This is a rather sparse compilation of anecdotes and stories that were recounted to Paul Bowles.

If you have ever perused Sayings of the Desert Fathers or something of a similar nature, then reading this will feel somewhat familiar. However, it lacks the depth of spiritual reflection that one might expect.

Nevertheless, they are interesting, much like delving into folk tales. In fact, I believe that many of these accounts have their roots in truth.

It's as if we are peeking into a world of forgotten or overlooked experiences, hearing the whispers of the past.

While it may not offer profound spiritual insights, it does provide a glimpse into the human condition and the various tales that people have to tell.

Perhaps these stories serve as a reminder that even in the simplest of narratives, there can be hidden gems of wisdom and understanding.

As we read through them, we can imagine the people who shared these tales, the settings in which they were told, and the emotions that were attached to them.

Overall, this collection may not be a life-changing read, but it is an enjoyable and engaging one that offers a unique perspective on the power of storytelling.

The pieces incorporated in Points in Time are concise and dreamlike.

They are completely efficient in描绘出 Bowles' 所收养的祖国摩洛哥的历史画像。

Although penned twenty-five years ago, these brief prose poems are astonishingly effective in exploring the divide between Islam and the West.

And they manage to do so without any blatant moralizing on the part of the author.

As is always the case, Bowles is a prose stylist of the highest order.

The crystalline nature of his writing is even more effective at these shorter lengths.

Here, every word leaves such a significant footprint.

It's as if each word is carefully chosen to convey a profound meaning and contribute to the overall atmosphere and message of the piece.

The dreamlike quality of the writing adds an air of mystery and allure, making the reader want to delve deeper into the world that Bowles has created.

Despite the brevity of the pieces, they manage to pack a powerful punch and leave a lasting impression on the reader.

A collection of short stories, poems, and observations awaits the reader, all of which are set in the captivating land of Morocco. This literary work offers a very quick read that is truly worth the time invested. Bowles, the author, demonstrates a keen and profound understanding of the Muslim faith, which he skillfully weaves into his stories. The short stories have a unique quality, as they read like fables, enchanting the reader with their simplicity and yet profound messages. Bowles is a very engaging writer, capable of drawing the reader into the rich tapestry of Moroccan life and culture. His words paint vivid pictures in the mind, making the reader feel as if they are right there in Morocco, experiencing the events and emotions along with the characters. This collection is a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the beauty and complexity of Morocco through the eyes of a talented writer.

One night, I was alone in a hotel in Rabat.

I had a couple of Casablancas in the bar. Since I had nothing to read, I went to the hotel library.

Many of the books were in French. Not wanting to seem pretentious (me?), I decided not to attempt to read a French one.

As a result, there were only a few books to choose from. Most of them were the common best-sellers left by English speakers and didn't interest me.

However, among them, I discovered this little gem (pretentious, me?). It's just a small book and I actually finished it in one evening. (I had a steak and two glasses of red wine. I was enjoying myself so much!)

It's a collection of short stories that span through time, gradually telling the history of Morocco, especially the country's relationship with foreigners and the relationships between Islam, Judaism, and Christianity.

Some of the tales are only a paragraph long, while others are a few pages. It's a clever collection because each story is reduced to the bare minimum and there is no narrative connecting them.

I found the book inspiring. I have tried to do something similar to tell the story of my travels in Southeast Asia, but I have never succeeded. Bowles has perfected what I was striving to achieve.

Paul Bowles is one of the most overlooked American writers. His work "Points In Time" is a fascinating little book.

It vividly brings the mysterious and exotic Morocco to life. In the stories, the brutalities of the desert tribes are presented in a vivid way, just like the lyricism of Bowles' language.

The book offers readers a unique perspective on the culture and life of Morocco. It allows them to experience the harshness of the desert environment and the complex emotions of the people who live there.

Bowles' writing style is both beautiful and engaging, making "Points In Time" a must-read for anyone interested in exploring different cultures and experiencing the power of literature.

Although Bowles may not be as well-known as some other American writers, his work is well worth discovering and exploring. "Points In Time" is just one example of his talent and creativity, and it is sure to leave a lasting impression on readers.

Paul Bowles was a remarkable polymath. He was not only a musician and a writer but also a passionate lover of North Africa.

Today, he is perhaps best-known for The Sheltering Sky. However, the pieces on Morocco included in this book offer a brisk and knowledgeable backdrop to the country and its mores.

That being said, this is an odd book. It combines a few essays with some impressionistic depictions of moments in Morocco's religious and cultural history. Then, it concludes with a scholarly essay about Bowles by Brian T. Edwards. While interesting, it makes for rather clunky reading after the effortless flow of Bowles' prose. Nevertheless, it is still recommended.

The experience of driving freely through the south of Morocco, which I have done twice, is truly unforgettable. The lunar landscapes, the rural towns that blend into the red ochre hillsides, the sharp contrasts provided by the occasional Ksar or dune against the vivid blue sky, the friendly yet wary people who ultimately prove to have a hospitable and easygoing mindset, the gorgeous valleys and oases - all of these are captured in some way in this succinct book with the adept brevity of familiarity.

There are some excellent points, but also some remnants of the Euro/Anglocentric belief systems of the mid-20th century. Bowles is both sympathetic and judgmental, sharp-eyed and occasionally prejudiced.

The essay provides some context for the way literary and cultural critics have debated Bowles' relationship with Morocco and makes a few points. There is a review of The Sheltering Sky within the context of what certain US dreamers had called The American Century. There is also the perspective of local critics, who saw Bowles in rather different terms from those American Century proponents. He played a role in diplomacy and in developing the concept of the post-colonial model.

Apart from literary theory, in the eyes of the US context, Bowles essentially 'colonised' Morocco himself. He gave it a plausible form for many wealthy world undergrads and then, in effect, led them there, where their search became one for Kif and camels. He became a sort of salesperson for a state of tolerant dilettantism among the evocative Berbers and the power-hoarding Moroccan Arabs. Many took him up on it, turning parts of Morocco into magnets for the restless youth of the 1960s and 1970s. But the reason people listened was because his writing, and his translations of local unpublished writers like Mohammed Mrabet, were incredibly evocative. And in this age of opportunities, to evoke is indeed to sell.

After reading "Sheltering Sky" and "Points in Time",

I have this profound sense that I have truly breathed in the air of Morocco, felt its unique geography, and delved deep into a culture that is so strikingly different from the one I am accustomed to in my daily life.

Paul Bowles has an extraordinary talent for creating such vivid and immersive experiences through his writing.

His descriptions are so detailed and evocative that they transport the reader to a completely different world.

As I turned the pages, I could envision the arid landscapes, the bustling markets, and the diverse people of Morocco.

The stories he weaves are not just about the characters and their adventures but also about the essence of the place itself.

It's as if he has captured the soul of Morocco and presented it to us in the most captivating way.

Thanks to his works, I have gained a new perspective on a culture that was once so unfamiliar to me.

Paul Bowles' skill at conveying the feel, the taste, and the smells of Morocco is truly masterful in these short stories.

Each story has the quality of a fable, with old tales that have been passed down through generations. They are familiar, yet each one holds a unique and surprising twist.

As I read these stories, I am transported to the vibrant and exotic world of Morocco. I can almost smell the spices in the air, taste the delicious food, and feel the warm sun on my skin.

Paul Bowles has further solidified his position as one of my favorite writers. His ability to create such vivid and engaging stories is truly remarkable. I look forward to reading more of his work and continuing to explore the wonderful world he has created.

This was my introduction to Paul Bowles.

I had heard numerous great things about Bowles from other writers like William Burroughs and Ira Cohen. So, I thought it was high time that I gave his work a try.

If James A. Michener had been a short storywriter and had chosen to pen a book about Morocco, perhaps he would have produced a book similar to Points in Time. Bowles presents us with around 10 or 11 short stories set in Morocco. These tales explore themes of suffering, persecution, religious conflict, and love, and they are so poignant that they verge on being heart-breaking.

This is truly a very good little book that you can easily consume in an afternoon. However, the reason I award it three stars is that I believe it could have been even better and that this might not be Bowles' finest work. I am looking forward to reading A Sheltering Sky and Delicate Prey later this year.

Essence distilled.

It is like extracting the purest and most precious part from a complex whole. It is the process of reducing something to its core, stripping away all the unnecessary elements and leaving only the essential.

Jigsaw of words.

Words are like the pieces of a jigsaw puzzle. Each word has its own unique shape and meaning, and when they are put together in the right way, they form a complete and meaningful picture. It is the art of arranging words to create a beautiful and effective expression.

Together, essence distilled and jigsaw of words represent the power of language to convey deep and profound ideas. They are the tools that writers and speakers use to communicate their thoughts and emotions to others. By distilling the essence of an idea and using the jigsaw of words to present it, we can create something truly remarkable and unforgettable.

Whether it is in literature, poetry, or everyday conversation, the combination of essence distilled and jigsaw of words can make a significant impact. It allows us to express ourselves with clarity and precision, and to connect with others on a deeper level.

So, let us continue to explore the power of language, to distill the essence of our thoughts, and to piece together the jigsaw of words to create something beautiful and meaningful.

Morocco has a rich and diverse history that dates back thousands of years.

It has been influenced by various civilizations, including the Phoenicians, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, and Berbers.

The character of the Moroccan people is a unique blend of these different cultures.

They are known for their hospitality, warmth, and friendliness.

The Moroccan people have a strong sense of community and family, and they take pride in their traditions and customs.

Despite the challenges they have faced throughout history, the Moroccan people have remained resilient and have continued to preserve their unique identity.

Tales of Morocco's history and the character of its people are passed down from generation to generation, keeping the spirit of this beautiful country alive.

These tales offer a glimpse into the past and provide a deeper understanding of the present, making Morocco a truly fascinating place to explore.

Nearly a prose poem, this collection features short, odd, and dark tales from the tribes of Morocco. Retold by Paul Bowles, these tales span hundreds of years. As the tales demonstrate, little has changed in that time.

It is best to read this collection after delving into his great landmark novels such as A Spider's House, Let It Come Down, The Sheltering Sky. The stories offer a unique glimpse into the rich and mysterious cultures of Morocco, with their strange and often disturbing narratives.

Bowles' retelling brings these tales to life, painting vivid pictures in the reader's mind. Whether you are a fan of his novels or simply interested in exploring the world of Moroccan folklore, this collection is sure to captivate and intrigue.

So, pick up this book and embark on a journey through the centuries, experiencing the strange and wonderful tales of Morocco's tribes.