The Sheltering Sky cover art

The Sheltering Sky

A Novel

 Preview
Try Premium Plus free
1 credit a month to buy any audiobook in our entire collection.
Access to thousands of additional audiobooks and Originals from the Plus Catalogue.
Member-only deals & discounts.
Auto-renews at $16.45/mo after 30 days. Cancel anytime.

The Sheltering Sky

By: Paul Bowles
Narrated by: Saskia Maarleveld
Try Premium Plus free

$16.45 per month after 30 days. Cancel anytime.

Buy Now for $26.99

Buy Now for $26.99

About this listen

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

“The Sheltering Sky is one of the most original, even visionary, works of fiction to appear in the twentieth century.” —Tobias Wolff

""It stands head and shoulders above most other novels published in English since World War II.” —New Republic

In this classic work of psychological terror, Paul Bowles examines the ways in which Americans apprehend other cultures--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 dessert.

©1949 Paul Bowles (P)2022 HarperCollins Publishers Classics Genre Fiction Historical Fiction Psychological
All stars
Most relevant  
Powerful writing on multiple levels. Both as adventure and as philosophical enquiry. Haunting.

Excellent narration, though all the “Moroccan” voices sound strangely gruff!

I read this book 30 years ago and marked it as a favourite then.
The writing stands the test of time. However, although the latter part of the story focuses (generously) on the woman’s experience and totally aligns with the philosophical questions asked at the beginning of the book, it is difficult as a woman to believe she embraced complete subordination in what would now be described as abuse - and also to set aside female challenges such as menstruation and conception which are ignored in the service of romanticism.

The biographical timeline at the end is fascinating and Tennessee Williams’ review of The Sheltering Sky trumps the lot.

Deep in the Sahara

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
A strange novel that almost defies description, requiring close listening and careful noting of small events. A story of a time now passed, though only 60 odd years ago, when there were countries in which a Westerner could travel almost in complete oblivion. No phones, maybe telegraph, occasional busses, sometimes a train. No English, only French, always Arabic. I found this audio entrancing, others may find it a complete bore.

Fascinating story set in exotic lands

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.