Reviews - A Single Man | The StoryGraph

1.78k reviews for:

http://dontthinkorjudge.blogspot.co.uk/2012/09/friday-fiction-a-single-man-christopher-isherwood.html

As with Haruki Murakami's novels (which I adore), it's not so much what the story is as how it is told. Nothing much really happens (which, if you've seen it, makes for a bit of a weird film - but again, it's beautifully shot and all the drama is in the nuances), the book, set in 1960s California spans a day in the life of an English, gay (but of course, it's Isherwood darling) college professor, George, dealing with day-to-day life after the death of Jim, his partner, exploring his feelings of grief and isolation, and his brief interactions with friends, students and neighbours. It's hauntingly beautiful at times and incredibly moving, and well worth a read if you value style over content.

aspiringcowboy's review against another edition

3.0

I can appreciate the significance and enormity of this book, and how relevant it has been and continues to be, but I'm just not the biggest fan of Isherwood's style. George is relatable, to the point where it's almost uncomfortable at times, but it's a good narrative, though of course it suffers from the same issues as every novel from its era. there's some aspects of the plot I don't care for (and in many ways, I prefer the movie's handling of them better, like the discussion on minorities and Jim's whole deal, tbh) but the way Isherwood digs into George's mind and puts his thoughts and emotions on display is incredibly raw, almost confessional. like I said, I'm not the biggest fan of his style, some of his metaphors just don't really land for me, but there's a beauty to his form that I can't deny.

kaassneter42's review against another edition

5.0

In de berlin books heeft het self insert karakter van isherwood heel weinig karakter, goodbye to berlin begint ook letterlijk met de woorden "I am a camera", een camera die alle absurdistische, jolige mafketels van berlijn vastlegde (ohja en de nazis ofzo, daar ook iets over). In a single man ligt de focus helemaal niet op anderen (zoals de naam ook al wel een beetje aangeeft). Isherwood was best wel een gay icoon in zijn tijd en het voelt wel ergens alsof deze verandering van focus met het feit dat hij (iets) meer vrij was om zichzelf te zijn (niet dat dit gay lit is, de hoofdpersoon/schrijver zijn gwn gay).
Het feit dat ie openlijk schrijft over zijn verlangen maakte me dan ook gewoon heel erg blij :)
Het boek zelf is helemaal niet zo blij lol

theuncultured's review against another edition

5.0

"A voice inside George says, You could invite him to stay the night at your place. Tell him you'll drive him back in the morning. What in hell do you think I am? George asks it. It was merely a suggestion, says the voice."

This is a brilliant book that gives worth to character growth with the most intelligently written dialogue. The prose is perfect, hilarious, and the pictures are immediately transported to latch on to the imagination without labor - how many writers do you know who can accomplish that? This is about a day in the life of George, a 50-something homosexual teacher living in LA, and as the story continues he comes to life stronger and freer than any character I have ever known. The glum and detached details mark the book for me and conclude it absolutely flawless. I am so enamored by Christopher Isherwood and can't wait to read his other books.