"The Obscured Sky" was obscured seventy years later

"The Obscured Sky" (United States) by Paul Bowles, Jiangsu Phoenix Literary and Art Publishing House

Literature Wu Bo

"The Obscured Sky" is a book with a story, and its publishing process can be described as full of twists and turns. In 1947, Paul Bowles, a composer who had only published short stories, signed a contract when he learned that Two Days Wasy Press was willing to book his novels.

In May 1948, Bowers completed The Obscured Sky. But when he gave the manuscript to the publisher, he was very flatly rejected and asked Bowers to refund the advance payment, because he felt that it was not a novel. Over the next year, the book bore the brunt of every publisher who saw it and was rejected several times.

First published in 1949, Obscured Skies was a bestseller after its publication, but was out of print several times. The introduction of this Chinese version, the author believes that it is a good thing, a good work should not be treated coldly.

The Story of "The Covered Sky" is set after the end of World War II, when three American intellectuals travel to the African Sahara. Among them, the male protagonist Potter and the heroine Kitt are estranged from each other after 12 years of marriage, eager to restore their feelings through this trip. This work is a novel that explores the emotional alienation and existential crisis of modern people, telling most of the problems we will encounter in life: love, marriage, travel, death, the value of existence, the meaning of life... "The Hidden Sky" has been a literary classic of the century abroad, but its publishing road in China is not smooth. In 2006, Chongqing Publishing House introduced and published it under the name of "Falling into the Sahara", but due to packaging reasons and insufficient promotion, sales were dismal and it has been out of print for more than ten years.

"The Obscured Sky" together with "The Outsider" and "When I Die" are known as the ten classics of existentialist literature. When Bowers died in 1999, The New York Times called him the last existentialist. This work has become a legend in the history of American literature, influencing the "Beat Generation." Bowles' novels are perfect for readers who aspire to grow up.

Bowers was deeply influenced by existentialist literature, and has translated the works of Sartre, Borges and other writers, and American critics said: "No writer can make such a comprehensive interpretation of existential philosophy as Bowers." ”

"The Obscured Sky" tells a very modern adventure story, full of philosophy, showing us the frightening side of life in the depths, but also guiding us to face life properly. It can be said that this book shows the maturity and sophistication of a talented writer.