Cover Image: The Friend of the Desert

The Friend of the Desert

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Member Reviews

The Friend of the Desert was certainly an interesting read, but not one that I’m in a hurry to return to. The book takes us on a journey of self-discovery, but at a pace that may age you.

I did not find the protagonist, Pavel, to be engaging or likeable. His behaviour towards young women was repulsive and I loathed his entitled personality.

I’m not sure I want to say anything else about this book, because I found it so frustrating. Personally, I wouldn’t recommend it, but you might find something in it that I didn’t.

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An insightful, though at times puzzling, book about self-discovery. The prose was uneven at times, which is acceptable given that this is a translation. I was not compelled to keep reading after the first fifty or so pages―it was almost too introspective.

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A philosophical journey through one's self; Pablo d'Ors' story is simple yet enganging, it's about the physical and spiritual journey of a man to the desert and the deep understanding of his true self, his identity and needs, that comes as a result.

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The first English translation of a decade old Spanish novel. The translation is excellent and the book flows very well. A philosophical novel about searching through the desert, literal and metaphorical for oneself. I enjoyed this a lot.

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The Friend of The Desert - Pablo D’Ors 🌅
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Writing: 9/10
Plot: 7/10
Need to read: 8/10
Overall: 8/10
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This is the very first ARC I’ve gotten to read from @netgalley , and it did not disappoint! 🏜The Friend of The Desert tells the story of a middle aged man and his physical journeys to the desert, and his philosophical journey to full self understanding. D’Ors’ writing was sparse and beautiful, and the book wasted no time getting to the meat of the plot. ⛺️ The main character, Pavel, was only mentioned by name once or twice so as to focus on his thoughts and his growth instead of his name and life before the story. If you’re looking for a quick and beautiful read I would definitely give this a go, @parallaxpress releases it on October 8th!

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