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4.03 AVERAGE
4.03 AVERAGE
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Christopher Isherwood’s 1964 novel “A Single Man” is a striking exploration of grief and is known as one of the most forward-thinking books released in the 20th century. although the novel may be short, it has the perfect amount of raw and powerful emotions that will make you question a lot of things philosophically. the main character of this story is middle-aged English professor George, who deals with the loss of his partner Jim, all while being one of the most engaging educators at his university. George lives alone in a house that is slightly isolated from his neighbors, courtesy of a worn-out bridge that can barely let his car pass. his neighbors, completely unaware of his relationship with Jim, are moderately nice and keep him company. meanwhile, his friend, Charley, convinces him to get out of his house and have dinner as much as possible. after his dinner with Charley, one of George’s favorite students, Kenny, accompanies him inside a bar while they spark a conversation that opens a multitude of realizations. “A Single Man” may not be the most eventful novel for most people, but once one realizes that it was set in the 1960s, it becomes evident how innovating, and at times surprising, the masterful language used in this novel was. i’m so excited to watch the spectacular movie adaptation of this novel!
A beautiful, deep story. Different from the film I’ve watched long ago, but still fascinating. Loved it a lot.
challenging
funny
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I enjoyed this more than expected, though the ending swings wildly from despair, to hope, to disappointment.
Also, why does anyone live in California? The weather is nice, but almost every character in every book spends the bulk of their time inside. Is it that much better to have the sun shine while one is stuck in traffic? I've liked my visits to California, but those involved a lot of outdoor time. If I were mostly indoors and dealing with the expense and the traffic I think I'd dislike the state.
Also, why does anyone live in California? The weather is nice, but almost every character in every book spends the bulk of their time inside. Is it that much better to have the sun shine while one is stuck in traffic? I've liked my visits to California, but those involved a lot of outdoor time. If I were mostly indoors and dealing with the expense and the traffic I think I'd dislike the state.
emotional
hopeful
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
poignant day in the life of a gay man who recently lost his partner. i liked the prose and how it highlights the small things in life. the characters were compelling, even the minor ones left me feeling like they also had rich internal lives left unexplored. ending caught me off guard. definitely worth a reread, and will eagerly look out for more isherwood to read!
I've been a huge fan of Tom Ford's take on A Single Man since it came out in 2009. It must have been eight or nine years since I last read Isherwood's 1964 novel.
On revisiting it, I have to admit that I still don't know which version I like better. In any case, Isherwood's novel is essential reading.
And if you can get your hands on a DVD player and an old DVD of the film, listen to Tom Ford's commentary; it's just amazing how much thought went into filming this sad, beautiful story.
On revisiting it, I have to admit that I still don't know which version I like better. In any case, Isherwood's novel is essential reading.
And if you can get your hands on a DVD player and an old DVD of the film, listen to Tom Ford's commentary; it's just amazing how much thought went into filming this sad, beautiful story.
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
'No, Charley, I mean it. The Past is over. People make believe that it isn't, and they show you things in museums. But that's not the Past. You won't find the Past in England. Or anywhere else, for that matter.'
'The Past - no help! The Present - no good! Granted! But that's one thing you can't deny: you're stuck with the Future. You can't just sneeze that off.'
Would give it six stars if I could. There's something magical about reading a novel for the first time and knowing you're laying the foundation for years of re-reading, for a lifelong relationship with a text. Everything in this novel - the characters, the settings, the dialogue - with life: rich and witty and profound and casual and complex and always, always worthwhile. Alive, and conscious to be alive, and grateful to be alive, and courageous enough to live.
'The Past - no help! The Present - no good! Granted! But that's one thing you can't deny: you're stuck with the Future. You can't just sneeze that off.'
Would give it six stars if I could. There's something magical about reading a novel for the first time and knowing you're laying the foundation for years of re-reading, for a lifelong relationship with a text. Everything in this novel - the characters, the settings, the dialogue - with life: rich and witty and profound and casual and complex and always, always worthwhile. Alive, and conscious to be alive, and grateful to be alive, and courageous enough to live.