Are there any particular themes in Paul Bowles' best book of short stories?

Well, many consider 'The Delicate Prey and Other Stories' to be among his best short story collections. His stories often have a sense of the exotic and the macabre. In these stories, he delves deep into the human psyche, especially in the context of the cultures he was exposed to in North Africa. The way he describes the settings and the characters makes the stories both fascinating and thought - provoking. His use of language is also quite remarkable, creating an atmosphere that draws the reader in and holds their attention throughout.

His writing style is distinct. He has a sparse yet evocative way of writing. He doesn't use a lot of flowery language but still manages to create vivid images in the reader's mind. His stories often have an undercurrent of unease, which keeps the reader on edge throughout.

The concept of fate also plays a role. Many of his characters seem to be at the mercy of some unseen force. They can't escape their pre - determined paths, no matter how hard they try. This gives his stories a sense of inevitability.

I would recommend 'Pages from Cold Point'. It has a complex family dynamic and a sense of mystery that builds as the story progresses. Also, 'The Time of Friendship' is worth reading. It shows Bowles' ability to create nuanced relationships between characters in a short space.

He uses the setting as a powerful tool to enhance the mood. For instance, in stories set in the deserts, the vast and unforgiving landscape creates a feeling of loneliness and desolation. The extreme heat and harshness of the desert mirror the difficult situations his characters are in.

One of the main themes is often the sense of alienation. Her characters often seem out of place in their own lives or society. For example, in some of her stories, characters struggle to connect with others on a deep emotional level.

Another theme might be the power of secrets. The ghosts may be a manifestation of secrets that are trying to come to light. This could involve family secrets, secrets of a community, or secrets about a particular place. In the story, these secrets are often unearthed through the presence of the ghosts. And as the secrets are revealed, the characters have to deal with the consequences.

In Paul Doiron's short stories, the themes are quite diverse. Besides nature and mystery as mentioned before, there can be themes related to family. For instance, family legacies, conflicts within families, and how family ties are affected by the environment around them. Also, survival is sometimes a theme, whether it's a character's physical survival in the harsh Maine wilderness or emotional survival in difficult family or social situations. His stories use these themes to create engaging and thought - provoking tales.

Love and loss is a theme that pops up. There are stories where characters experience love in different forms, whether it's romantic love or the love for a place. And then, of course, there's the aspect of loss that comes with it, like losing a loved one or losing a sense of connection to a place they once loved.

One common theme is the power of human relationships. In many of his stories, like 'The Snow Goose', the bond between characters is central to the story.