A Single Man Audiobook Review: Alex Jennings Delivers a Haunting Performance
A new recording of Christopher Isherwood's landmark novel, A Single Man, brings the 1962 story to life with actor Alex Jennings as the narrator. This audiobook, available via Naxos Audiobooks with a runtime of 4 hours and 38 minutes, offers a profound exploration of grief and isolation through the lens of a single day in the life of its protagonist.
Exploring George Falconer's World
Set in California, the novel follows George Falconer, a 58-year-old British expat and college professor who is silently grappling with the death of his partner, Jim, after a tragic car accident. From his morning routine, where he confronts his reflection in the mirror with a sense of despair, to his interactions throughout the day, the narrative delves deep into George's internal monologue.
We accompany George as he navigates various activities, including:
- A teaching session at the college
- A visit to the gym for a workout
- A drink with his friend Charley
Throughout these moments, the story reveals George's existential dread and the masks he wears to cope in a world that often views him with suspicion due to his sexuality.
Alex Jennings' Narration: A Masterclass in Emotion
Alex Jennings, known for roles in The Crown and A Very English Scandal, delivers a performance that is both subtle and powerful. With his clipped RP tones, Jennings captures the melancholy and buried rage that define George's character. His narration allows listeners to bear witness to every thought, action, and memory, highlighting the dissociative properties of grief and the struggle to maintain composure in daily life.
This audiobook not only preserves Isherwood's poignant prose but enhances it through Jennings' empathetic reading, making the emotional journey of George Falconer even more resonant for modern audiences.
Further Listening Recommendations
For those interested in similar audiobooks, here are two notable recommendations:
- Winter by Ali Smith, narrated by Adjoa Andoh: This 7-hour and 16-minute audiobook, part of Smith's seasonal quartet, tells the story of Sophia Cleves, a modern-day Scrooge in Cornwall, inspired by Dickensian themes.
- Flesh by David Szalay, narrated by Daniel Weyman: A 9-hour and 25-minute Booker prize-winning novel that traces the life of a working-class Hungarian man from his teens to middle age, exploring themes of migration and identity.
These selections complement A Single Man by offering diverse perspectives on human experience and narrative depth in audio format.
