Fountains in the Sand: Rambles Among the Oases of Tunisia

A wandering eye and a restless spirit drive this evocative travel memoir through the forgotten oases of Tunisia. From an English departure the author sketches a longing to reach the desert’s secret springs at Djerid, Tozeur and Nefta—places that have lingered on his imagination since a previous visit. The narrative invites listeners to join a journey that balances curiosity about ancient ruins with the simple pleasure of sipping mulberry‑tree tea under a palm canopy.

The adventure begins with an impulsive change of route, swapping the familiar night train via Sfax for a newly opened line from Sousse. As the train climbs barren, wind‑blown uplands, the writer confronts a fierce winter storm, the raw chill of the desert, and the stark beauty of Roman remnants at Sbeitla. Along the way he meets a solitary fellow passenger whose dry humor and local anecdotes paint a vivid picture of life on the fringe of the Sahara.

Through witty observations and lyrical description, the book captures the contrast between the harsh, wind‑swept landscape and the oasis’s quiet hospitality. It offers a portrait of a region where ancient history, modern industry, and the resilient spirit of its people intertwine, leaving listeners with a lingering sense of wonder about the hidden fountains in the sand.