 2008-11-03 - Worth the Read
I just started reading gay literature and I am glad this book was recommended to me by a friend as it set me off searching for others like it. Being younger gay man myself I found tons of relatable moments in the story and at parts had me so entwined with the characters that I went through the emotions right along with them. This novel captures the beauty of exploring human intimacy and how its effects can ripple out through a lifetime.
2008-10-28 - the obsession of a first love
CALL ME BY YOUR NAME captures so much of the novel in its title. The sickening all-consuming illness of total obsession when your sexuality awakens to an actual human being and you are lead by forces that are neither human nor spiritual even before the physical contact is made; the scent of the sheets where he has slept, the clothes he has worn, the stores he has entered; these are an intoxicating alcohol that the physical contact will eventually make sober. It is a dream, a passion and sorry am I for those who have never experienced it because the sadness afterwards is never as great as the high while it exists. Bravo Mr. Aciman--you made every delerious nerve in my body tingle all over again.
2008-10-18 - Destined to be a classic in gay literature
This book is amazing in its beauty. I thought about getting and reading it after I saw it on the NYTBR notable book list a year or two ago. I recall reading a review of it around that time that celebrated its honesty and emotional intensity. Why I just now got around to the reading is an unknown but, to coin one, better late to the party than missing completely.
This exquisite novel, by Andre Aciman, celebrates life and youth and the endless possibilities of both--detailing both "paradise" found and lost. It also justifies life's early obsessions as calibrated by innocence and desire. A precocious17 year old male, Elio, becomes obsessed with a "breezy" 24 year old American student, Oliver, living/studying one summer at Elio's family's home on the Italian Riviera. In Proustian fashion (all that may be missing is the Madeleine), what becomes a life changing/defining moment in time for Elio is thwarted by Oliver who, at summer's end, returns to the States and soon marries. One passage that may never be forgotten is upon Elio's return to his parents' home, after spending 3 finals days in Rome with Oliver (before his return to the States), there is an exalted conversation he has with his father who almost heroically tries to help Elio realize the magic and magnitude of that summer--as defined by the relationship he and Oliver shared--and what it will mean to him over time. It resonates of Mr. Marcel's reflection on both time and desire. Of course, Elio is shocked first at his father's knowledge, thinking their relationship was a well kept secret, and, later, at his insight.
This is a book I feel will stay with me for a good while. I have not felt this way toward a gay novel since finishing DANCER FROM THE DANCE more years ago than I care to admit. Read it--luxuriate in its passion, revel in its intensity, marvel at its insights.
2008-10-11 - Beautiful and Articulate
This novel is amazing. There is so much pop fiction out there today plus writers who attempt major projects just to achieve a schools try attempt. Andre Aciman has, with what seems like total ease, produced a literary, intelligent, articulate and beautiful piece of work here. It is the coming of age story of Elio, a very sensitive and intelligent 17 year old who experiences his first true love at his family's Italian Mediterranean home one summer. Every year a scholar resides with the family and he becomes totally mezmerized and awed by Oliver, 24, the latest resident scholar.
The book is told through the eye of Elio and he becomes so real and all he experiences becomes real as well. This novel explores the discovery of, exploration of and reality of love more simply, relevantly, realistically and beautifully than any piece of work I have ever read. Each word hits the reader like a gentle caress. The story builds, drama happens and it is all believable.
The love affair is between two men but this book is not merely a piece of gay fiction. It rises above that. It is a literary work about love and its impact. It is meant for all readers who want to read about pure, open raw emotions and their exploration. Each character, including Elio's parents, is very well develooped. The story line has no flaws and the book has a very satisfying ending. I was very disappointed when I finished this book for it was such a beautiful, enlightening experience. Novels like this are a rare find. The written word can posess a rare power and that it does here. This book is highly recommended for teens but even moreso for adults. All will be able to savor its honesty and pure emotion.
Very highly recommended.
2008-09-30 - Greatly moving and affecting... Lingers with you long after it's done.
This has quickly climbed to become one of my all-time favorites! I don't recall crying while reading a book before, as I did while reading this. And it's not because it was terribly sad, but because it touched me in places I have long thought have died in me. (I was awfully sad, too, to have it end, perhaps one of the greatest compliments I can give a book.)
This book is what I dreamed of encapsulating back when I still dreamt... And for making me realize that I can still ache in those ways, I am grateful.
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