Excellent.

It does not quite attain the acuity and perfection of The Sheltering Sky, yet at certain moments, they surely seem to be within close reach.

This work remains poignant even in 2017.

It is highly recommended to any cultural relativist.

Whether they are marvelling at the so-called "purity" of the "natives" or having a liberal missionary vision for "progress", this piece has something valuable to offer.

It presents a unique perspective that can challenge and expand one's understanding of different cultures and their values.

By delving into the complex themes and ideas presented in the work, readers can gain a deeper appreciation for the diversity and richness of the human experience.

Overall, it is a worthy read that should not be overlooked by those interested in exploring the intersection of culture, society, and human nature.

This is the first book I have read by Bowles, and I have been fascinated by his elegant and emotionally engaging prose.

The psychological analyses of the protagonists are profound, and the descriptions of the landscape and the nature of the places are evocative. He is often attentive to detail, detached to the point of reflecting the protagonist's view of the world, but also passionate and poetic. His prose is precise, capable of effectively evoking the atmosphere of Fez and the tension that pervades the city.

Set in Fez, Morocco, during the nationalist upheavals of 1954, the book explores themes such as the cultural clash between Western and Muslim cultures, as well as the search for meaning in a chaotic and rapidly changing world. In this historical "testimony", a picture of diverse humanity is sketched between the French and the Arabs, Christians and Muslims, but in the evolution of events, we see the clear and rigid demarcation between the good and the bad, between those who are right and those who are wrong, between the just and the unjust, gradually crumble.

There are many stories that are connected, but the essential figures are the three protagonists whose destinies become intertwined, while each maintaining a firm view of the world. The young Moroccan Amar represents somewhat the symbol of change and the struggle for Morocco's independence, although his view of religion is much purer than that of many of his co-religionists. The American Stenham, whom I have read is Bowles' alter ego, is perhaps the main character. A detached observer, disoriented and perhaps even unable to give meaning to the world around him, he feels alienated from both his own culture and the Moroccan one. He is a disillusioned man, often passive, a foreigner abroad, a Westerner, disoriented and unable to give meaning to the world around him. Also, Polly is a complex and ambiguous character, with a somewhat unclear past, and her presence adds an element of mystery and tension to the novel.

In 1955, Paul Bowles, a former composer who had turned to writing, published “The Spider’s House”.

This work was initially intended to be a simple record of daily life in the Moroccan city of Fez, a medieval city that seemed out of place in the 20th century.

However, the extreme unrest that broke out at that time, as the French colonial rule was being attacked by the Istiqlal independence movement, whose leaders actually wanted to modernize the country, transformed the book into a political novel that Bowles had not intended to write.

To me, it seems more like an exploration of contrasting and clashing cultures, seen through the eyes of two very different individuals whose paths eventually cross by chance.

Stenham, a cynical and sophisticated American expat author, modeled after Bowles himself, has mastered Arabic and has a deep knowledge of traditional Moroccan life.

He realizes that, regardless of who wins, Fez will be destroyed beyond recognition. But he also has the further telling insight that “It did not really matter whether they worshipped Allah or carburettors… He would have liked to preserve the status quo because the décor that went with it suited his personal taste”.

On the other hand, the Arab viewpoint is presented through Amar, an intelligent and resourceful young Moroccan.

The illiterate son of a healer, Amar has been indoctrinated with the traditional teaching of Allah and accepts Fate. He is easily shocked and perplexed by western social habits.

He would have understood at once the quotation from the Koran that gave the book its title: “The likeness of those who choose other patrons than Allah is as the likeness of the spider when she taketh unto herself a house, and lo! the frailest of all houses is the spider's house, if they but knew.”

This novel is remarkable for its vivid descriptions of Fez, allowing readers to experience walking through the ancient city and visualize the surrounding landscape.

Bowles also has the ability to capture the fleeting thoughts of his main characters, especially in the case of Amar.

However, the portrayal of the tourist Polly Burroughs as having a simplistic view of Moroccans and being presented in a stereotyped and even sexist way may reflect the attitudes towards women at the time the novel was written.

Despite moments of high tension, the meandering plot has likely driven away many readers.

Digressions into seemingly minor scenes can last for pages, while major incidents may only be implied.

It is often unclear who some characters are and exactly what is happening, much like in real life.

Yet, the hypnotic power of the prose and the continual insights kept me reading and thinking.

I doubt if I have ever taken so long to read a 400-page novel, as Bowles forces one to focus on his words and reflect on them.

If the book had been edited more ruthlessly, would a vital quality have been lost in the process?

I agree that some aspects of the plot are implausible, and I understand why even admirers of the novel find the end unsatisfactory.

At first, I thought the plot was unimportant to Bowles, but it could be argued that he drifted between events, with occasional bursts of action, to convey the flavor of what life was like for the characters.

Also, the carefully constructed final scene, although superficially inconclusive, can be seen as a powerful final comment on the attitudes and relationships between the main players.

This novel deserves to be regarded as a classic and should be read slowly, perhaps more than once – if one has the time.

Most stories revolve around triangles. Most often, they are about marital or partnership triangles. The story of the spider house also more or less always revolves around only three people. But it is far from a classic marital triangle.

The first of the three main heroes is the young Moroccan boy Amr. He is not yet much marked by the newly arriving European culture, and so his life is ruled by Allah. He lives in a simple yet meaningful way, following the teachings and traditions of his faith. His days are filled with prayers, work, and spending time with his family. Amr has a kind heart and a gentle spirit, which makes him well-liked by those around him. However, his world is about to change when he meets the other two characters in this story, and their interactions will set off a chain of events that will test his beliefs and values.

May be his best work!

This statement immediately grabs our attention and makes us curious to know more about what is being referred to.

It could be a piece of art, a literary masterpiece, a musical composition, or any other form of creative expression.

The author seems to have a high opinion of this work, perhaps considering it to be the pinnacle of the artist's career.

However, the author also mentions that they are partial to The Sheltering Sky, which adds an interesting layer of subjectivity to the discussion.

Maybe The Sheltering Sky holds a special place in the author's heart for personal reasons, or perhaps they simply prefer its style or theme.

In any case, the comparison between this unnamed work and The Sheltering Sky makes for an engaging and thought-provoking exploration of artistic merit and personal taste.

**The Spider's House: A Deep Dive into Cultural Clashes and Human Psyche**

Written by Paul Bowles, an American who became an expatriate after moving to Morocco in 1945. As an outsider and a keen observer, he gained profound insights into the possible causes of the ongoing Middle East Crisis. His main focus was on the comparison between the Western World and the World of Islam.

The story centers around an American man and woman and their interactions with a 14-year-old Moroccan boy named Amar. At that time, the French controlled Morocco and disposed of the beloved Sultan, leading to a revolution. Bowles's vivid and descriptive prose makes the readers feel as if they are caught in this complex and dangerous situation, constantly living in fear and apprehension.

The theme of "The Spider's House" is derived from the Koran: "The likeness of those who choose other patrons other than Allah is as the likeness of the spider when she taketh unto herself a house, and lo! The frailest of all houses is the spider's house, if they but knew."

One of the most striking differences highlighted in this book is the Muslim acceptance of life as Allah's Will, while Americans tend to believe they are in charge of their own destiny, even when uttering "It's God's will." In reality, we are all compelled to engage in this game of survival and fight for our own belief systems, sometimes at the cost of our lives, with the ever-present threat of betrayal lurking in the background.

Best of all, Bowles delves deep into the human psyche to reveal what people are truly made of. His portrayal of being an outsider is both powerful and thought-provoking.

Anyone who is already a fan of Bowles' work will find much to enjoy here.

This novel is full of the penetrating psychological and political insight typical of his best writings. The setting is the early 50's (most likely late 53 - early 54) in the Moroccan city of Fez, on the eve of that country's uprising against the French.

Many of Bowles' observations on the relations between the occupying French and the Moroccans are still depressingly relevant to the political theater of today. The pace here is somewhat slower and more even than in his short stories, which often contain flashes of the supernatural or sudden inexplicable explosions of violence.

Anyone not acquainted with Paul Bowles might want to start with his Collected Stories, which I find to be some of the best American writing of the 20th century. If you enjoyed The Sheltering Sky, I highly recommend this book.

If you've never read The Sheltering Sky, read this one or his Collected Stories first. It provides a great introduction to his unique style and themes.

His works are not only literary masterpieces but also offer a deep understanding of different cultures and historical periods.

Whether you are a lover of literature or simply interested in exploring new perspectives, Paul Bowles' writings are definitely worth your time.

One of the most brilliantly told stories I've ever read is truly a masterpiece. It has the power to captivate the reader from the very first page and keep them engaged until the very end. The author's use of language is both beautiful and precise, painting a vivid picture in the reader's mind.

The story is incredibly sensitive and insightful, delving deep into the human psyche and exploring the complex emotions and relationships that make us who we are. It is a story that makes you think, feel, and reflect on your own life and experiences.

Overall, this is a story that I would highly recommend to anyone who loves a good read. It is a work of art that will stay with you long after you've turned the last page.

I read this book with great anticipation, as I was preparing for a trip that unfortunately had to be cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic. When I learned that my travel plans had been derailed, I initially lost a bit of enthusiasm for the book.

However, as I delved deeper into its pages, I discovered an interesting contrast in points of view. The young Muslim man's perspective is juxtaposed with that of the two Americans, one a tourist and the other a long-time resident of Fez. This contrast makes me wonder, what are we missing in our lives because of our fixed perspectives?

We often view the world through our own lenses, influenced by our cultural, social, and personal backgrounds. But by reading about different perspectives, we can expand our understanding and gain new insights. This book serves as a reminder that there is always more to learn and discover, even when our plans don't go as expected.

It is a truly peculiar book. The narrative is extremely descriptive, almost to an insane degree. The characters possess a certain 'western' flavor. I'm rather uncertain about how accurately it portrays the genuine Moroccan spirit or mentality. Nevertheless, it does manage to showcase the political situation in 1954. At times, I found the book to be beautiful as it delves into issues such as Islam, family ties, and local values. However, the 'Western' characters' approach to the locals seems rather stereotypical.

Unless you are a die-hard fan of Paul Bowles or have a deep interest in history, this book might not be for you. I will definitely think carefully before picking up another novel by this author. It's not a bad book by any means, but it didn't leave me completely awestruck either.

Beautiful language, wonderful prose, a superbly composed book. The story is written from the perspective of several narratives. However, it is not easy to read and requires concentration. Here is a political history, of Morocco and the French influence. There is also a history of enchantment, and the emotional tension is seen by Bowls on both sides of the romance. Finally, it is the story of a growing teenager raised in an orthodox Muslim household. The delicious and dense prose can be savored and delighted in for a long time, looking in amazement at how relevant the content is for us here and now.

This book offers a rich tapestry of experiences and themes. It takes the reader on a journey through different cultures, emotions, and historical contexts. The use of multiple narratives adds depth and complexity to the story, allowing the reader to see the events from different perspectives. The description of Morocco and its history provides a vivid backdrop for the characters and their relationships. The element of enchantment adds a touch of magic and mystery, making the story even more engaging. Overall, this is a book that will leave a lasting impression on the reader.

One of the best things I’ve read in a long time.

It has a certain quality that reminds me of Graham Greene, yet with a touch that is perhaps influenced by William Burroughs (though I'm not entirely sure of the spelling).

But it's not an exact replica of either.

The writing is incredibly colorful, painting vivid pictures in my mind.

It's as if I can see the scenes unfolding right before my eyes.

And it's also highly insightful, offering deep perspectives and thoughts that make me stop and think.

It delves into the human condition in a way that is both engaging and thought-provoking.

Overall, it's a truly remarkable piece of work that has left a lasting impression on me.

I can't wait to explore more of the author's writing and see what other treasures they have in store.