Call Me By Your Name: A Classic Book Review

“Call Me By Your Name” is a captivating and poignant novel that explores the intensity of first love, desire, and identity. André Aciman’s beautifully written story follows the summer romance between Elio, a 17-year-old Italian boy, and Oliver, a 24-year-old American graduate student.

Lyrical Prose and Vivid Imagery:

Aciman’s writing is nothing short of enchanting. His prose is lyrical, evocative, and precise, conjuring the languid atmosphere of an Italian summer. The author’s use of sensory details transports readers to the sun-kissed hills, crystal-clear waters, and quaint villages of the Italian coast.

Themes and Symbolism:

Aciman explores several themes, including:

1. Identity: Elio’s journey is a powerful exploration of self-discovery, as he navigates his desires, emotions, and sense of self.
2. Class and Social Status: The novel touches on the differences between Elio’s wealthy family and Oliver’s more modest background.
3. Desire and Longing: The intense, all-consuming desire between Elio and Oliver is palpable, making their romance both captivating and heartbreaking.

A review of Call Me By Your Name:

Set in the Italian Riviera in the 1980s, the novel is a sensual and introspective exploration of Elio’s awakening desires, his fascination with Oliver, and the complex emotions that unfold. Aciman’s prose is lyrical, evocative, and precise, conjuring the languid atmosphere of an Italian summer.

The characters are richly drawn, with Elio’s voice being particularly compelling. His inner world is revealed through his thoughts, feelings, and observations, making him a deeply relatable and endearing protagonist.

The novel raises important questions about identity, class, and the fluidity of desire. Aciman handles these themes with sensitivity and nuance, creating a story that is both deeply personal and universally relatable.

Interesting quotes from “Call Me By Your Name” by André Aciman:

1. “I was no longer afraid, because I had found a new way to be afraid.”
2. “We rip out so much of ourselves to be cured of things faster than we should that we go bankrupt by the age of thirty.”
3. “I had to be content with the idea that I had been loved, and that I had loved.”
4. “The only trick of friendship, I think, is to find people who are better than you are—not smarter, not cooler, but kinder, and more generous, and more forgiving.”
5. “Time makes everything mean and shabby and wrinkled—the things we want are either not worth having or not worth wanting.”
6. “I had never been so aware of the promise of happiness that lay before me, and of the power of the past to redeem it.”
7. “We are not only what we have been, but what we are not, and what we will become.”
8. “And I wanted to tell him that I was sorry, that I was sorry for everything, for not being able to tell him sooner, for not being able to tell him at all, for being so afraid, for being so unsure.”
9. “The only thing that’s keeping me from falling apart is that I’m still in love with you.”
10. “Call me by your name, and I’ll call you by mine.”

These quotes capture the essence of the novel, exploring themes of love, identity, desire, and the complexities of human relationships.

Rating: 5/5 stars

Recommendation:

If you enjoy literary fiction, coming-of-age stories, or are simply looking for a beautifully written novel, “Call Me By Your Name” is a must-read. Be prepared for a emotional and thought-provoking journey that will linger long after finishing the book.

Note: The novel was adapted into a successful film in 2017, but the book offers a more in-depth and introspective exploration of the characters and their emotions.

Read more: My Story: A Classic Book Review