A Single Man

By: Christopher Isherwood

Narrated by: Simon Prebble

When A Single Man was originally published, it shocked many with its frank, sympathetic, and moving portrayal of a gay man in midlife. George, the protagonist, is adjusting to life on his own after the sudden death of his partner, and determines to persist in the routines of his daily life. The course of A Single Man spans 24 hours in an ordinary day.

An Englishman and a professor living in suburban Southern California, he is an outsider in every way, and his internal reflections and interactions with others reveal a man who loves being alive despite everyday injustices and loneliness.

Wry, suddenly manic, constantly funny, surprisingly sad, this novel catches the texture of life itself.

©1992 Don Bachardy (P)2009 HighBridge Company

Critic reviews

"A testimony to Isherwood's undiminished brilliance as a novelist." (Anthony Burgess)

The whole book is like a strain of thought

I didn’t particularly liked the storyline as it maid me feel sad and depressed for most of the book the only part that I enjoyed was much closer towards the end. Honestly, I liked the ending and there are a lot of very interesting thoughts in here, all I’m saying is that this is not a lighthearted read.

Absolutely splendid!!

This is a truly great book with an absolutely splendid narration. Isherwood is a remarkable author and it’s a pity that there are so few of his titles available on audio. Simon Prepple’s narration is flawless. A truly great listening experience!

Strong character and clever expository prose

The narrative structure, intertwined with direct,complex,yet almost sparse prose,tells a compelling slice-of-life tale.And there has never been a more beautiful description of a heart attack anywhere in literature.

Well-done

Unusual for it's time and still today--this pathetic yet often humorous description of a bereft, aging, highly self-aware homosexual.

absolutely amazing

Would you listen to A Single Man again? Why?

when the story was over i immediately started the story over!

Who was your favorite character and why?

george is the main character and is the meat of the story. i am straight and in my thirties, but i can still relate to his life.

What does Simon Prebble bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

his narration was beyond fantastic. his accent and tone made george so much realer. i usually don't like voices like this, but i feel the simon really captured georges character

Who was the most memorable character of A Single Man and why?

George most definitely.

Any additional comments?

i watched the trailer for the movie and was extremely disappointed. the main plot for the movie was merely a paragraph in the book. isn't that how it always goes though?