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4.03 AVERAGE
4.03 AVERAGE
From the line "But now isn't simply now. Now is also a cold reminder; one whole day later than yesterday, one year later than last year.", I knew this was going to be a difficult read. George's questioning of how he fits into the world resonates with my internal monologue in a way I didn't foresee. I haven't experienced loss like this, but I am at a crossroad in which I'm trying desparately not to drown. I, too believe, I have to find my purpose because I must. Because I don't know how I will live otherwise.
A joycean meditation. Truly I have never read anything like it, equal parts crass and divine, my favorite!!
George is a gay man who is adjusting to his life after the sudden death of his partner.
This is a lonely, introspective novel set over the course of a single day. Beautifully written, I found the parts of the book that were in conversation with his community more successful than being in George’s inner monologue.
Lyrical, heartbreaking, an ode to loving being alive despite life’s many obstacles and injustices.
California! The 1960’s! Power dynamics! Aging! Mania!
This is a lonely, introspective novel set over the course of a single day. Beautifully written, I found the parts of the book that were in conversation with his community more successful than being in George’s inner monologue.
Lyrical, heartbreaking, an ode to loving being alive despite life’s many obstacles and injustices.
California! The 1960’s! Power dynamics! Aging! Mania!
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Wow, what a book. This was a very different read, but very good. Also, hey third 5 star read in a row, woohoo. Okay, so I'm finally here to review this, and it's been a while, so this review may be a bit sparse, my apologies.
Plot- The plot here on the surface is very simple,we follow a middle-aged gay professor, living in California, over the span of one day. His partner has recently passed, and he is dealing with that grief, along with some other personal issues. So not a lot happening on the surface. Under the surface though, it's a beautiful story about grief, and loss, and a personal journey. You would think this would make for a boring book, but I was enthralled (partially due to the writing style I think). It's a very short book, but packs a punch. It has a very somber tone throughout, and isn't a light read by any means. The beginning and end come together in an excellent way, and I loved the ending. I think this book has some great themes portrayed, especially for how long ago it was written- not too long ago, but a couple decades. It's told beautifully, and I easily read this in two sittings.
Writing- This was a highlight of the novel for sure, this had great writing. There are so many passages I could take from this, with great ideas held within. I'm so terrible at describing writing, as I say in every review, so bare with me. I'm not exactly one to love overly poetic and "flowery" writing, and I don't think this book had that. It wasn't trying too hard, it was just laid out and told in a very pleasing way.
Characters- There aren't too many characters in this book, and we don't get a lot of time to connect to them, but I somehow did. My heart completely broke for our main character, George, and I felt all of his struggles. Also, I just really liked him. He was contemplative, and his humor was great, very mocking and satirical at times. I loved when he made fun of "american culture," and the typical american values. This book is very much a character's journey, and even though it's only one day, the growth and development felt natural. The side characters were all important, and they all were integral to the novel, and the journey.
Overall- I don't really have many complex thoughts on this book, other than I think it's very important, and you all should read it. It's not long at all, but holds such a valuable story. Sorry if you were hoping for me to spout some profane wisdom about life that I realized after reading this, I just can't really find the way to articulate what about this book struck a chord in me. I may add it to my favorites, I think it needs a re-read before I commit to that, but it's definitely a great novel.
Plot- The plot here on the surface is very simple,we follow a middle-aged gay professor, living in California, over the span of one day. His partner has recently passed, and he is dealing with that grief, along with some other personal issues. So not a lot happening on the surface. Under the surface though, it's a beautiful story about grief, and loss, and a personal journey. You would think this would make for a boring book, but I was enthralled (partially due to the writing style I think). It's a very short book, but packs a punch. It has a very somber tone throughout, and isn't a light read by any means. The beginning and end come together in an excellent way, and I loved the ending. I think this book has some great themes portrayed, especially for how long ago it was written- not too long ago, but a couple decades. It's told beautifully, and I easily read this in two sittings.
Writing- This was a highlight of the novel for sure, this had great writing. There are so many passages I could take from this, with great ideas held within. I'm so terrible at describing writing, as I say in every review, so bare with me. I'm not exactly one to love overly poetic and "flowery" writing, and I don't think this book had that. It wasn't trying too hard, it was just laid out and told in a very pleasing way.
Characters- There aren't too many characters in this book, and we don't get a lot of time to connect to them, but I somehow did. My heart completely broke for our main character, George, and I felt all of his struggles. Also, I just really liked him. He was contemplative, and his humor was great, very mocking and satirical at times. I loved when he made fun of "american culture," and the typical american values. This book is very much a character's journey, and even though it's only one day, the growth and development felt natural. The side characters were all important, and they all were integral to the novel, and the journey.
Overall- I don't really have many complex thoughts on this book, other than I think it's very important, and you all should read it. It's not long at all, but holds such a valuable story. Sorry if you were hoping for me to spout some profane wisdom about life that I realized after reading this, I just can't really find the way to articulate what about this book struck a chord in me. I may add it to my favorites, I think it needs a re-read before I commit to that, but it's definitely a great novel.
The final two pages broke the book for me. May have been better if not for those two pages, but now I can't unthink them.
Oh God this book killed me. It was so good. George is just gorgeous and he has the saddest life i feel so sad and torn for him. The flashbacks are beautiful and the few moments of joy George feels throughout the book just make you feel warm inside for this Gay man who is living in the 1960's i know hes in sunny southern California but i still think it must have been the hardest time for any LGBT person not only then but also now. But George shows us that there was a struggle even for a really attractive professional in the 1960's. Its a must read.
The synopsis on the back of the book sums it up brilliantly.
"In this brilliantly perceptive novel, a middle-aged professor living in California is alienated from his students by differences in age and nationality, and from the rest of society by his homosexuality. Isherwood explores the depth of the human soul and its ability to triumph over loneliness, alienation and loss."
"In this brilliantly perceptive novel, a middle-aged professor living in California is alienated from his students by differences in age and nationality, and from the rest of society by his homosexuality. Isherwood explores the depth of the human soul and its ability to triumph over loneliness, alienation and loss."
I appreciate how blunt this book is. Almost as much as I appreciate how legal it is to be gay in 2021.
This is a funny, moving, unique novel. Written in the 1960s, its casual racism and sexism haven't aged so well, but they do speak to the honesty of its protagonist. The book doesn't flinch from portraying its hero warts & all, and mostly George is entirely relatable. He zones out in traffic, gets suddenly turned on by passers-by, hates his cultural enemies with murderous glee, gets annoyed then enchanted then annoyed again by his best friend, and mourns the same ways we all do. There's a little bit of philosophy mixed in, and some literary analysis. George comes from a wealthy background so he can get away with a certain amount of freedom that us working-class peons can't, and he certainly drinks too much. But I think most people intelligent enough to read a novel will find something in common with him, and will like spending time with him.