The Sheltering Sky - by Paul Bowles

I recently finished reading The Sheltering Sky by Paul Bowles. I had bought it with the intension of reading it during a long weekend in Destin, FL a few weeks ago. However, I ended up spending all of my vacation reading a different book by C.S. Lewis (which I will likely write about later).

The Sheltering Sky is about three travelers making their way through post-WWII Africa. Two of the travelers are married and struggling with their relationship, the third (wheel) is just along for the ride with his own personal agenda. Their travels take them through various towns which lead ultimately to the Sahara, the party’s destination. Along the way, many colorful characters are introduced and perfectly described scenes (usually set in the various small towns and surrounding areas) are presented. Throughout the book, the travelers are constantly growing apart, back together, and apart once again as they go.

I can’t say that this book is what you would call “a page turner.” Though, I am glad to have read it. And I don’t want to you think that the entire book is slow moving or bad. The story is quite good and there are several places throughout the story where the action does progress more quickly, and these are usually the most interesting situations (when you will be anxious to turn the page).

Bowles has that common gift amongst good writers which is the ability to paint a scene with words. The amount of detail that is given to describing the towns and its people is really nice. In fact, you may even pick up on a little French and Arabic… well, maybe not. But it certainly shows the author’s knowledge of the area.

As for the author, Paul Bowles (1910-1999) lived abroad and was able to experience the effect of the West mixing with the East after the second world war. During his life he demonstrated his creativity through painting, poetry, music, and writing. In addition to The Sheltering Sky, he is also known for his other highly acclaimed novels, Let It Come Down, The Spider’s House, and Up Above the World.

If you think you would enjoy reading this book, or one of Paul Bowles’ other books, you can check out these links:

• The Sheltering Sky
• Let It Come Down
• The Spider’s House
• Up Above the World