“Call me by your Name”
-By Andre Aciman
“Call me by your name” is beautifully profound novel written by Andre Aciman published in
2007. The book falls in category of romantic literary fiction exploring love, desire, sexual
identities between same sex guys. The Novel story is set up in summers of 1980s in Italy period
which has societal constraints, stigma around same sex romance but also period of cultural
freedom. I was discovered to novel from movie and was attracted to novel’s evocative title,
fleeting passionate love story of young lovers which feels both authentic and deeply relatable.
Novel revolves around 17yr old teenager boy Elio and 24yr old graduate Oliver who come to
stay with Elio’s family as part of his summer internship. During this period both develop their
first love, romantic bond blossoming from friendship to complex undefinable relationship.
Exploring struggles of sexual identity, bittersweet memories based on moments passed.
Capturing how 1st love shapes one’s identity, unrequited love, fleeting nature of time which is
transformative joy and devastating too. Rich timeless historical context, Summer heat, luxuriant
landscapes intertwine with Elio and Oliver intense connection.
Main characters of story are Elio who is teenager, intelligent and Oliver who is confident,
enigmatic. Both dealing with internal struggles creating dynamic interactions. Author employs
poetic description, which is lyrical, praising, heartbreaking, prose delving into intricacies of
human emotions making readers easy to immerse themselves in novel. Elio whose thoughts are
laid with honesty and is enigmatic while Oliver is more enigmatic than elio developing
complexities of love and heartbreaks. Making us relate to them. Novel story is reflective,
deliberate but may find some people slow but free of forced inevitable drama.
Author tries to convey message of fleeting unforgettable memories, Beauty of Pain and
love exploring of identities inviting readers to reflect on own experiences. Reading it led
profound impact, light of joy and heartbreaks which gives reality of growing up in world. Elio’s
character allow strong emotional connection profound emotions of teenagers. However, some
people find story pacing slow and steady. My personal view is it is great book to understand
LGBTQ+ people, their love and conflict. Elio’s feelings envoked my own memories of youthful
mistakes and love, fleeting moments of novel, the sentiments which can be relate by many.
The Novel discussed broader important social stigma of human sexuality, fleeing nature
of moments and various forms of love. During Conservative eras relevant to conversation about
identity and acceptance . I would rate it 4.5 out of 5 stars for discussing deep sociological aspect
of sexuality, emotional depth, its themes however, it limited female representation, unrealistic
romanticization which is hard to find in same sex love .