#1 Call Me By Your Name

This summer read by André Aciman has been snowballing in popularity due to the film coming out in 2017. I made the decision to read the book before watching the film, and I am pleased to say that I am glad that I did.

When I picked this book up in Waterstones, all I had been told was that it was about two gay boys on holiday in Italy. But boy oh boy was that the understatement of the century. Once my teeth were sunk into the first quarter of the book, I knew that this book was so much more than a basic b***h love story and that I needed to cancel my plans for the next few days.

Our main man of the story is Elio, a 17 year-old American-Italian who spends his time in "B" reading and scoring music. Through the story we witness his battle; emotions and hormones vs resisting his desires. We as readers get to be right beside him through his right of passage as Elio tries to figure out his bisexuality, triggered by the 24 year-old American guest. I have to admit, I too found myself falling for the sun-kissed beauty called Oliver. Without revealing spoilers, I found myself entangled in their delicate and consuming relationship between Elio and Oliver.

Aciman's writing, for me, was stunning. It has a poetic feel throughout making it hugely personal. It almost felt as if I was reading Elio's diary that was hidden under his mattress. There were a few very sensual moments that were bordering the line of captivating yet eccentric, adding an element of surprise to this refined novel.

'Call Me By Your Name' was my first entry into the failed book club and the book that inspired me to start this blog. I highly recommend this book to people who have an open mind, are bored of your classic boy-meets-girl chick-flicks and people who generally want a book they can devour in a couple of days.

Godere!

H x