Christopher Isherwood

Christopher Isherwood was a British-American novelist, playwright, screenwriter, autobiographer, and diarist. He is best known for his semi-autobiographical novel 'Goodbye to Berlin' (1939), which inspired the musical 'Cabaret'. Isherwood's works often explored themes of self-discovery, spirituality, and the complexity of human relationships. He moved to the United States in 1939 and became a U.S. citizen in 1946.

Books

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.

  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.

  3. 3. 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.

  4. 4. The Berlin Stories

    "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.