A very short, often hilarious "snapshot" of a book. It's a record of Bowles' life in the late 80's. He comes across as a bemused onlooker in his own life. He only kept this diary at the publisher's prompting and reluctantly. As a result, the events recounted have a condensed and compounded effect. The entries seem like a curiously exhausting onslaught that Bowles has no control over.
It contains gems like this about a hopeful biographer: "I wonder if he knows how deeply I resent his flouting my wishes. Probably not, since I say nothing, show nothing, and after all this time, even feel nothing." Oh, Paul!
The book offers a unique perspective on Bowles' life during that period. It's filled with his thoughts, feelings, and experiences, presented in a concise and often humorous way. Despite his initial reluctance to keep the diary, it has become a valuable piece of work that gives readers an insight into his world.
A grumpy old ex-pat has taken to keeping a journal. This curmudgeonly individual, having left his homeland long ago, seems to find solace in jotting down his thoughts and experiences. Perhaps it is a way for him to make sense of his new life in a foreign land, or maybe it is just a means to vent his frustrations. Whatever the reason, his journal has become a sort of companion, a place where he can be completely honest with himself.
Each entry is filled with his unique perspective on the world around him. He complains about the strange customs and language barriers he encounters, yet also expresses moments of wonder and appreciation for the beauty he discovers. Through his words, we get a glimpse into the mind of a man who is both set in his ways and constantly evolving. His journal is a testament to the power of writing as a form of self-expression and a record of one's journey through life.
As the days pass, the grumpy old ex-pat continues to fill the pages of his journal. It is a labor of love, a project that he hopes will one day serve as a memoir of his time abroad. Whether anyone else will ever read it remains to be seen, but for now, it is enough for him to know that his thoughts and feelings are preserved in ink.