A Single Man (novel)

A Single Man

First edition
Author Christopher Isherwood
Country United States
Language English
Genre Gay novel
Publisher Simon & Schuster
Publication date
1964
Media type Print (hardcover & paperback)
Pages 186 pp
OCLC 171466

A Single Man is a 1964 gay novel by Christopher Isherwood.

Set in Southern California during 1962, it depicts one day in the life of George, a middle-aged Englishman who is a professor at a Los Angeles university. The university might reflect CSULA, where Christopher Isherwood taught for some time.

In 2009, fashion designer Tom Ford directed a film adaptation of the novel, with additions made to the original plot.[1] The film, starring Colin Firth as George, premiered at the 66th Venice International Film Festival. It was nominated for the Golden Lion and Firth won the Volpi Cup for Best Actor.[2] It received three Golden Globes nominations and an Academy Award nomination.

Characters

  • George
  • Jim
  • Mr. Strunk
  • Mrs. Strunk
  • Mr. Garfein
  • Mrs. Garfein
  • Charlotte
  • Kenny Potter
  • Lois
  • Russ Dreyer

Plot

George, an English professor, is unable to cope with the despondent, bereaved nature of his existence after the sudden death of his partner, Jim. Throughout the day, he has various encounters with different people that color his senses and illuminate the possibilities of being alive and human in the world.

Notes

  1. Summers, Claude J. (February 1, 2010). "A Single Man: Ford's Film / Isherwood's Novel". glbtq.com. Retrieved February 6, 2015.
  2. "66th Venice International Film Festival Official Awards". labiennale.org. Archived from the original on 6 October 2009. Retrieved 2009-09-12.

External links