**Why Do We Write? And What Do We Write?**

We write because writing gives a kind of immortality, at its very least. We write to show – over the years – how time has affected us, and it's absurd for someone to claim that time has left no mark on them. As for what we write, the simplest form of what a person desires for immortality can be achieved through writing diaries. Perhaps this was one of the reasons that prompted Paul Bowles to write his diaries in 1987 - 1989, except that his friend had asked him to do so as a kind of renewal.

In January 2017, I decided to start writing my diaries as a way of documenting events, even if they were simple. And I didn't know that after seven months, I would obtain the book "Tangier Diaries" which brought me back to the spirit of writing and made me inhale it again after a two-month break. And in fact, I'm truly grateful to the magazine "Doha" for those valuable books that it brings with its awards.

What Paul Bowles wanted to convey to us through those diaries is that writing – especially diaries – is a particular kind of honesty with oneself, a kind of liberation from social constraints and inhibitions, and a particular kind of freedom that only those who have experienced it one day can appreciate.

As for the experience of reading someone else's diaries, what I felt was an open world of events, as if I was living them day by day and moment by moment. I lived some of the Moroccan customs and traditions in Tangier. Here, Paul Bowles refers to an incident of announcing the fasting of Ramadan day. The government in Tangier replaced the cannon shot for breaking the fast with a war siren, on the pretext that the sound of cars and footsteps has become louder than the sound of the cannon. Here, Paul Bowles throws a time bomb in the form of a question: "I'm amazed how no Muslim has pointed out the absurdity of using a war siren (usually used to warn of an air raid) to announce the holy day of fasting?"

The author also presents some of the characteristics of writers, publishers, and musicians, and what I understood of their characteristics :D and some of the difficulties that writers face in publishing and translating their works, and presents a side of the life of his friends in Tangier, especially 'Mohamed the Diver'.

He also presents a side of his visits to the market and his meals in Tangier restaurants. He says that he has never found a delicious piece of meat since he came to Tangier, and therefore his consumption of it is almost non-existent. As for market tours, he says: "During a period, there was a shop owned by an Indian seller, in Avenue Pasteur. He shows something of the strangest things I've seen this year: a hose with cucumbers attached to it with tape. And I wonder: what's the use of the tape?"

Here are some of Paul Bowles' thoughts that came in his diaries and that I admired:

"How difficult it is to feed and nurture anger, after the first sudden impulse."

"Writing seems as if it gives a kind of immortality, at its very least. This could have been a concept in the last century, when the prevailing belief was that life on this planet would continue indefinitely. But, since this expectation has become doubtful today, the desire for a person to leave a mark behind him seems like a waste."

"And when a Moroccan feels that he is a sinner, he tends to take the path of aggression" – I think he means an Arab.

"Why do piano players refuse to follow the conductor's tempo instructions during a performance? My assumption is that they imagine that they are making a deep impression when playing as fast as possible, like the typist on the typewriter who amazes Liberhan with the large number of words he types per minute."

"Unfortunately, beautiful things don't last."

"And I said to myself: Maybe we and she have already passed through a time when we loved each other before, and that's one of the ways to make the future possible for something."

And Paul Bowles ends his diaries by saying:

"It's absurd for someone to claim that time has no effect on them."

***

The statement "Almost completely void of substance" is rather broad and somewhat lacking in specific details. It implies that something is lacking in depth, significance, or meaningful content. However, without further context, it's difficult to fully understand what exactly is being referred to.

For example, it could be used to describe a piece of writing that seems to be filled with empty words and phrases, but doesn't really convey any real ideas or information. Or it could refer to a conversation that appears to be superficial and lacking in substance, perhaps just consisting of small talk and pleasantries.

In general, when something is described as almost completely void of substance, it suggests that there is very little of value or importance within it. This could be a cause for concern, especially if the thing in question is supposed to be providing some sort of useful function or serving a particular purpose.

Paul Bowles was approached by a book or magazine editor with a request to maintain a diary. And Bowles complied.

Most of his diary entries are quite humorous. This is because he is frequently bothered by fans and those writing articles about him. His entourage consists of an odd mix of Americans and Moroccans, and I am extremely curious to learn the complete tale of how they all came to meet.

Later in the diary, Bowles attends the renowned Malcom Forbes birthday party. This event was attended by numerous celebrities, with Elizabeth Taylor being a notable presence. It was famous for its extravagance.

There is a rather strange incident when the Rolling Stones come to Morocco to film with some Moroccan musicians. As a result, Bowles ends up having a pleasant conversation with Mick Jagger.

Although this book may not have a great deal of substance, I still enjoyed it. Bowles has a charming writing style when it comes to communicating personal information.

Overall, it offers an interesting glimpse into the life and experiences of Paul Bowles.

Interesting, perhaps, to Bowles aficionados. However, it is rather disappointing in the sense that it gave very little of the essence of Tangier and Morocco. One would have expected a more in-depth exploration and vivid portrayal of these unique places. Instead, it seemed to skim the surface, leaving the reader with a somewhat incomplete and unsatisfactory impression. The beauty, culture, and charm of Tangier and Morocco deserve a more detailed and engaging account. It is a missed opportunity to truly capture the spirit and allure of these fascinating destinations. Bowles aficionados may find some elements of interest, but for those seeking a comprehensive understanding of Tangier and Morocco, this falls short.

Writing seems to give a kind of immortality.

The number of Doha magazine

The diary book of Tangier

By American Paul Bowles

Reviewed by Ibrahim al-Khatib.

..................................................

The book is a simple chronicle of what happened to the author in Tangier, Morocco between 1987 - 1989.

What the author disliked the most:

- The bad habits of Muslims during Ramadan and their narrow-mindedness.

- Replacing the Ramadan payer with a threatening message.

- Preventing the book "Satanic Verses" from reaching him and reporting it to the police.

- The backward marriage customs regarding dowry and honor.

.............................................................

And in the end, it is quoted from the author:

"It is absurd to claim that time has no effect on one."

Well, this is one of those books that you read and then discover years later that reading it or not will have an impact. The book has a famous author and has endured the passage of time right in front of my eyes....... Well, why not? I will read it.

It seems that this particular book holds a certain allure. Maybe it's the reputation of the author that piques my interest. Or perhaps it's the fact that it has managed to withstand the test of time. Either way, I find myself compelled to pick it up and give it a read.

As I hold the book in my hands, I can't help but wonder what secrets and stories it holds within its pages. Will it be a captivating tale that keeps me on the edge of my seat? Or will it be a thought-provoking piece that makes me reflect on life and its many mysteries? Only one way to find out - by diving into the world of this book and seeing where it takes me.

This is a journal that was meticulously maintained by Paul Bowles during the years 1987 - 1989.

His entries within this journal are astonishingly brief, essentially amounting to nothing more than scant notes that detail what he has been engaged in every few days.

It makes for a pedestrian read, and it is extremely short in length. In fact, it bears no resemblance whatsoever to his novels.

The sole reason I picked up this journal was due to my insatiable appetite for all things Moroccan.

Perhaps there are hidden gems within these concise entries that might offer a unique perspective on Bowles' life and experiences in that exotic land.

Or maybe it will simply serve as a reminder of the simplicity and brevity with which he chose to document his days during that particular period.

Either way, it is an interesting artifact that provides a glimpse into the mind of this renowned author.

For those who know Paul Bowles, whether through his stories or through Mohamed Choukri's book about him, it will be of great benefit.

This small book contains the diaries of two years of the old and sick Paul Bowles in his old age.

Paul Bowles was an American expatriate composer, writer, and translator. His works often explore themes of alienation, dislocation, and the human condition in exotic settings.

His writings have had a significant impact on the literary world, and his unique style and perspective continue to be studied and admired by readers and scholars alike.

The diaries in this book offer a rare glimpse into the mind and life of this fascinating artist, providing valuable insights into his creative process, his personal relationships, and his thoughts on the world around him.

Whether you are a fan of Paul Bowles or simply interested in the lives of great artists, this book is sure to be a captivating and rewarding read.

I have a profound love for reading the works of Paul Bowles. His unique brand of wit and brilliance truly sets him apart. After devouring all of his novels, I delved into his other writings, including his travelogues and diaries, such as this one.

What strikes me as extremely interesting is that despite being elderly (he penned this diary in his late 70s), his mind still operates with the same velocity as before. He continues to navigate the various social circles that簇拥 him, even in Tangier, and engages with these people through the same critical lens he uses for the rest of the world. There is always that sensible aloofness that his text conveys, whether he is discussing an irritating bureaucrat or a lonely spider creeping by his bathroom window.

Unfortunately, Bowles is no longer with us, and perhaps I am a few decades too late, but I long to have met this remarkable man. A few years ago, when I visited Tangier, I happened upon the American Legation Museum. It housed some exhibits on the life and works of Paul Bowles. For me, he is a prime example of a wonderful and brilliant mind who remained strong and vibrant regardless of his age. Even in his twilight years, he was still relevant and trendy. I hope that when I grow old, I will still possess the same energy to pursue the things I love.

So, yes, read this diary to catch a two-year glimpse into the later years of Paul Bowles. It may not be the most captivating, but it does offer some very useful insights on how to age gracefully. I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars.

See my other book reviews here.

Paul Bowels was a remarkable writer who was proficient in English, Spanish, and French.

His works often delved into the personal experiences and events of his life, revealing his highly social personality.

It was evident that he was closely connected to the music and the musicians of his time.

However, while his descriptions provided a somewhat clear picture of life in Tangier during that period, it didn't overly impress me.

Perhaps it was because his writing seemed to lack a specific ideology or theme to hold it together.

Nevertheless, Bowels' ability to capture the essence of his surroundings and the people he encountered was still值得赞赏的.

His works offer a unique glimpse into a particular time and place, and for that, they have their own value.

Overall, while not my favorite, Paul Bowels' writing is an important part of literary history.

In the late 1980s, the old and cranky Paul Bowles begrudgingly undertakes the task of keeping a diary for a year.

During this time, he manages to acquaint himself with a diverse group of friends, both within Morocco and beyond its borders.

Among these friends are notable figures such as Patricia Highsmith and Mick Jagger.

However, it must be noted that Paul Bowles is not particularly enthusiastic about the act of journaling.

He approaches this task with a certain degree of reluctance and perhaps even a hint of annoyance.

Despite this, he persists in keeping the diary, perhaps out of a sense of obligation or a desire to document his experiences in some way.

As the year progresses, we can only imagine the various thoughts and emotions that pass through Paul Bowles' mind as he records his daily life and interactions with his friends.

Perhaps through the act of writing, he begins to gain a new perspective on himself and the world around him.

Or perhaps he simply continues to view the diary as a tiresome chore.

Only time will tell.

At first glance, diaries seem to be just a record of daily events.

However, as you continue to read them, they offer you a reflection on a person's life and a view of diverse segments of different lives.

Diaries can be a treasure trove of emotions, thoughts, and experiences. They can provide insights into the inner world of the writer, allowing the reader to understand their joys, sorrows, dreams, and fears.

By reading diaries, we can also gain a better understanding of different historical periods and cultures. Diaries can serve as a window into the past, showing us how people lived, what they believed in, and how they coped with the challenges of their time.

In conclusion, diaries are not just a simple record of daily events. They are a valuable source of information and a means of exploring the human experience.