Christopher Isherwood

Christopher Isherwood was an English-American novelist, playwright, screenwriter, autobiographer, and diarist. He is best known for his novels 'Goodbye to Berlin' and 'A Single Man'. His works often explore themes of identity, sexuality, and the human condition.

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. Goodbye to Berlin

    This novel is a semi-autobiographical account of the author's experiences in 1930s Berlin. The protagonist, a young Englishman, observes and documents the lives of a wide range of characters, from the working class to the upper class, all against the backdrop of the rising Nazi regime. The book offers a vivid and poignant portrayal of Berlin and its inhabitants during a time of great political and social upheaval.

    The 761st Greatest Book of All Time
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  2. 2. Mr Norris Changes Trains

    This novel follows the story of a young Englishman living in Berlin during the early 1930s, who meets and befriends the charming yet mysterious Mr. Norris. As their friendship develops, the protagonist becomes entangled in Mr. Norris's world of political intrigue, espionage, and shady business dealings. The novel is a vivid portrayal of the decadence, political tension, and looming danger of Berlin on the brink of Nazi rule.

    The 1184th Greatest Book of All Time
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  3. 3. The Berlin Stories

    The Last of Mr. Norris; Goodbye to Berlin

    "The Berlin Stories" is a collection of two novels that present a semi-autobiographical account of the author's time in 1930s Berlin during the rise of the Nazi Party. It vividly portrays the city's underground scene, capturing the lives of a variety of characters from different social classes and backgrounds. The narrative provides a stark and poignant exploration of the human condition against the backdrop of political upheaval and societal change, offering a unique perspective on a critical period in history.

    The 2019th Greatest Book of All Time
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  4. 4. A Single Man

    "A Single Man" follows a day in the life of George, a middle-aged English professor in 1960s Southern California, who is struggling to find meaning in his life after the death of his partner, Jim. The novel explores themes of loneliness, grief, and the human condition as George navigates his daily routine, interacts with students and friends, and reflects on his past. His efforts to persist in the face of despair, while dealing with the everyday challenges of life and the societal prejudices of the time, form the crux of the narrative.

    The 3586th Greatest Book of All Time
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  5. 5. My Guru And His Disciple

    In this reflective memoir, the author delves into his spiritual journey and the profound impact of his relationship with his guru, Swami Prabhavananda. Set against the backdrop of mid-20th century America, the narrative explores themes of faith, devotion, and the quest for enlightenment. Through candid anecdotes and introspective musings, the author reveals the transformative power of his guru's teachings, which guide him through personal struggles and lead him towards a deeper understanding of himself and the world around him. The book offers a compelling glimpse into the intersection of Eastern spirituality and Western life, highlighting the universal search for meaning and inner peace.

    The 6860th Greatest Book of All Time
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  6. 6. Prater Violet

    Set in 1930s London, this novel offers a vivid portrayal of the film industry through the eyes of a young screenwriter who becomes involved in the production of a melodrama directed by an eccentric Austrian filmmaker. As the protagonist navigates the chaotic world of filmmaking, he forms a complex relationship with the director, who is both brilliant and tyrannical. Against the backdrop of rising political tensions in Europe, the story explores themes of artistic integrity, the clash of egos, and the impact of external events on personal lives, all while providing a satirical yet poignant commentary on the nature of creativity and collaboration.

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