The Sheltering Sky is a novel by Paul Bowles, first published in 1949. It tells the story of three American travelers, Port and Kit Moresby and their friend Tunner, who journey to North Africa in search of new experiences and a new way of life.
The novel begins with the three travelers arriving in the city of Algiers. They are immediately taken aback by the unfamiliar culture and customs of the city, and the oppressive heat of the desert. Despite their initial discomfort, they soon become accustomed to the city and its people, and begin to explore the surrounding area.
The trio soon find themselves in the desert, where they are confronted with the harsh realities of life in the Sahara. They experience a variety of cultures and customs, and are exposed to the harshness of the desert environment. As they travel further into the desert, they become increasingly isolated from the outside world, and their relationships with each other become strained.
Eventually, the trio reach the oasis of El-Géa, where they are welcomed by the locals. Here, they find a sense of peace and security, and are able to relax and enjoy the beauty of the desert. However, their respite is short-lived, as they soon find themselves in the midst of a tribal conflict.
The conflict forces them to flee, and they find themselves in the city of Tamanrasset. Here, they are exposed to the darker side of North African culture, and are forced to confront their own mortality. As they travel further into the desert, they become increasingly isolated and their relationships with each other become strained.
Eventually, they reach the city of Timbuktu, where they are confronted with the harsh realities of life in the desert. Here, they are forced to confront their own mortality, and the fragility of life.
The novel ends with the trio returning to Algiers, where they are confronted with the realization that their journey has changed them forever. They have experienced a variety of cultures and customs, and have been exposed to the harshness of the desert environment. They have also been forced to confront their own mortality, and the fragility of life.
The Sheltering Sky is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that explores the themes of mortality, isolation, and the fragility of life. It is a story of self-discovery and exploration, and a testament to the power of the human spirit.