52 pages • 1 hour read
The Sheltering Sky
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Book Brief
352
Novel • Fiction
North Africa • 1940s
1949
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Sheltering Sky by Paul Bowles follows an American couple, Port and Kit Moresby, traveling through post-World War II North Africa alongside their friend Tunner. Seeking greater self-understanding, they journey deeper into the Sahara Desert, encountering tension, existential despair, cultural clashes, and personal tragedy along the way. The narrative explores profound themes against the backdrop of North Africa's vast desert landscapes. References to rape, violence, and forced captivity of a female character are present.
Mysterious
Melancholic
Dark
Contemplative
Unnerving
Reviews & Readership
30,703 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
The Sheltering Sky by Paul Bowles offers a haunting exploration of existential angst set in the Sahara Desert. Critics praised its vivid prose and atmospheric settings but noted that its complex themes and detached characters may not appeal to all readers. Those fascinated by psychological depth and profound isolation will find it compelling.
Who Should Read The Sheltering Sky?
Readers who enjoy existential and philosophical themes, immersive and evocative prose, and settings that explore cultural dislocation would appreciate The Sheltering Sky by Paul Bowles. Fans of Albert Camus' The Stranger and Ernest Hemingway's The Sun Also Rises will find this narrative compelling and thought-provoking.
30,703 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
352
Novel • Fiction
North Africa • 1940s
1949
Adult
18+ years
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