44 pages • 1 hour read
James HiltonGoodbye, Mr. Chips
Fiction | Novella | YA | Published in 1934A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Goodbye, Mr. Chips by James Hilton follows Mr. Chippings, a retired classics teacher at the fictional Brookfield boys' school, reflecting on his nearly 50 years of teaching and the profound impact of his late wife Katherine, who led him to be a kinder, more engaging educator. The book contains antisemitic comments and references to corporal punishment in a learning institution.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Many readers appreciate Goodbye, Mr. Chips by James Hilton for its heartwarming portrayal of an endearing schoolteacher, Mr. Chips, whose life and career span numerous decades. The novella's charm lies in its nostalgic and evocative writing, though some critics feel it leans heavily on sentimentality. While some find the plot predictable, the character depth and emotional resonance are widely praised.
Who Should Read Goodbye, Mr. Chips?
Fans of nostalgic, emotion-driven narratives set within educational settings will appreciate James Hilton's Goodbye, Mr. Chips. Similar to L.P. Hartley's The Go-Between and Kazuo Ishiguro's Never Let Me Go, this novella appeals to readers who enjoy reflections on the passage of time, personal growth, and the impact of mentor figures.
RecommendedReading Age
12+yearsLexile Level
930LBook Details
Historical Fiction
Psychological Fiction
British Literature
Education
Society: Education
Emotions/Behavior: Memory
Life/Time: Mortality & Death