Who Would Like This Book:
Isherwood's "A Single Man" is a beautifully written, intimate exploration of grief, identity, and the everyday struggle to stay afloat after profound loss. The prose is poetic yet accessible, with deep psychological insight and flashes of wry humor. Readers who love introspective character studies, LGBTQ+ classics, and novels that capture a specific time and place - 1960s Southern California - will be especially moved. If you appreciate books that shine in their quiet moments and enjoy immersing yourself in a character's inner world, this is a must-read.
Who May Not Like This Book:
Some readers may find the novel slow-moving or too focused on the minutiae of daily life, with not much in the way of plot or action. It's a somber, sometimes bleak meditation on loss, so those seeking an uplifting or fast-paced story might be disappointed. A few have noted that certain portrayals, especially of women or bodily functions, feel dated or unnecessarily detailed. If you prefer stories with big dramatic arcs or multiple perspectives, this one might not be for you.
About:
'A Single Man' by Christopher Isherwood is a poignant novella that delves into a day in the life of George, a gay Englishman living in California in 1962. The story follows George as he navigates through his seemingly normal day while dealing with the profound grief and rage stemming from the sudden death of his longtime partner, Jim. Isherwood's writing style is described as graceful, beautiful, and intimate, capturing George's inner turmoil and emotions with depth and authenticity. The book offers a character study that explores themes of loss, loneliness, aging, and the challenges of living as a minority in society.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
Triggers/content warnings for A Single Man include themes of grief, loss of a loved one, and the struggles related to homosexuality in a heteronormative society.
From The Publisher:
When Christopher Isherwood's A Single Man first appeared, it shocked many with its frank, sympathetic, and moving portrayal of a gay man in maturity. Isherwood's favorite of his own novels, it now stands as a classic lyric meditation on life as an outsider.
Welcome to sunny suburban 1960s Southern California. George is a gay middle-aged English professor, adjusting to solitude after the tragic death of his young partner. He is determined to persist in the routines of his former life. A Single Man follows him over the course of an ordinary twenty-four hours. Behind his British reserve, tides of grief, rage, and loneliness surge-but what is revealed is a man who loves being alive despite all the everyday injustices.
Ratings (10)
Incredible (2) | |
Loved It (4) | |
Liked It (2) | |
It Was OK (1) | |
Did Not Like (1) |
Reader Stats (45):
Read It (10) | |
Want To Read (30) | |
Not Interested (5) |
1 comment(s)
This books focus a lot on characters so there fore there's no fast moving plot, a lot of exciting happenings and what not. However somehow is was so mesmerizing by this audiobook, rather gray and reminded me of a rainy day. Bit I couldn't stop listening to it. George was an very compelling protagonist to learn and listen about and I can't help but give this book 5 stars even though I can't put my finger on exactly why this was so great
What can you read after
A Single Man?
About the Author:
Christopher Isherwood (1904-1986) was born in Manchester, England, and lived in Berlin from 1929 to 1933 and immigrated to the United States in 1939. A major figure in twentieth-century fiction and the gay rights movement, he wrote more than twenty books. FSG Classics presents some of his finest work, including the novels Prater Violet, A Single Man, and A Meeting by the River; the semi-autobiographical Lions and Shadows; and the memoir Christopher and His Kind.
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