A Single Man is a 1964 novel by Christopher Isherwood. Set in Los Angeles in 1962, it tells the story of George, a 58-year-old English professor, as he navigates a single day in his life following the sudden death of his partner, Jim.
The novel explores themes of grief, loneliness, aging, and the search for meaning in a world that often feels alienating. George's internal monologue reveals his struggles to cope with loss and his reflections on mortality. He also grapples with his identity as a gay man in a society that is not always accepting.
Isherwood's writing style is characterized by its directness, precision, and psychological insight. The novel is noted for its stream-of-consciousness narration and its unflinching portrayal of George's emotional state.
A Single Man is considered a significant work of LGBTQ+ literature and a modern classic. It was adapted into a critically acclaimed film of the same name in 2009, directed by Tom Ford and starring Colin Firth. The film adaptation brought renewed attention to the novel and its enduring themes.