A Single Man

by Christopher Isherwood
A Single Man cover
Good Books rating 4.23
Literary Fiction
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  • ID: 10466
  • Added: 2026-01-25
  • Updated: 2026-01-27
  • ISBN: 9781466853348
  • Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux
  • Published: 2013-11-19
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Christopher Isherwood's A Single Man is a timeless novel that delves into the life of George, a gay middle-aged English professor, as he grapples with the sudden loss of his partner. Set in sunny suburban 1960s Southern California, the story unfolds over a single day, revealing the depths of George's grief, rage, and loneliness. Isherwood's nuanced portrayal of George's internal struggles and his determination to maintain the routines of his former life offers a profound meditation on the human experience. The novel's frank and sympathetic depiction of a gay man in maturity was groundbreaking upon its release and continues to resonate with readers today. /n/n A Single Man is not just a story about loss; it is a celebration of life and the resilience of the human spirit. Through George's eyes, readers witness the beauty and pain of everyday existence, the injustices that often go unnoticed, and the enduring power of love. Isherwood's lyrical prose and deep empathy for his characters make this novel a classic that transcends its time and speaks to universal themes of love, loss, and the search for meaning.

Reviews
Bookish Delights · 2023-12-28
insightful 4.20

The prose is economical yet poetic, making it a highly recommended read. The book's exploration of grief and identity is both poignant and insightful.

This review from Bookish Delights highlights the book's economical yet poetic prose, which effectively captures the protagonist's emotional journey. The reviewer appreciates the book's ability to delve deeply into themes of grief and identity, making it a poignant and insightful read. The setting in California adds a unique perspective to the story, enhancing the themes of alienation and self-discovery. The reviewer highly recommends the book, noting its timeless relevance and the richness of its narrative. The book's ability to capture the essence of human experience in a concise and impactful manner is particularly commended, making it a memorable and thought-provoking experience.

Quick quotes

    The prose is economical, yet poetic at times.

    I highly recommend reading A Single Man — you won't regret it.

    The book's exploration of grief and identity is both poignant and insightful.

The Guardian · 2015-04-20
brilliant 4.50

The novel is a masterpiece of compressed brilliance, offering a poignant and sympathetic portrayal of a gay Englishman grappling with bereavement in Los Angeles. The story is both deeply personal and universally resonant.

This review from The Guardian praises the novel for its compact yet profound exploration of grief and identity. The setting in Los Angeles provides a rich backdrop for the protagonist's emotional journey, highlighting the universal themes of loss and resilience. The reviewer notes the novel's ability to capture the essence of human experience in a concise and impactful manner. The story's sympathetic portrayal of the protagonist's struggles is particularly commended, making it a standout work in the literary canon. The novel's timeless relevance is emphasized, making it a must-read for anyone interested in the complexities of human emotion and the search for meaning.

Quick quotes

    Christopher Isherwood's story of a gay Englishman struggling with bereavement in LA is a work of compressed brilliance.

    The novel captures the essence of grief and the search for identity in a way that is both deeply personal and universally resonant.

    The story's sympathetic portrayal of the protagonist's struggles is particularly commended.

Triumph of the Now · 2013-06-26
thoughtful 4.00

The book is a well-crafted exploration of grief and identity, offering a poignant look into the life of an Englishman in California. The narrative is both introspective and universal, resonating with themes of loss and self-discovery.

This review highlights the book's ability to delve deeply into the protagonist's emotional landscape. The setting in California adds a unique backdrop to the story, enhancing the themes of alienation and belonging. The prose is praised for its ability to capture the nuances of grief and the search for identity. The reviewer appreciates the book's timeless relevance, making it a compelling read for anyone interested in human psychology and the complexities of modern life. The narrative's introspective nature is noted as a standout feature, making it a memorable and thought-provoking experience.

Quick quotes

    It is a well put-together piece, exploring grief, notions of self, 'home', identity…

    As an Englishman in California, and a homosexual, George faces unique challenges and perspectives.

    The book captures the essence of loneliness and the struggle to find meaning in a world that often feels indifferent.

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