Facebook Pixel
Searching...
English
EnglishEnglish
EspañolSpanish
简体中文Chinese
FrançaisFrench
DeutschGerman
日本語Japanese
PortuguêsPortuguese
ItalianoItalian
한국어Korean
РусскийRussian
NederlandsDutch
العربيةArabic
PolskiPolish
हिन्दीHindi
Tiếng ViệtVietnamese
SvenskaSwedish
ΕλληνικάGreek
TürkçeTurkish
ไทยThai
ČeštinaCzech
RomânăRomanian
MagyarHungarian
УкраїнськаUkrainian
Bahasa IndonesiaIndonesian
DanskDanish
SuomiFinnish
БългарскиBulgarian
עבריתHebrew
NorskNorwegian
HrvatskiCroatian
CatalàCatalan
SlovenčinaSlovak
LietuviųLithuanian
SlovenščinaSlovenian
СрпскиSerbian
EestiEstonian
LatviešuLatvian
فارسیPersian
മലയാളംMalayalam
தமிழ்Tamil
اردوUrdu
The Sheltering Sky

The Sheltering Sky

by Paul Bowles 1949 342 pages
3.89
29k+ ratings
Listen
Listen to Summary

Plot Summary

Awakening in a Foreign Land

Port awakes in a strange room

Port Moresby, an American traveler, finds himself in a foreign room, overwhelmed by a deep sadness. His wife, Kit, is nearby, offering a semblance of comfort. They are in North Africa, seeking an escape from post-war America, but the desert's vastness and their emotional distance create a chasm between them. Port's existential musings reveal his struggle with identity and belonging in this alien landscape, setting the stage for their journey through the desert's indifferent expanse.

Maps and Marital Tensions

Travel plans reveal deeper conflicts

At a café, Port, Kit, and their friend Tunner discuss their journey. Port, who sees himself as a traveler rather than a tourist, expresses disdain for civilization's constraints. Kit's indifference to maps and travel plans highlights her frustration with Port's obsession. Their conversation reveals underlying marital tensions, exacerbated by the war's aftermath and their aimless wandering. Tunner's carefree demeanor contrasts with Port's introspection, adding to the strain in their relationship.

Dreams and Desert Desires

Port's dream and Kit's fears

Port shares a dream that unsettles Kit, who dismisses it as dull. The dream, a metaphor for life's relentless pace, reflects Port's fear of reliving past pains. Kit's reaction reveals her aversion to introspection and her struggle with Port's emotional distance. Their conversation underscores their differing worldviews and the emotional chasm between them. As they navigate their relationship's complexities, the desert looms as both a refuge and a reminder of their isolation.

A City of Flies and Frustration

Aïn Krorfa's oppressive atmosphere

The trio arrives in Aïn Krorfa, a town plagued by flies and decay. The hotel's squalor and the town's oppressive heat exacerbate Kit's discomfort. Port's quest for authenticity clashes with Kit's longing for familiarity. Tunner's presence becomes increasingly burdensome, as his attempts to charm Kit deepen her resentment. The town's desolation mirrors their internal struggles, as they grapple with the futility of their journey and the erosion of their relationships.

A Mysterious Loss and Accusation

Port's passport goes missing

Port discovers his passport missing, suspecting theft by the innkeeper, Abdelkader. The loss symbolizes his eroding identity and control. Lieutenant d'Armagnac, the local authority, dismisses Port's accusations, suggesting the passport may have been sold in Messad. The lieutenant's indifference highlights the cultural divide and Port's growing alienation. As Port navigates bureaucratic obstacles, his frustration mounts, reflecting the broader existential crisis he faces in the desert's vast emptiness.

Escape from the Desert's Grasp

Kit flees into the unknown

Disoriented and desperate, Kit finds herself in the desert, seeking escape from oppressive memories. She joins a caravan, driven by an inexplicable urge. The desert's vastness mirrors her internal void, offering both refuge and prison. As she travels, she becomes increasingly detached from reality, her identity dissolving into the sands. The journey is both a physical and psychological escape, as Kit attempts to outrun the shadows of her past and the pain of her present.

Belqassim's Bewitching Embrace

A new life with Belqassim

Kit is taken in by Belqassim, a charismatic figure who offers her safety and belonging. Under his protection, she adopts the guise of a young Arab boy, a transformation that liberates and confines her. Belqassim's affection is intense, drawing Kit into a world of sensuality and submission. Yet, tensions simmer as Kit grapples with her loss of autonomy and the precariousness of her new identity. The desert becomes a backdrop for her internal struggle, as she oscillates between desire and fear.

A Veil of Deception Unravels

Kit's disguise is discovered

The fragile illusion of Kit's new life crumbles when Belqassim's wives uncover her true identity. The revelation sets off a chain of events that threaten her safety and sanity. Kit is caught in a web of jealousy and intrigue, her presence a catalyst for conflict within the household. As the walls close in, she confronts the reality of her situation and the impossibility of escape. The desert, once a sanctuary, now feels like a trap, eroding her sense of self.

The Mirage of Freedom

A desperate bid for escape

Kit's situation becomes untenable, and she resolves to flee. Her journey through the city's labyrinthine streets is fraught with danger and uncertainty. Each step is a gamble, as she navigates a world both familiar and alien. The promise of freedom is a mirage, ever elusive, as Kit struggles to reclaim her identity and autonomy. Her flight is a testament to her resilience, but also a reminder of the fragility of her newfound freedom. The desert looms as both a memory and a threat.

A Descent into Madness

Kit's mind unravels

The strain of her experiences takes a toll on Kit's mental state. She becomes increasingly detached from reality, her mind a battleground of conflicting emotions and memories. The boundaries between past and present blur, and Kit is haunted by visions of her former life. Her descent into madness is both a retreat and a rebellion, as she seeks to escape the pain of her existence. The desert, once a place of refuge, now mirrors her internal chaos, its emptiness a reflection of her own disintegration.

The Return to Civilization

Kit's journey back to reality

Kit is eventually found and brought back to civilization, but the transition is fraught with difficulty. The familiar world feels alien, and Kit struggles to reintegrate. Her past haunts her, and the memories of the desert linger like a shadow. The journey back is both a physical and emotional ordeal, as Kit confronts the reality of her situation and the choices she has made. The desert remains a part of her, a reminder of the freedom and the madness she experienced. As she steps back into the world, Kit is forever changed, her identity reshaped by the sands of the Sahara.

Characters

Port Moresby

A restless seeker of meaning

Port is an American traveler, disillusioned with post-war civilization. His existential quest leads him to North Africa, where he grapples with identity and belonging. Port's introspective nature and emotional distance strain his marriage to Kit. His obsession with authenticity and disdain for modernity drive him deeper into the desert, where he confronts the futility of his search for meaning.

Kit Moresby

A woman on the edge

Kit is a complex character, caught between the desire for freedom and the fear of losing herself. Her journey through the desert is both a physical escape and a psychological unraveling. As she navigates the challenges of her new life, Kit grapples with her identity and the choices that have led her to this point. Her interactions with Belqassim and the desert community reveal her vulnerability and resilience, as she struggles to find a sense of belonging in a world that feels increasingly alien.

Tunner

A carefree companion

Tunner is a friend of Port and Kit, whose presence adds to the couple's strain. His carefree demeanor and attempts to charm Kit highlight the growing tension in their marriage. Tunner's superficial charm contrasts with Port's introspection, exacerbating the couple's emotional distance. His presence becomes increasingly burdensome, as he unwittingly deepens the rift between Port and Kit.

Lieutenant d'Armagnac

A disillusioned authority figure

The lieutenant commands the military post in Bou Noura, grappling with his own disillusionment. His attempts to connect with the local culture have left him isolated and disenchanted. A recent scandal involving a local girl complicates his position, as he navigates the delicate balance between duty and personal integrity. His encounter with Port offers a brief respite, as both men confront the limitations of their ideals in an unforgiving landscape.

Abdelkader

A trusted innkeeper

Abdelkader is the innkeeper in Bou Noura, accused by Port of stealing his passport. His reputation as a trustworthy figure is challenged by Port's suspicions. Abdelkader's indifference to the accusation highlights the cultural divide and Port's growing alienation. His presence underscores the broader existential crisis Port faces in the desert's vast emptiness.

Eric Lyle

A mysterious opportunist

Eric is a young Englishman traveling with his mother, whose motives are suspect. Port suspects Eric of stealing his passport, symbolizing his eroding identity and control. Eric's enigmatic presence and opportunistic behavior add to the tension and uncertainty of the journey. His actions reflect the broader theme of deception and betrayal in an indifferent world.

Mrs. Lyle

A controlling matriarch

Mrs. Lyle is Eric's mother, whose domineering presence complicates their relationship. Her attempts to control Eric's actions and maintain appearances highlight the tension between them. Her presence adds to the sense of unease and suspicion that permeates the journey. Mrs. Lyle's character underscores the theme of control and manipulation in a world where identity and truth are elusive.

Belqassim

A charismatic enigma

Belqassim is a captivating figure, whose charm and intensity draw Kit into his world. He offers her protection and affection, but his motives are complex and often inscrutable. Belqassim's relationship with Kit is marked by a delicate balance of power and desire, as he navigates the tensions within his household and the challenges of his own identity. His presence is both a source of comfort and a catalyst for conflict, as Kit becomes entangled in the web of his life.

Amar

A gentle protector

Amar is a stabilizing force in Kit's tumultuous journey. His kindness and understanding provide a counterpoint to the chaos of her experiences. Amar's presence offers Kit a sense of safety and acceptance, as he helps her navigate the complexities of her new life. His relationship with Kit is marked by a quiet strength and empathy, as he supports her through her struggles and helps her find a path forward.

The Wives

Jealous guardians of tradition

Belqassim's wives are a formidable presence in Kit's life, their jealousy and suspicion a constant threat to her safety. Their discovery of Kit's true identity sets off a chain of events that destabilize the household and force Kit to confront the reality of her situation. The wives represent the traditional values and expectations of their society, and their interactions with Kit highlight the cultural and personal tensions that define her journey.

Plot Devices

The Desert

A vast, indifferent landscape

The desert serves as both a setting and a symbol in Kit's journey. Its vastness and emptiness mirror her internal struggles, as she grapples with identity, belonging, and the search for meaning. The desert's harsh beauty and relentless sun are both a refuge and a threat, shaping Kit's experiences and influencing her choices. As she navigates its challenges, the desert becomes a character in its own right, reflecting the themes of isolation and transformation that define her story.

The Lost Passport

A symbol of eroding identity

Port's missing passport symbolizes his eroding identity and control. Its loss exacerbates his existential crisis, as he navigates bureaucratic obstacles and cultural divides. The passport's disappearance highlights the broader theme of deception and betrayal, as Port confronts the limitations of his ideals in an unforgiving landscape. Its absence underscores the futility of his search for meaning in a world where identity and truth are elusive.

Disguise and Identity

A mask of survival

Kit's adoption of a male disguise is a key plot device, allowing her to navigate the complexities of her new life while exploring themes of identity and transformation. The disguise offers her a measure of freedom and protection, but also complicates her relationships and sense of self. As Kit's true identity is revealed, the tensions between appearance and reality come to the forefront, driving the narrative and highlighting the challenges of self-discovery in an unfamiliar world.

Analysis

A journey through existential despair

"The Sheltering Sky" by Paul Bowles is a profound exploration of existential despair and the search for meaning in an indifferent world. Through the journeys of Port and Kit Moresby, the novel delves into themes of identity, belonging, and the human condition. The desert serves as both a setting and a symbol, reflecting the characters' internal struggles and the futility of their quest for authenticity. Bowles masterfully captures the tension between civilization and the wild, the known and the unknown, as his characters navigate the complexities of their relationships and the harsh realities of the world around them. The novel's exploration of cultural divides, personal disillusionment, and the fragility of identity resonates with modern readers, offering a timeless reflection on the human experience.

Last updated:

Review Summary

3.89 out of 5
Average of 29k+ ratings from Goodreads and Amazon.

The Sheltering Sky is a polarizing novel about American expatriates in North Africa. Readers praise Bowles' hypnotic prose and exploration of existential themes, while others criticize the racist and misogynistic undertones. The story follows Port and Kit Moresby's troubled marriage as they travel through the Sahara, encountering alienation and despair. Many find the characters unsympathetic but appreciate the vivid desert imagery and philosophical depth. The novel's impact on readers varies widely, with some hailing it as a masterpiece and others finding it pretentious or offensive.

About the Author

Paul Bowles was an American expatriate writer and composer who spent most of his life in Tangier, Morocco. Born in New York, he attended the University of Virginia before moving to Paris, where he became part of Gertrude Stein's circle. Bowles married author Jane Auer in 1938 and settled permanently in Tangier in 1947. The couple became central figures in the expatriate literary scene, hosting notable visitors like Truman Capote and Tennessee Williams. Bowles continued writing and living in Tangier after his wife's death in 1973 until his own passing in 1999. His ashes were interred in Lakemont, New York, near his family.

0:00
-0:00
1x
Dan
Andrew
Michelle
Lauren
Select Speed
1.0×
+
200 words per minute
Create a free account to unlock:
Requests: Request new book summaries
Bookmarks: Save your favorite books
History: Revisit books later
Recommendations: Get personalized suggestions
Ratings: Rate books & see your ratings
Try Full Access for 7 Days
Listen, bookmark, and more
Compare Features Free Pro
📖 Read Summaries
All summaries are free to read in 40 languages
🎧 Listen to Summaries
Listen to unlimited summaries in 40 languages
❤️ Unlimited Bookmarks
Free users are limited to 10
📜 Unlimited History
Free users are limited to 10
Risk-Free Timeline
Today: Get Instant Access
Listen to full summaries of 73,530 books. That's 12,000+ hours of audio!
Day 4: Trial Reminder
We'll send you a notification that your trial is ending soon.
Day 7: Your subscription begins
You'll be charged on Mar 21,
cancel anytime before.
Consume 2.8x More Books
2.8x more books Listening Reading
Our users love us
100,000+ readers
"...I can 10x the number of books I can read..."
"...exceptionally accurate, engaging, and beautifully presented..."
"...better than any amazon review when I'm making a book-buying decision..."
Save 62%
Yearly
$119.88 $44.99/year
$3.75/mo
Monthly
$9.99/mo
Try Free & Unlock
7 days free, then $44.99/year. Cancel anytime.
Settings
Appearance
Black Friday Sale 🎉
$20 off Lifetime Access
$79.99 $59.99
Upgrade Now →