A Single Man, by Christopher Isherwood, 3.5 stars rounded up

[NancyJ]

A Single Man is the story of one day in the life of a man. (In some ways it reminded me of Mrs. Dalloway). It's a very introspective book. We hear his thoughts as he goes through the day - about everything - both mundane and profound. George is a 58 year old literature professor who is grieving the death of his long-time lover. Published in 1964, it shocked people at the time to read a frank book about a gay man.

I didn't like it at first (there seemed to be too much navel gazing), but I had several reasons to try again. Once the book really grabbed me, it didn't let go. I read it straight through. It's under 200 pages, so it wasn't hard. I first saw this book on a list of "neuro-novels" (which fits another challenge), and I remembered it because of the picture of Colin Firth on the cover (he stars in the movie). The reviews let me know it was the kind of book I might like. It's not for everyone, but I found it worthwhile reading. The last half of the book was especially good. I won't soon forget it.

I'll look for the movie, but if I can't get it right away, I own the Pride and Prejudice miniseries with Colin Firth.😉