33 pages 1 hour read

Christopher Isherwood

A Single Man: A Novel

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1964

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

Set in Los Angeles in 1964, A Single Man by Christopher Isherwood follows George, a grieving gay college professor, through his last day. Struggling with the loss of his partner Jim, George navigates his interactions with neighbors, students, and friends, ending the day contemplating life's meaning and his future. Sensitive topics include grief, loss, and references to car accidents.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Christopher Isherwood's A Single Man is widely praised for its poignant exploration of grief and identity. Critics highlight Isherwood’s elegant prose and deep character study, while some note a disjointed narrative flow. Overall, the novel’s emotional depth and introspective nature resonate powerfully, offering a profound literary experience despite occasional structural flaws.

Who should read this

Who Should Read A Single Man?

A reader who would enjoy A Single Man by Christopher Isherwood is likely drawn to introspective novels exploring identity, grief, and human connection. They would appreciate the emotional depth and narrative style similar to Virginia Woolf's Mrs. Dalloway and James Baldwin's Giovanni's Room.

RecommendedReading Age

18+years

Book Details

Topics

LGBTQ

Love / Sexuality

Depression / Suicide

Themes

Relationships: Friendship

Emotions/Behavior: Conflict

Emotions/Behavior: Memory

Genre

British Literature

Classic Fiction