Call Me By Your Name Novel By André Aciman
"Call Me By Your Name" is a novel by André Aciman that was first published in 2007. It is a coming-of-age story that follows the romantic relationship between 17-year-old Elio Perlman and his father's 24-year-old graduate student, Oliver, during a summer in Italy in the 1980s. The novel explores the themes of desire, sexuality, and the complexities of human relationships.
Plot Summary
The novel is set in the summer of 1983 in a villa in Northern Italy, where Elio Perlman is spending his vacation with his family. Elio is a precocious 17-year-old who is passionate about music and literature. His father is a professor of archaeology, and every summer he invites a graduate student to come and work with him. This year, the chosen student is Oliver, a handsome 24-year-old American.
At first, Elio is wary of Oliver, as he sees him as a threat to his intellectual superiority. However, as the summer progresses, Elio and Oliver develop a close friendship that soon turns into a passionate romance. They spend their days exploring the Italian countryside, swimming in rivers, and reading books. Their relationship is intense and all-consuming, but they both know it is temporary, as Oliver is due to leave at the end of the summer.
As the summer draws to a close, Elio is heartbroken at the thought of losing Oliver. He tries to move on, but he cannot forget him. The novel ends with Elio, years later, still haunted by the memory of his summer with Oliver.
Themes
"Call Me By Your Name" explores several themes, including desire, sexuality, and the complexities of human relationships. The novel is a coming-of-age story that follows Elio's journey of self-discovery as he navigates his feelings for Oliver. Elio is initially confused about his sexuality, but his relationship with Oliver helps him to understand and accept his desires.
The novel also explores the theme of the passage of time and the fleeting nature of youth. Elio is acutely aware that his summer with Oliver is temporary, and he tries to savor every moment. The novel is a poignant reminder that youth is fleeting and that we should cherish the moments we have.
Adaptation
"Call Me By Your Name" was adapted into a critically acclaimed film in 2017, directed by Luca Guadagnino and starring Timothée Chalamet as Elio and Armie Hammer as Oliver. The film was a box office success and won several awards, including an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay.
The film stayed true to the novel's themes of desire and the complexities of human relationships, and it was praised for its stunning cinematography and beautiful soundtrack. The film helped to bring the novel to a wider audience and cemented its status as a modern classic.
Conclusion
"Call Me By Your Name" is a beautiful and poignant novel that explores the complexities of human relationships and the fleeting nature of youth. It is a coming-of-age story that follows the romantic relationship between Elio and Oliver during a summer in Italy in the 1980s. The novel has been adapted into a critically acclaimed film and has won numerous awards. It is a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the themes of desire, sexuality, and the passage of time.