When Elio confronts Oliver about what he sees as his cruelty, Oliver expresses his concern about their age difference and whether it would be unfair to expose him to potential heartache. Initially, there is an intense psychological dance between the two, as both young men try to suppress their feelings, even having romantic liaisons with other women. He feels sure the attraction is mutual, but is frustrated by Oliver’s reluctance to engage with him. Although he has no apparent qualms about homosexuality, he clearly does not feel he can explore this openly in front of his family. Still young, Elio is in the early stage of exploring his sexuality. The book is written from Elio’s point of view, so we know he feels an instant attraction to Oliver. By contrast, Elio is introverted, at times morose, a typical teenager, you might say. Seven years older than Elio he is confident, outgoing, charming and brilliant, a favourite with Elio’s parents, the staff who work in the house, and the family’s local friends and neighbours. This has become a tedious routine for Elio, who is always aggrieved that, for the period of the visit, he has to vacate his bedroom for a smaller one down the hall, so that the guest can stay in more comfort. Each year they invite an American graduate student to stay with them for several weeks, to assist Elio’s father with his academic work, whilst also working on a project of their own. The younger main character, teenager Elio, spends every summer there with his parents at their home. The novel is set primarily during one sultry Italian summer in the 1980s. Last month’s theme was ‘a love story’ and I chose André Aciman’s Call Me By Your Name. So, if you would like to join me this month, I would love to hear your thoughts at the end of the month – or, at my present rate of reading, a week or so into October! First published in 1984, it was made into a film in 1988, starring Daniel Day-Lewis and Juliette Binoche.

There may well be books on my own TBR pile that have been around even longer, but I am determined I will get to them all one day! So, this month’s theme provides the perfect opportunity to get into this particular title, a renowned modern classic set against the background of the Prague Spring in 1968. I’ve ‘been meaning to read it’ ever since. This book has been sitting on my bookshelves for many years it was part of my husband’s collection before we met, so must have been bought at least 25 years ago.

I have chosen Milan Kundera’s The Unbearable Lightness of Being. As has become customary, I was somewhat late posting on my Reading Challenge Facebook Group with this month’s title, the theme of which is a novel from Eastern Europe.

Andre aciman call me by your name book