Reading “Call Me by Your Name” by André Aciman was a transformative experience. This novel, which dives deep into the complexities of love and longing, left a lasting impression on me. Set in the summer of 1983 in northern Italy, the story is a poignant exploration of the emotional and physical connection between a 17-year-old boy, Elio Perlman, and his father’s American research assistant, Oliver.
From the very beginning, Aciman’s prose captures the essence of summer: the warmth, the languor, and the intoxicating beauty of the Italian countryside. The descriptions are lush and vivid, immersing you in a world where every sensation is amplified. The setting becomes a character in itself, shaping the mood and the emotions of the characters.
Elio, the protagonist, is a complex and introspective young man, whose life changes dramatically with Oliver’s arrival. The relationship between Elio and Oliver is the heart of the story. It’s not just a love affair; it’s a deep, often painful exploration of identity and desire. Their connection is electric and fraught with tension, capturing the fleeting, all-consuming nature of first love. Aciman portrays their evolving relationship with a delicate balance of intimacy and restraint, making every moment of their interaction feel charged with significance.
What I found particularly compelling about the book is its portrayal of desire and self-discovery. Elio’s journey is as much about understanding his own emotions as it is about his relationship with Oliver. The book delves into the nuances of attraction and the ways in which we come to terms with our desires. Aciman’s writing brings to life the inner turmoil and the intensity of emotions that accompany such an intense connection.
The novel’s structure also adds to its emotional depth. It’s written in the first person, from Elio’s perspective, which creates an intimate connection between the reader and the protagonist. This perspective allows us to feel Elio’s confusion, excitement, and heartache in a very personal way. The narrative is reflective and introspective, often diving into Elio’s thoughts and memories, which adds layers to the story.
One of the most memorable aspects of the book is its exploration of the idea of longing and memory. The story is told through Elio’s retrospective lens, and this sense of looking back adds a layer of nostalgia to the narrative. The way Aciman handles the passage of time and the lingering effects of first love is both poignant and bittersweet. It’s a reminder of how certain moments in our lives shape us and how memories of them can stay with us forever.
The dialogue and interactions between Elio and Oliver are charged with an undercurrent of tension and yearning. There’s a beautiful complexity to their exchanges, filled with unspoken emotions and half-formed thoughts. This makes their eventual connection all the more powerful and resonant.
In terms of writing style, Aciman’s prose is lyrical and evocative. His use of language is both rich and restrained, capturing the beauty of the Italian landscape and the depth of the characters’ emotions. The writing flows smoothly, with a rhythm that mirrors the ebb and flow of the relationship between Elio and Oliver.
