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A review by midnightbagel
A Single Man by Christopher Isherwood
5.0
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.