It is not at all surprising that as Bowles was a composer prior to becoming a writer, these extremely brief stories of Morocco possess an almost musical quality. His compositions seem to have influenced his writing style, infusing it with a rhythm and cadence that is both captivating and enchanting. Bowles most definitely acquired a profound sense of place, which comes through in a mystically beautiful way. His descriptions of Morocco are so vivid and detailed that one can almost feel the warm sun on one's skin, smell the exotic spices in the air, and hear the sounds of the bustling markets. The stories transport the reader to a different world, a world full of mystery and wonder. Bowles' unique perspective and talent for storytelling make these brief tales a truly unforgettable experience.

The river rushes along at a rapid pace at the mouth where the shore seems to blend with the sky. The small wavelets curl inward in a fan-like pattern from the vast sea.

For the swimmer, there is no sign or warning posted to alert them about the sharks that enter and patrol the channel. It is a dangerous situation that they may be completely unaware of.

Some time before the sun sets, birds can be seen coming to stalk or scurry along the sandbar. They add a touch of life and movement to the otherwise peaceful scene. However, as the darkness approaches, they disappear, leaving the area quiet and empty once again.

The beauty and tranquility of this place are deceiving, as hidden beneath the surface lies the potential danger of sharks and the ever-changing tides. It is a reminder that nature can be both captivating and perilous.

An amazing portrait of Morocco is presented through snippets of poetry, historical record, and folklore.

It is a portrayal that is both bleak and chilling. Honestly, it might seem like a rather depressing way to spend 45 minutes.

However, for me, it is perfect.

The combination of these elements offers a unique and profound perspective on Morocco. The poetry adds a touch of beauty and emotion, while the historical record provides a sense of authenticity and context.

The folklore brings in the element of mystery and superstition, making the whole experience even more captivating.

Although it may be a bit on the depressing side, it is this very aspect that draws me in. It makes me think and reflect on the country's past, present, and future.

Overall, this amazing portrait of Morocco is a must-see for anyone interested in the country's culture and history.

Snippets of Morocco.

Bowles has a rather unique style when it comes to concluding a story. He can be too abrupt at times, which might seem a bit jarring at first. However, this abruptness actually reminds me of the Middle Eastern fairy tales that I devoured as a child. Maybe that's precisely the point he is trying to make.

Take, for instance, the story of the beautiful Jewish girl who marries a Muslim man. Their relationship takes a strange turn when she later decides to run away from him. The end result is rather tragic as she is beheaded. What's interesting is that the way the story is told is quite flat and emotionless. There is a lack of sentiment that one might expect in such a tale. But here's the curious thing - could it also be considered comic in some strange way? It makes you wonder about the different interpretations and the complex nature of storytelling in Morocco.

Perhaps Bowles is challenging our traditional notions of how a story should be told and what emotions it should evoke. His snippets of Morocco offer a fascinating glimpse into a world where the boundaries between tragedy and comedy, and between flatness and depth, are not as clear-cut as we might think.

Good read only if you know what to expect.

This is 11 super short "stories". Many of them make you wonder if they weren't just a few paragraphs taken out of a longer story.

A few of the stories are quite pleasing to read. And they are all told in a manner that is perhaps overly poetic or at least overly stylized.

I didn't have any problem with the lack of quotation marks. However, the way that the events are presented is too cryptic.

I was really hoping to gain a sense of Morocco from this book. But unfortunately, I can't say that I did. At least it was extremely short, which means it didn't take up too much of my time.

Overall, it's an interesting collection of short pieces, but it may not be for everyone. If you're looking for something that is straightforward and easy to understand, this might not be the right choice for you.

However, if you enjoy reading stories that are told in a unique and creative way, then you might want to give this a try.

This is quite a strange book.

It doesn't really contain traditional stories but rather bits and pieces of ideas and reflections.

Some of them are nice and thought-provoking, while a significant number are rather bizarre.

However, what makes it truly interesting is that it manages to bring out the essence of Morocco.

The author seems to have captured the unique spirit, culture, and atmosphere of this North African country through these snippets of thoughts and observations.

It's as if the book is a window into the soul of Morocco, allowing the reader to catch glimpses of its beauty, its idiosyncrasies, and its hidden charm.

Whether you're interested in Morocco or simply looking for a different kind of reading experience, this book is definitely worth checking out.

It may not be a conventional narrative, but it offers a fresh and engaging perspective that will leave you with a new appreciation for this fascinating country.

"Points in Time" by Paul Bowles is a captivating piece that takes the reader on a journey through various moments in time. The author's vivid descriptions and unique perspective make it a truly engaging read.

Each point in time is presented with such detail that it feels as if the reader is actually there, experiencing the events firsthand. Bowles has a remarkable ability to capture the essence of a moment and convey it to the reader in a way that is both thought-provoking and emotional.

The story flows smoothly from one point to another, keeping the reader's attention throughout. It is a testament to Bowles' skill as a writer that he can create such a compelling narrative with just a few short scenes.

In conclusion, "Points in Time" is a must-read for anyone who enjoys literature that challenges the mind and touches the heart. My Review

I firmly believe that after spending fifty years delving into modern and post-modern novels, I have grown weary of those authors who seem to think it is essential to reinvent the narrative at the expense of the story itself. Take Paul Bowles, for example. I have a certain admiration for him, but not so much when it comes to this particular work.

Reading these vignettes gave me the distinct impression that I was simply flipping through a bin of postcards in an antique store, trying to make sense of a distant and long-gone culture. It lacked the depth and substance that a truly engaging story should possess.

It's as if the focus on experimentation and innovation has overshadowed the fundamental element of telling a good story. While I appreciate the desire to push boundaries and explore new literary territories, I also believe that the essence of a great novel lies in its ability to captivate and move the reader through a well-crafted narrative.

Perhaps it's time for a return to the basics, where the story takes center stage and the narrative techniques serve to enhance rather than overshadow it.