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Rating(4 / 5.0, 42 votes)
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42 reviews
July 15,2025
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Paul Bowles' diary from 1987 to 1989 is mildly interesting. It chronicles the events of his days with his mostly local Moroccan cohorts.

As is typical of Bowles, the writing in this diary is superb. His descriptions bring the scenes and the people to life.

We get a glimpse into his daily life in Morocco, the interactions with his friends, and the experiences he had.

The diary provides a unique perspective on a particular time and place, and Bowles' talent for writing makes it a captivating read.

Whether you are interested in Bowles' work or simply curious about life in Morocco during that era, this diary is worth exploring.

It offers a fascinating look at a world that is both familiar and foreign, and leaves the reader with a sense of wonder and curiosity.
July 15,2025
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What is there to say about this book of quotidian journal entries that the author describes as pointless?

Well, on the surface, it may seem that way. It doesn't reveal a great deal in a grand and obvious sense. However, what it does disclose is spare and yet lovely.

It offers a little peek into the personal and foreign life of an expat. This expat is the kind of person who would graciously invite anyone in for tea, yet reveals himself to almost no one at all.

Among the entries, my favorite ones are those in which he describes watching dancers from the south who have unexpectedly arrived on his street.

Their presence seems to add a touch of the unexpected and the exotic to his otherwise ordinary days.

Overall, this book might not be for everyone. But if you already have an affinity for Paul Bowles and his style of writing, then you will probably find this collection of journal entries to be quite good.

It has its own charm and a certain understated beauty that can be appreciated by those who are willing to look beyond the surface.
July 15,2025
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Cute.

Here is a diary that was clearly written with the intention of being published. However, this doesn't in any way diminish the hilarity of an Englishman's antics abroad.

One can't help but suspect that he was inebriated for a significant portion of the events described within. But then again, that's precisely what adds to the charm of this diary.

The author's experiences, perhaps influenced by his alcohol consumption, make for a truly entertaining read.

It's as if we are getting a peek into the mind of a slightly tipsy Englishman as he navigates the unfamiliar territory of a foreign land.

The orneriness that shines through his words only serves to make the whole thing even more endearing.

Overall, this diary is a delightful piece that manages to capture the essence of an Englishman abroad in a most amusing and charming way.

July 15,2025
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No idea why this was written, or where its worth lies.

Perhaps it is for Sri Lanka, that beautiful island nation with its rich culture and history.

Or maybe it is for the native girls with no voice, those who are often overlooked and silenced in society.

As life nears its end, it really does seem to get boring.

The days blend together, and the same routine repeats itself over and over again.

But perhaps there is still meaning to be found, even in the most mundane of tasks.

Maybe we just need to look a little harder, and open our eyes to the beauty and wonder that surrounds us.

After all, life is full of surprises, and there is always something new and exciting waiting just around the corner.

So let us not give up hope, but rather embrace each day with a sense of curiosity and adventure.

For in doing so, we may just discover that life is not as boring as it seems.
July 15,2025
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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.

July 15,2025
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Diaries in Tangier, some relationships with the ruling families in Morocco and Kuwait.

Some relationships of the author with other books, and his circumstances with publication, and his rights.

Brief and small glimpses.

These diaries offer a unique perspective into the author's life and experiences in Tangier. The relationships with the ruling families in Morocco and Kuwait add an element of intrigue and perhaps a touch of privilege.

The author's interactions with other books and the process of getting published also provide interesting insights. It shows the challenges and opportunities that come with being a writer.

Despite being just brief glimpses, these diaries manage to capture the essence of the author's life and the various aspects that shape it. They offer a peek into a world that is both familiar and yet different, leaving the reader with a sense of curiosity and a desire to know more.
July 15,2025
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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.

July 15,2025
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A short and slim volume titled "A Day In The Life of Paul Bowles" was written, and by his own admission, it was written under great protest. This work was penned during the Eighties, right before Bernardo Bertolucci's film adaptation of "The Sheltering Sky" entered the production stage. Bowles, quite rightly, had concerns regarding the film's faithfulness to his novel and its accurate depiction of life in Morocco.

There are also appearances by Mick Jagger, Malcolm Forbes, and even Elizabeth Taylor. Throughout it all, Bowles maintains a slightly grumpy attitude. But, to be honest, how many TV interviews can one give in a week? Since he didn't have a phone, people were arriving at his doorstep with an alarming frequency, and some of them were shadier than others. I found his slight memoir enjoyable, yet I was glad it was brief. It's not a life that one would envy.

The story provides a fascinating glimpse into the life of Paul Bowles during a particular period, with its mix of celebrity appearances, his concerns about the film adaptation, and the various disruptions he faced. It gives readers a sense of the unique circumstances and challenges he endured.
July 15,2025
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The author is often annoyed, if not always, because of the translations of his books. Fortunately, I didn't see any shortcomings on the part of the translator in this work. Except for some small mistakes on the part of the proofreader.

I have learned a lot through reflecting on his diaries, and I have learned a little about life in Morocco. I hope to read more translations of this kind in the future.

It should be noted that the original text seems to have some grammar and spelling errors. For example, "انزعج" should be "يعزج". Also, "المترجم" and "المدقق" might need to be adjusted for better context. However, based on the provided text, this is the expanded and rewritten version.
July 15,2025
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I didn't like it.

And there were some paragraphs in its translation that I didn't understand. There was something wrong.

Generally speaking, it is a book that is less than average.

Maybe the content was not presented in an engaging way or the translation had some flaws that affected my comprehension.

I expected more from this book, but unfortunately, it didn't meet my expectations.

It might be suitable for some people who are interested in the topic, but for me, it was just an okay read.

I would not recommend it to others unless they have a specific interest in the subject matter.

Overall, it was a bit of a disappointment.
July 15,2025
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The diaries of the writer "Paul Polz" during two years in Tangier,

I didn't find anything in this book worthy except for very few diaries,

as I also didn't appreciate the translation, finding it very bad.

"The worst number among the numbers of the magazine's book."

This account seems rather brief and perhaps a bit one-sided. It would be interesting to expand on the specific reasons why the writer didn't like the translation and what exactly was lacking in the book. Maybe there were certain aspects of the diaries that could have been more engaging if presented differently. Additionally, it might be beneficial to explore whether there were any redeeming qualities in the book that were overlooked. Overall, a more detailed analysis could provide a more comprehensive understanding of the writer's perspective on "Paul Polz's" diaries in Tangier.
July 15,2025
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Bowles asserted that he had no inclination to pen a journal as he believed his life was excruciatingly dull.

However, let's take a closer look at his so-called "boring" life. He found himself being interviewed by reporters from Germany, France, Japan, and England.

He flew to Paris to receive an award, which is no small feat.

He also engaged in a film shoot with a Norwegian television company, adding a touch of glamour to his days.

Furthermore, he attended a birthday party with the likes of Malcolm Forbes and Elizabeth Taylor, two icons in their respective fields.

Oh, and let's not forget his visit and drumming session with Mick Jagger, a rock legend.

With all these exciting events and encounters, it's hard to fathom how Bowles could consider his life boring.

Perhaps he was being too modest or simply didn't realize the extraordinary nature of his experiences.

In any case, his life seems far from dull and uneventful.
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