33 pages • 1 hour read
A Single Man: A Novel
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Book Brief
192
Novel • Fiction
Los Angeles, California • 1960s
1964
Adult
18+ years
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.
Melancholic
Contemplative
Emotional
Bittersweet
Hopeful
Reviews & Readership
36,173 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
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 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.
36,173 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
192
Novel • Fiction
Los Angeles, California • 1960s
1964
Adult
18+ years
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