A Single Man
by Christopher Isherwood
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Book Reviews of A Single Man
Book Review: "The readiness to remain at cross-purposes..."
Summary: 4 Stars
Concise - from a mechanically detailed opening of the daily start-up of George, to his increasing fluidity during the day's course to the guttering sputter of his own engine at the book's close. The conflict of his grief over his partner's death and the act of getting on with life - and at moment's enjoying himself, with and without guilt. The taughtness is excruciating. George's moments longing for release are always so close but just of of reach - not witheld, but self-denied.Book Review: Amateur Critique
Summary: 5 Stars
Like many great books, Single Man comes together at the end, and is best in retrospect. I put the book down at one point. I was bored when he was in his office, and then picked it up again a week later, and was magically transported, like in the beginning. It helps to resemble the lead, at least in some ways, as his humor is dry and middle age (great), and this is Southern California, and America, before all the protest. I think I'll read it again...Book Review: a slender tome that speaks volumes
Summary: 5 Stars
This novel is marked for being one of the first where the main character/narrator is unapologetically and openly gay. But I encourage the reader to come to it without viewing it as a "gay" novel. This day-in-the-life story of a college professor who recently lost the love of his life is written in a spare style but filled with emotional resonance to which any human being with an honest heart can relate. A brief but powerful read.Book Review: Interesting not as good as the movie.
Summary: 3 Stars
The movies based on novels are not as good as the novels. This one, however, is an exception. I can see the author projects himself as George. However, George is not desperate. He is actually strong and ready to move on. He doesn't want to forget Jim. At the same time, George also mentions Jim is the Death and George wants to meet another Jim. At the end, George dies as a hopeful man.Book Review: A Different Perspective
Summary: 4 Stars
I read the book to get a deeper understanding of the movie, and instead got a different perspective. The characters are the same, but they have different messages for the reader. The movie and the book give two somewhat different versions of the main characters and reveal what a screenwriter can do when translating a book into a movie. Both versions are plausible.