Paul Bowles
Paul Bowles was an American writer, composer, and traveler. Born on December 30, 1910, in New York City, he is best known for his novel 'The Sheltering Sky', published in 1949, which was a bestseller and later made into a film. Bowles's literary works are often associated with the Beat Generation and are known for their themes of existential despair and alienation. He spent much of his life in Tangier, Morocco, where he became a prominent figure in the expatriate community and influenced many other writers and artists. Bowles passed away on November 18, 1999, in Tangier.
Books
This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.
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1. The Sheltering Sky
"The Sheltering Sky" is a novel about an American couple, Port and Kit Moresby, who travel to the North African desert accompanied by their friend Tunner. The journey, initially an attempt to cure their marital woes, quickly descends into a harrowing journey of self-discovery and exploration of the human condition. As they move further into the desert, the harsh environment and their isolation from the outside world push them to their psychological limits, leading to devastating consequences.
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2. Let It Come Down
This novel explores the journey of an American bank clerk who, disillusioned with his mundane life, moves to Tangier in search of freedom and adventure. However, his quest for liberation quickly descends into a nightmarish spiral of crime and moral disintegration. Set against the backdrop of post-colonial Morocco, the narrative delves into themes of alienation, the quest for identity, and the often-blurred line between the exotic dream and the harsh realities of cultural dislocation. Through vivid descriptions and a haunting atmosphere, the story presents a compelling examination of the consequences of fleeing one's life only to confront the inescapable truths of the self.
