The Sheltering Sky discussion

Hey fellow writers and readers,

So I've been looking into Paul Bowles quite a bit. I've always been drawn to his stories, and especially the sense of dread and suspense that pulls the reader along from the beginning to the end. There's no question he was a master storyteller; by breaking down some of the craft elements in two of his best stories and his one great novel (The Sheltering Sky), I've arrived at a few conclusions about how he did it. For anyone interested, I'll post links in the next three messages. Enjoy!

The use of subconscious cues to create a vividly evil antagonist in his masterful story "In the Red Room." http://bit.ly/1mZT7Ki

The secrets behind the excruciating dramatic tension in what is probably his greatest story, "A Distant Episode." http://bit.ly/1cuiy1Y

And finally, how point of view works to establish character sympathy in THE SHELTERING SKY: http://bit.ly/1au5Hv9

As always, I welcome all comments!

Tim wrote: "The use of subconscious cues to create a vividly evil antagonist in his masterful story "In the Red Room." http://bit.ly/1mZT7Ki"

This is great. Thank you! Bowles has been a favorite writer for a long time but I've never analyzed his work, just let the mood creep over me and enjoy a wild yet elegant ride. I'll be looking at all these.

Very glad to find another Bowles appreciator, Kallie. His writing has been incredibly influential for me. I find it dark but beautiful. Hope you enjoy the posts.

Enjoyed all the posts and I see we are interested in a lot of the same writers. The first Bowles novel I read was 'Up Above the World' the entirely sinister tone of which totally hooked me from page one. I've also enjoyed noir (novels and films) and UAtW had elements of noir. Then I went on to other Bowles novels, and the short stories. It's time to do some re-reading.

I would like to re-read and discuss another Bowles novel. Could we do that here and is anyone else interested? Or, should I start a Bowles group instead? I think such a group could include Jane Bowles, and all books by and about the Bowles -- whose lives together, and works, and friends constitute an interesting literary/cultural study worthy of discussion, in my opinion.

Hi Kallie, I'd join that group if you started it, or a discussion, though I don't have a lot of extra time as my own novel (http://timweed.net/will-pooles-island/) is launching on August 15. Please me informed!

Tim wrote: "Hi Kallie, I'd join that group if you started it, or a discussion, though I don't have a lot of extra time as my own novel (http://timweed.net/will-pooles-island/) is launching on August 15. Please..."

Hi Tim. I love good historical novels. Good luck with your launch and I will let you know when/if I start a Bowles group.

Sounds good! Enjoy your summer.