The Tangier Diaries, 1962–1979

Every page drips with memories, writes William Burroughs about this collection of Hopkins' diaries covering two decades of a life lived as an ex-patriot. Hopkins was one of the most influential writers living in Tangier at the time; including, among others Paul and Jane Bowles. The writing varies from poetic, reflective to vernacular and antic. The mystery of walking through the palmeraie by night. The silence of the universe blots out the noisiness of man. Hopkins wrote the preceding line on December 23, 1966, however, by the 24th, he is more interested in lanterns made of tin cans, and, a Moroccan schoolboy, [who, ] hoping to start a conversation, recited all the French he learned in school: Bonsoir, monsieur. Quelle heure est-il?'