BOOK: Call Me By Your Name - André Aciman
Title: Call Me By Your Name
Author: André Aciman
Genre: Fiction, Romance
Publisher: Anthos
Pages: Paperback 257
Language: English. Read in Dutch.
Rating: 9/10
Summary: The story of a sudden and powerful romance that blooms between seventeen-year-old Elio and his father's house guest Oliver during a restless summer on the Italian Riviera.
Review with mild spoilers
Told from Elio's perspective, this book has the absolute best description I have ever read about the horrid feelings and doubts that come with falling in love. I can imagine people who love being in love can enjoy this story as well, but I absolutely hate it and was especially overwhelmed by the chapters in which Elio is overblown by insecurity.
What hit me hard was Oliver's response to Elio's confession of his feelings. Apparently he knew all along. Jeebus, do you think the objects of our desire are usually aware of what we're trying to hide? Why is love so fucking complicated?
The conversations between Oliver and Elio before they get together are painfully intimate. And when they get more involved... I died a little. Their romance is captured beautifully, including all the uncomfortable bits. Do people ever stop worrying?
While reading this book I constantly wanted to put it away at a point where I could still handle the relationship. But I was brave enough to keep going and it was well worth it.
I didn't want to let go.
I have reluctantly returned this book to its owner. I have now ordered it in English so I can read it again whenever I want.
posted by BeeLikeJ at
11:56 PM
2 Comments:
I totally agree with your score of this novel. I found the torment felt by Elio as a result of his passion for Oliver almost palpable. The interesting part I found was once finally getting the object of his desire, he Elio, was more disappointed than anything else. Which I personally found very interesting because sometimes we think and feel so strongly about something or someone, but end up disappointed because the reality doesn't match up to our perception. But, I absolutely enjoyed reading this book. Once started I couldn't put it down until I finished reading it. Thanx Judith for getting me this one. Do u know if he has written anything else???
October 30, 2009 at 9:26 PM
Ahw, thank you! I'm so glad you liked it:) I still haven't read the book in English, although the hard-cover has been on my bookpile for a while. Your comment made me want to read it again. Once I've done that I'll check out other books by Mr. Aciman;)
November 1, 2009 at 6:51 PM
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