Matters Blog · 2022-06-26
eloquent 4.50

The writing is eloquent, spare, and incisive, featuring authentic dialogue and vivid descriptions of place. The book's strong sense of place is particularly noteworthy.

The reviewer praises the book for its eloquent and incisive writing, highlighting the authentic dialogue and rich, vivid descriptions of place. They appreciate the book's strong sense of place, which is particularly noteworthy and adds depth to the narrative. The reviewer finds the book to be a compelling read, with its spare and incisive prose making it a memorable and engaging experience. The book is seen as a testament to the power of descriptive writing and its ability to transport the reader to another world.

Quick quotes

    The writing is eloquent, spare and incisive, featuring authentic, animated dialogue and rich, vivid descriptions of place.

    Strong sense of place is particularly noteworthy.

    The book's spare and incisive prose makes it a memorable and engaging experience.

The Guardian · 2015-08-28
bleak 3.50

The book serves as a bleak reminder of the dangers lurking within the romanticized idea of travel. It portrays a jaundiced journey through North Africa that highlights the perils of such adventures.

The reviewer finds the book to be a cautionary tale about the romanticized notion of travel. They describe it as a bleak and jaundiced account of a journey through North Africa, highlighting the perils and dangers that lie beneath the surface of such adventures. The book is seen as a stark reminder of the potential pitfalls of travel, making it a compelling read for those who appreciate a more realistic and less romanticized view of the world. The reviewer appreciates the book's ability to challenge the reader's perceptions of travel and adventure, making it a thought-provoking and engaging read.

Quick quotes

    This account of a jaundiced progress around north Africa is a bleak reminder of the perils that lie within the romantic idea of travel.

    The Sheltering Sky is a cautionary tale for tourists.

    The book serves as a stark reminder of the dangers lurking within the romanticized idea of travel.

Coal Hill Review · 2009-08-30
profound 4.00

The novel delves into existential despair and explores the limits of humanity when faced with the vast emptiness of the desert. It is a profound examination of human nature and the search for meaning.

The reviewer describes the book as a novel of existential despair that examines the limits of humanity when confronted with the unfathomable emptiness of the desert. They appreciate the book's profound exploration of human nature and the search for meaning in a vast and indifferent world. The reviewer finds the book to be a compelling and thought-provoking read, highlighting its ability to delve deep into the human psyche and the complexities of our existence. The book is seen as a powerful exploration of the human condition, making it a must-read for those interested in existential themes.

Quick quotes

    A novel of existential despair that examines the limits of humanity when it touches the unfathomable emptiness of the desert.

    The Sheltering Sky is a profound examination of human nature and the search for meaning.

    The book delves deep into the human psyche and the complexities of our existence.

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