This should have been an easy one for me.

I have a genuine liking for Paul Bowles, and I also have a soft spot for Fez. However, unfortunately, this particular book simply didn't work for me. It was overly long and had a meandering plot that seemed to lack a clear direction.

The relationship between Stenham and Lee Burroughs, in my opinion, just didn't ring true. They didn't give the impression of being all that interested in each other, or even of liking each other for that matter.

If this book had been written by Graham Greene, I can't help but think it would have been two hundred pages shorter, and the boy would have likely met a tragic end through some act of betrayal.

Bowles seems to have been somewhat reluctantly dragged into a genre that he quite clearly isn't comfortable with, namely the political thriller. It's as if he was trying to fit a square peg into a round hole, and the result just doesn't quite gel.

Perhaps if he had stuck to the style and themes that he is more familiar with, this book would have been a more enjoyable read for me. As it stands, it's a bit of a disappointment.

Even though the story is written from the 3rd person omniscient point of view, we can envision that one of the main characters (MCs) could potentially be the author himself, using this perspective as a means to create distance. In this manner, Bowles attempts to objectively adopt the viewpoints of the other characters, and he does a relatively good job.

However, since the MC who represents his persona is an atheist, and it appears that the author may also be one, he can never fully understand the perspective of young Amar. As an American who has experienced being Christian, atheist, and finally a convinced Muslim at the age of 50, Amar's true perspective is more understandable to me as a reader.

Bowles does not believe in destiny, while Amar does. Bowles is aware of this, but ultimately lacks the necessary understanding to truly know and effectively convey Amar's perspective. Nevertheless, it is still a good read. Having lived in Morocco myself since 2009, the historical and political aspects of the 1950s in Morocco were quite fascinating.

Overall, the story offers an interesting exploration of different perspectives and a glimpse into the unique history and culture of Morocco during that time period.

Fez, once the bustling and industrious epicentre of manufacturing in Morocco, stands as a potent catalyst for a fascinating clash of cultures. Here, Moroccan cultures, both Moslem and non, intersect with those of the American, English, and French.

The story unfolds through the eyes of three distinct individuals: a young Fassi kid, who views the world from a unique perspective shaped by his local upbringing; a mid-aged American writer, perhaps seeking inspiration and new experiences in this foreign land; and an American traveler in her early 20s, full of youthful curiosity and eagerness to explore.

As the 1950s dawned, Fez was on the cusp of significant socio-political changes. How did these different cultures navigate and adapt to these transformations? This novel delves deep into this question, exploring the complex web of interactions, conflicts, and accommodations that took place.

In a time before the internet, life was a very different kind of guess-game. Without the instant access to information that we now take for granted, individuals had to engage their minds in a more profound way to uncover both the deep and superficial truths of their existence. In Fez, this meant grappling with the challenges and opportunities presented by the confluence of multiple cultures, and finding one's place within this ever-evolving landscape.

I skimmed much of the book.

It was quite an interesting experience.

I found that I really enjoyed some aspects of it, especially the part where the foreigner was trying to understand a different culture.

It made me realize how complex and diverse cultures can be.

The foreigner's perspective was unique and it gave me a new way of looking at things.

I could see the challenges and difficulties he faced in trying to adapt to the new culture, but also the joys and rewards that came with it.

It made me appreciate the importance of being open-minded and respectful when it comes to different cultures.

Overall, skimming this book has been a great learning experience for me.

It has broadened my horizons and made me more aware of the world around me.

The background of Spider’s House is deeply rooted in the political turmoil that Morocco faced. In 1953, on Eid al-Adha, France exiled Sultan Mohammed V to Madagascar. This act led to active opposition from both nationalists and those who regarded the sultan as a religious leader. The Spider’s House uses the backdrop of French colonial rule to vividly highlight the theme of the disintegration of Muslim culture under the French.

It is a political novel that delves into the political conflicts between the Istiqlal, the Nationalist party known for its use of violence, and the French colonials. Interestingly, neither the French nor the Nationalists show much interest in the religious and traditional way of life, as seen in the stopping of the ritual religious festival of Aid el Kabir.

The events of the book unfold in Fez. There, three main characters converge and offer their perspectives on the situation. John Stenham, an American writer, Lee Veyron / Burroughs, a tourist, and the boy Amar.

In the initial three parts of the novel, we follow Amar, a fifteen-year-old from a devout family in Fez. His comments are shaped by his religious Islamic beliefs.

The fourth part of the novel centers around Amar's friendship with John Stenham. John, an expatriate American writer, has fallen in love with an American woman tourist, Lee / Veyron Burroughs.

John helps Amar return to his family through the city’s walls. In return, Amar offers to take the couple to witness a religious celebration in a village outside Fez. The Americans are captivated by the essence of Arab life around them and agree to go with Amar. However, the festival takes a turn for the worse when Lee is shocked and repulsed by the rituals of the feast. After a quarrel, Lee and John decide to embark on a love affair.

Amar receives a significant sum of money from Lee, which he uses to buy a pistol and join the Nationalists in their fight against the French. Despite still being apolitical, Amar once again finds himself embroiled in the revolution and is manipulated by the Istiqlal, narrowly escaping capture by the French. At the end of the novel, Amar desires to be with John and Lee. But when he finally finds them, John leaves Fez with Lee, abandoning Amar.

I'm a huge fan of Paul Bowles, and this particular novel of his holds a special place in my heart as it is my absolute favorite.

Perhaps it's because it seems to have a glimmer of hope, being the least bleak among his works.

Set in Morocco during the early 1950s, on the surface, it presents itself as a simple love story between an American expatriate and an American tourist.

However, delve deeper, and you'll discover that it's a profound commentary on the prejudice and misunderstanding that we often carry with us when faced with something unfamiliar.

The narrator's astute observations on how they view each other's cultures are not only thought-provoking but also astonishingly relevant in today's world.

It's truly a fascinating book that offers valuable insights into the human condition and our interactions with different cultures.

Once you start reading, you'll be captivated by its charm and the depth of its message.

I highly recommend it to anyone interested in exploring the complex themes of love, culture, and prejudice.

"House of the Mosque" is my first encounter with Paul Bowles' prose, but surely not the last. The writer spent half of his life in Morocco, got to know Islam and the Arabic language, and being close to the local community, he understood the Moroccans as well as an "outsider" could.

"House of the Mosque" is a story about Morocco on the verge of the war for independence. It is a few days in the life of Fez just before the festival of Id al-Kabir and the approaching conflict between the French troops stationed in Fez and the nationalist Al-Istiklal movement trying to seize power.

Bowles selects the narrative perspectives and the characters of his novel (both Moroccan and those from Western civilization) so well as to highlight the difference in the perception of reality resulting from both cultural differences and purely human ones. There are no good or bad characters here, and unfortunately, there is no good option for the future of Morocco either. An extremely interesting novel for those who value a precisely drawn historical and social background and the psychology of the characters more than an exciting plot, because there is not much of that here.

What I truly enjoy about reading Paul Bowles is the unique departure one inevitably embarks on during the reading process.

It's not merely the fact that the places he vividly describes - and his remarkable ability to transport the reader there - are truly distant and exotic.

But also, the thought processes, opinions, and perceptions of the characters he creates are wholly formed yet refreshingly different.

These differences, the rich colors of these characters, are never contrived. In fact, towards the end of the book, I realized that at least three or four of them, despite having completely opposing views on religion, politics, gender, and existence, were simply different shades of himself.

Yet, they always feel real, natural, fresh, and surprisingly human.

Although I can't claim this is my absolute favorite Bowles work, it is replete with everything that makes his writing so captivating and beloved.

His ability to create such diverse and engaging characters, set in far-off locations, and to explore the human psyche in such a profound and thought-provoking way is truly remarkable.

Reading his works is like embarking on a journey to a different world, where one can gain new perspectives and insights into the human condition.

It's an experience that I always cherish and look forward to whenever I pick up one of his books.

At first glance through the opening chapters,

none of the characters moping along in The Spider’s House seems creepy enough to be a Paul Bowles protagonist.

Even Poppy “Lee” Burroughs, an homage to William S., appears innocent to her wholesome core.

As you slog along, wondering when exactly we will get to the profound atrocity,

all I can say is “Don’t give up before the miracle!”

Rot will out, and there is more beneath the surface than meets the eye.

The story may seem平淡无奇 at the beginning, but there are hidden depths waiting to be discovered.

Just like in real life, things are not always as they seem at first glance.

We need to be patient and keep looking to find the true essence of the story and the characters within it.

So, don't be deterred by the initial impression and keep reading to see what unfolds.

Evocative, hypnotic, and strangely prophetic.

This novel, although not as widely read as Bowles' other works, holds a special place in my heart. I firmly believe that it is his absolute best.

The evocative nature of the story draws the reader in, painting vivid pictures in their minds and making them feel as if they are part of the narrative. The hypnotic quality keeps them engaged, unable to put the book down until they reach the very end.

What makes it even more remarkable is its strange prophetic element. It seems to anticipate certain events and themes that are relevant even today.

Despite its lack of mainstream popularity, this novel is a hidden gem that deserves to be discovered and appreciated by a wider audience. It showcases Bowles' literary genius at its finest and offers a unique reading experience that is both captivating and thought-provoking.

I highly recommend it to anyone who is looking for a truly exceptional piece of literature.

A perfect read while I was in Fez.

This story is truly a gem. It vividly and beautifully illustrates the intense conflict between cultures that prevailed in Morocco during the late 50’s, right at the beginning of the revolution. The characters within the story are not only richly developed but also serve as wonderfully flawed metaphors. They represent each of the nations involved in that complex historical period, as well as the Moroccan people themselves. Through their actions, dialogues, and interactions, we get a deep and nuanced understanding of the cultural tensions, the hopes, the fears, and the aspirations of that time. It’s a story that engages the reader on multiple levels, making it a truly captivating and thought-provoking experience. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or just a good story, this one is definitely worth your time.

A perfect read while I was in Fez

Morocco in 1955 was a country on the brink. The tension was palpable, reaching an all-time high. The citizens were divided into two distinct communities - either Muslim or French and Berber, with no middle ground. "The Spider's House" by Paul Bowles delves deep into the lives and ideas of the Muslim and immigrant minorities who often had no say in the affairs of the country. Bowles gives them a powerful voice, allowing us to understand their struggles and hopes.

Paul Bowles, an American-born musician, had a passion for Moroccan culture. His music, such as "The Night Waltz" and "Music for a Farce", was influenced by the sounds of the region. However, he soon grew tired of composing and was commissioned to write a novel. He relocated to Tangier with his wife and "The Spider's House" became his third novel, taking a departure from his usual works to incorporate more political themes.

The story follows the perspectives of "outsiders" to the conflict within Morocco. Amar, a teen boy, feels like an outcast due to his absurd thoughts. He has traditional viewpoints rooted in Muslim culture. The perspectives of immigrants, like Stenham, an American living in Fez, are also explored. Stenham has an intense outlook on life and is both admired and misunderstood. The political climate between the French and Moroccans in the 1950s adds to the complexity of the characters' internal struggles.
The book's imagery is descriptive, but it can be a slow read at times. It includes many Moroccan words in italics without providing definitions, which can be a bit of a hindrance. However, once you reach the halfway point, the story becomes exciting and ties together the earlier loose ends. Overall, "The Spider's House" is a thought-provoking read that offers a unique insight into the internal conflicts of the characters and the turmoil in Morocco.