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mariakureads's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
It's a detailed look at two people over a summer holiday from the viewpoint of Elio, the young man whose thoughts, fantasies, worries, and fears are highlighted through a first-person narrative that is detailed and revealing.
It felt like the idea was about first love, and in thinking about it, this book felt like a punch to the gut. Through Elio's eyes, the intensity and longing, the highlights and exchanges both in public and in secret, the rush of it all reminded me of all of those feelings, so kudos to Aciman for that.
But there were some scenes that, for me, went too far, were unneeded, or dragged on. I listened to this book, and so I wasn't prepared for some of the more graphics moments or the descriptions of them, which frankly made me feel ick and made me stop listening for days.
I give the author kudos for his detailing in building this story and in creating depth, but I found the relationship between Elio and Oliver to be off-putting. I can't put my finger on the exacts; maybe it's the way they talk to each other, their dialogue in itself, the off-putting age difference, the nature of Oliver creeping into Elio's room... There are different moments throughout that I didn't connect with and I can agree I won't.
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Sexual content, and Stalking
kaadee's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.0
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Pedophilia, Rape, Sexual assault, Toxic relationship, Stalking, Gaslighting, and Abandonment
Minor: Death, Transphobia, Antisemitism, and Death of parent
onthelam's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Minor: Death, Drug use, Homophobia, Rape, Suicidal thoughts, Terminal illness, Excrement, Vomit, Grief, Stalking, and Alcohol
gabrielleclarke05's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.25
The movie overall is better and this book just felt creepy and the author is a self proclaimed pedophile so take that as you will
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Biphobia, Body shaming, Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Infidelity, Mental illness, Misogyny, Pedophilia, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, Excrement, Vomit, Grief, Stalking, Gaslighting, Abandonment, Alcohol, and Sexual harassment