“To feel nothing as to not feel anything – what a waste”

If I were asked to describe this book in one phrase I would say ‘Soul Shattering’. As the novel develops, it certainly feels like Andre Aciman is drawing a dagger into your chest and then slowly pulling it out, thus allowing the reader to feel the sorrows and grievances of the narrator. The novel besides excelling in literature was also a beautiful draw between love and passion.

The story is set in Northern Italy in the early 1980s and is narrated from the point of view of 17-year-old boy, Elio. Each summer Elio has to give up his room to visiting guests who come to spend contemplative weeks of learning and research at the Italian Riviera. However, this year the guest (Oliver) instead of becoming a source of annoyance for young Elio becomes his infatuation. Although the author keeps us ambiguous about Oliver’s narrative throughout the book, Elio’s obvious obsession with Oliver can be seen from the start. Initially, Elio, unaware of his attraction to Oliver feigns indifference. But with each passing summer day both men slowly start to profess their true feelings. Following the much-awaited confession is the development of a bond of total intimacy between both the characters.

This book was the perfect embodiment of raw emotion. It had no plot which suited very well to the narration as I was able to dive deep into the emotions of that 17-year old. The book besides telling a heart wrenching tale is also an example of beautiful literature with each sentence more poetic than the last. Aciman, through this well-constructed script, was truly able to put forward his views on love and desire; when you love someone your desire to be them also aflame. Besides the obvious adoration for the storyline, the well labored sentences and poetic prose of Aciman are what set this novel aside and put it on a much higher pedestal. Personally, I found myself over analyzing every sentence written as I wanted to comprehend the deeper truth behind it. But what made me fall in love with the book was the fact that the characters in it were far from perfect but this made the narrative all the more real.

-Marwa Elahi