A review by jessicabearbooks
Call Me By Your Name by André Aciman

challenging emotional funny inspiring reflective sad slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Our hearts and our bodies are given to us only once. Most of us can't help but live as though we've got two lives to live, one is the mockup, the other the finished version, and then there are all those versions in between. But there's only one, and before you know it your heart is worn out.

This book is so different. I fell in love with the writing style but also did struggle with it. If you're not a reader who usually reads classical novels, this one could take some getting used to. Although it took me a few chapters to really get into the way Aciman writes, I was touched by the story from the beginning. I would definitely recommend reading this while in Italy! Specifically the North though, I read this in the South and it didn't quite have the same effect. That being said, I started to see Elio and Oliver and their world everywhere I went.

Elio as a character should not be overlooked or underestimated. He is definitely unreliable and I found myself struggling to accept a lot of his decisions and thoughts. I also struggled to work out what was really happening and what was just Elio's imagination? However, it is crucial when reading this book to understand that this is NOT a romance. This story is from the perspective of a teenager discovering who he is. Call Me By Your Name is a coming of age story. Elio's mind is twisted, confusing, horny to a fault, and should be accepted as such. And if you can get past the preconceived negatives surrounding Elio and Oliver's relationship, then you'll be able to appreciate the innocence and gentleness of the story.

I found the whole thing unexpectedly funny! What do you mean I'm reading things such as "his apricock" and "Whoo-hoo the Witching hour". A lot of the characters are sweet and their motives are easy to get behind. 

No I've never had sex with a peach, but parts of this story were relatable. I think It's important to take a step back while reading this book and remember we have all been in love. We've all been helpless to the thoughts of someone, and we've all been desperate to be noticed. This book is troubling on the bare occasions, but it is beautiful throughout.
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