The (not so) Sheltering Sky

Bou Noura, AlgeriaI see the travel in Bowles’ The Sheltering Sky as not dissimilar to that of The Sun Also Rises. In both cases the characters are traveling as a means of escape, or at least in hope that things will be different in the new place. Port and Kit seem to think that as they go to each new place that their feelings towards each other will change, that they will regain the romance and love for one another that they have lost. This reminded me of Jake and his hope that in each new local things would be different between him and Brett. Even the dialogue between Port and Kit was reminiscent of Hemmingway’s in such places like p. 159 where Kit speaks of a cigarette as a metaphor for life and says “I’m always conscious of the unpleasant taste and of the end approaching.” I also found it interesting that like in The Sun Also Rises, when travel loses all ability to delude the couple from their issues they turn to drinking. Port, speaking of drinking, says, “I wanted to be with you. And besides, I always imagine that somehow I’ll be able to penetrate to the interior of somewhere. Usually I get just about to the suburbs and get lost,” (161). Port goes as far as to dispose of Tunner to rid himself and Kit of any distraction in settling things between them. Yet, shortly thereafter, comes down with a lethal malady that ends all hope of their feelings being restored, save for Kits slight rekindling in her husband’s time of need. I think this serves to further Bowles’ point that no amount of travel can put one far enough away from their troubles for them to be lost entirely.
Their travel in fact accentuates Port and Kit’s divide. This is apparent even from the planning of their trip, though only seen by the reader through short recollections among the two. Port and Kit’s ideas of where they should go on their second honeymoon of sorts are vastly different. Port wishes to go to Africa while Kit hopes for Europe. Even after this is settled Kit packs as if she were still going to Europe as we see when she has all of her things brought to her room in Bou Noura. She brought evening gowns and expensive jewelry to the Sahara of all places. In fact, she is really disinterested in experiencing Africa whatsoever. Port on the other hand is gung ho about traveling Africa. He approaches the experience as a traveler, having no real plan other than to imbibe as much of the culture and scenery as possible, and, except for instances like the situation with the blind girl and when he bribes the Madame into making him tea long after it’s proper, is fairly knowledgeable about local customs or at least is willing to learn.
Overall, I was impressed with the book. At the onset I was skeptical, but it was very well written. Furthermore, I think it had an interesting point of view on travel, especially travel in such rural and undeveloped areas, as were the settings for the novel.