A Single Man

A Single Man is a 1964 novel by Christopher Isherwood. Set in Southern California during 1962, shortly after the Cuban Missile Crisis, 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. The novel is also believed to be informed by a crisis in Isherwood's relationship with Don Bachardy. In 2009, fashion designer Tom Ford directed a film adaptation of the novel, with additions made to the original plot in the screenplay by David Scearce and Ford. Ford also contributed a foreword to a re-release of the novel. Plot George is still grieving after the recent death of his long-term partner, Jim. He is unable to cope with the despondent, bereaved nature of his existence. George goes through his day having various encounters with different people that colour his senses and illuminate the possibilities of being alive and human in the world.