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The Sheltering Sky

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( 30,278 ratings, 2,416 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Sheltering Sky by Paul Bowles follows the journey of an American couple, Port and Kit Moresby, as they travel through North Africa in the years following World War II. Seeking to escape the monotony of their lives, they delve deeper into the desert and its remote cultures, facing both the intimidating vastness of the landscape and the fractures in their relationship. The novel explores existential themes and the emotional isolation that can occur when confronted with unfamiliar surroundings.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book may appeal to you if you're drawn to haunting explorations of existential themes, set against the evocative backdrop of North Africa. With its richly detailed landscape and deep dive into the human psyche, it offers a profound look at the search for meaning amidst isolation and cultural dislocation.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

Port and Kit Moresbury, a sophisticated American couple, are finding it more than a little difficult to live with each other. Endeavoring to escape this predicament, they set off for North Africa intending to travel through Algeria - uncertain of exactly where they are heading, but determined to leave the modern world behind.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Reissuing in Penguin Modern Classics as part of our Paul Bowles relaunch, with a new introduction by Paul Theroux.

The Sheltering Sky is a book about people on the edge of an alien space; somewhere where, curiously, they are never alone. - Michael Hoffman.

Port and Kit Moresbury, a sophisticated American couple, are finding it more than a little difficult to live with each other. Endeavouring to escape this predicament, they set off for North Africa intending to travel through Algeria – uncertain of exactly where they are heading, but determined to leave the modern world behind. The results of this casually taken decision are both tragic and compelling.

Series: Penguin Modern Classics

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Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The Sheltering Sky is widely regarded as a standout novel of the post-World War II era, praised for its originality and visionary storytelling. Critics have highlighted its unique narrative and profound themes, earning it acclaim as an exceptional work of fiction.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780141187778

Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 29 January 2004

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Penguin Classics

Contributors:

  • Introduction by Paul Theroux
  • Introduction by Paul Theroux

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 21.0mm

Width: 129.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 269g

Pages: 368

About the Author

Born in New York in 1910, Paul Bowles is considered one of the most remarkable American authors of the twentieth century. He studied music with composer Aaron Copland before moving to Tangier, Morocco, with his wife, Jane. His first novel, The Sheltering Sky, was a bestseller in the 1950s and was made into a film by Bernardo Bertolucci in 1990. Bowles's prolific career included many musical compositions, novels, collections of short stories, and books of travel, poetry, and translations. His other novels include The Spider's Nest, Up Above The World, and Let It Come Down.

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