The Sheltering Sky

A Novel

De: Paul Bowles

Narrado por: Saskia Maarleveld

Duración: 10 h y 9 m

Resumen del Editor

Audio edition of the landmark of 20th Century literature, by acclaimed author Paul Bowles

In this classic work of psychological terror, Paul Bowles examines the ways in which Americans apprehend an alien culture—and the ways in which their incomprehension destroys them. The story of three American travelers adrift in the cities and deserts of North Africa after World War II, The Sheltering Sky is at once merciless and heartbreaking in its compassion. It etches the limits of human reason and intelligence—perhaps even the limits of human life—when they touch the unfathomable emptiness and impassive cruelty of the desert.

©1949 Paul Bowles (P)2022 HarperCollins Publishers

Classic Work of American 20th Century Fiction

First, WARNING - if you know nothing of the story, DO NOT LISTEN TO AUTHOR’S PREFACE, as it contains major spoilers. It is frankly oddly baffling to me that the publisher would not have put the author’s comments, which are an analysis of the book you have yet to read, at the END of the story, particularly given that the single biggest spoiler of the story is revealed by the author in his commentary. The commentary clearly is written for people already familiar with the story. So, buyer beware…

This aside, this is a delightful narration of a marvelous story. It is a story that is one of the best examples of the American flavor of Existentialism, in contrast the the more common French Existentialism of writers like Camus and Sarte. The American flavor is poignantly different but still touches on the basic themes of the meaning vs meaninglessness of life, the almost cosmic horror of existence vs death, and a mood that could only be captured by a long time resident of North Africa, as Paul Bowles was. Without having to say it, he creates a hauntingly beautiful atmosphere of vast emptiness, not only of the desert and sky, but of the soul. One almost feels they can hear the oppressive quiet and wind rustling always present, infecting every aspect of the story.

Be prepared for a hauntingly unsettling ride. There will be no answers, no resolutions handed to you.

This is not an exit.