I have had this book on my TBR forever. I even put off watching the movie because I wanted to read the book first. I don’t know why I waited so long because I absolutely loved it! Set against the backdrop of the stunning Italian Riviera, this novel tells the tale of a forbidden romance between seventeen-year-old Elio and twenty-four-year-old Oliver, a visiting scholar staying with Elio’s family for the summer. What begins as a simple friendship quickly blossoms into a whirlwind romance that neither can resist despite the risks and consequences that loom over them.

The story takes place in 1983, a time when things were much different for gay men. Things are far from perfect now, but having lived in the 1980s and 90s, I know how awful things were for us back then. Being gay wasn’t even on Elio’s radar because it simply isn’t talked about (at least not favorably), and even though we get the feeling that Oliver may have dabbled, he would never consider himself a gay man. Back then, being out was a dangerous game. It was easier to stay in the closet and repress those feelings. But since one can’t simply turn off their true desires, lust takes hold, your thoughts/fantasies go haywire, and longing can become an almost obsession.

As the summer heats up, so does the intensity of Elio and Oliver’s relationship, culminating in a night of passion that will change them both forever. Their journey towards total intimacy is fraught with uncertainty and longing, making their eventual connection all the more powerful. While the buildup to this night is intense, it’s what comes after that is bittersweet. We know (just as Elio and Oliver know) that the summer will eventually end, and Oliver will return to the US, ending their beautiful connection.

Aciman’s prose is nothing short of enchanting, drawing you into the lush landscape of Italy and the depths of Elio’s emotions as he navigates the complexities of first love and desire. We are firmly planted in the horny mind of a seventeen-year-old who is turned on by anything and everything while also struggling with same-sex desires. The palpable tension between Elio and Oliver crackles off the pages, pulling you deeper into their world and leaving you eager for more.

Throughout the novel, Aciman expertly captures the nuances of desire, obsession, and fear that accompany forbidden love. The characters are flawed and vulnerable, each grappling with their own fears and insecurities as they navigate the uncharted waters of their relationship. I read several reviews where people complained that the things Elio does and thinks are “disgusting” or “unrealistic.” Ummm, excuse me? Not even a little bit. These people either didn’t grow up during this time period and/or were never a teenage boy. When you are that age – especially if you are gay – and you are told that the things you are feeling are wrong and you don’t understand what is going on, you have a lot of confusing thoughts running through your head that only amplify your desires. This is honestly one of the most realistic and authentic depictions of young gay lust that I have read.

In a world filled with cookie-cutter romances, this stands out as a bold and unapologetic celebration of passion and desire. Aciman’s storytelling is a masterclass in capturing the complexities of repressed sexual desires in a world that is against you. If you are looking for an authentic gay romance that explores the complexities of love, passion, and intimacy with a rare depth and sensitivity – this is your book. I highly recommend it to anyone who appreciates a beautifully written, emotionally resonant story of love and longing.