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

emotional tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Aciman's prose are truly jaw dropping. The prose in this book are lyrical, and honestly almost homeric. The setting in a beautiful Italian summer in the 80's had me hooked.  That said, there is controversy surrounding this book because of the adult-adolescent romance that is the main focus/ plot of this novel, and because of that I would say that this is a book that should be read critically. I think that this novel is intended to make us reflect on how disturbing, strong, and complex human desire can be. I think it is a book that could make anyone who has experienced intense romantic obsession, infatuation, or lovesickness feel seen. Elios thoughts and feelings are written in a way that is so honest,  it feels like you are reading someones most unfiltered and confidential thoughts and actions, the sort of things people would never say aloud. 
I would recommend this book, especially as a summer read. Approach it like you're reading a diary, with enough open-mindedness to empathize and love the characters, but also enough objectivity to cast judgement where it is due.  
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