The Stories of Paul Bowles

Paul Bowles' short fiction showcases a distinctive style that blends beauty with terror, creating a haunting atmosphere. The stories explore themes of isolation and moral dilemmas, such as a Protestant missionary's crisis of faith in "Pastor Dowe at Tecaté" and a husband's abandonment of his wife in "Call at Corazón." In "Allal," a boy's transformation into a serpent leads to tragedy. The collection also features acclaimed pieces like "The Delicate Prey" and "A Distant Episode," the latter hailed by Tennessee Williams as a masterpiece.