Darkstroke

The Sheltering Sky

The Sheltering Sky book cover
TS
Fiction Classics Travel Historical Fiction

by Paul Bowles

starstarstarstar_halfstar
3.92 (16.5K ratings)
calendar_today 1949
description 342 pages

The Sheltering Sky by Paul Bowles holds a well received rating of 3.92 out of 5, based on 16.5K reader ratings. First published in 1949. The book spans 342 pages.

About The Sheltering Sky

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, 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.

Detail Value
Author Paul Bowles
Published 1949
Pages 342
Genres Fiction, Classics, Travel, Historical Fiction
Average Rating 3.92 / 5.00
Total Ratings 16,494

Reader Ratings & Analysis

Rating Overview

3.9
starstarstarstar_halfstar
16.5K ratings
With a rating of 3.92, The Sheltering Sky is rated below the global average of 4.17. Compared to its genre average of 3.99, it performs on par.

How It Compares

3.92
This Book
3.99
Historical Fiction Average
4.17
Global Average

Frequently Asked Questions

What genre is The Sheltering Sky?

The Sheltering Sky is categorized as Fiction, Classics, Travel, Historical Fiction. Its primary genre classification is Historical Fiction.

Is The Sheltering Sky worth reading?

Based on 16.5K reader ratings, The Sheltering Sky has an average score of 3.92 out of 5.00, which is considered "Well Received."

How many pages is The Sheltering Sky?

The Sheltering Sky has 342 pages.

Who wrote The Sheltering Sky?

The Sheltering Sky was written by Paul Bowles. It was first published in 1949.

What is the ISBN for The Sheltering Sky?

The ISBN-13 for The Sheltering Sky is 9780141023430.0.

Data sourced from community book ratings and reviews. Last updated: April 15, 2026