33 pages • 1 hour read
Christopher IsherwoodA Single Man: A Novel
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1964A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Set in Los Angeles in 1964, A Single Man by Christopher Isherwood follows George, a grieving gay college professor, through his last day. Struggling with the loss of his partner Jim, George navigates his interactions with neighbors, students, and friends, ending the day contemplating life's meaning and his future. Sensitive topics include grief, loss, and references to car accidents.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Christopher Isherwood's A Single Man is widely praised for its poignant exploration of grief and identity. Critics highlight Isherwood’s elegant prose and deep character study, while some note a disjointed narrative flow. Overall, the novel’s emotional depth and introspective nature resonate powerfully, offering a profound literary experience despite occasional structural flaws.
Who Should Read A Single Man?
A reader who would enjoy A Single Man by Christopher Isherwood is likely drawn to introspective novels exploring identity, grief, and human connection. They would appreciate the emotional depth and narrative style similar to Virginia Woolf's Mrs. Dalloway and James Baldwin's Giovanni's Room.