"The Sheltering Sky" is a novel written by Paul Bowles, published in 1949. It follows the journey of an American couple, Port and Kit Moresby, who travel through North Africa after World War II. Their experiences reveal the complexities of cultural encounters and existential themes. As they venture deeper into the desert, the couple faces challenges that test their relationship and individual identities. The story explores themes of alienation, the search for meaning, and the impact of the vast, indifferent landscape on human lives. The novel is noted for its rich descriptions and philosophical undertones.