Call Me by Your Name Book Summary - Call Me by Your Name Book explained in key points

Call Me by Your Name summary

André Aciman

Brief summary

Call Me by Your Name is a captivating novel by André Aciman that tells the story of a passionate love affair between 17-year-old Elio and Oliver, an older academic who is staying at his family's Italian villa for the summer.

Give Feedback
Table of Contents

    Call Me by Your Name
    Summary of key ideas

    Exploring a Summer Romance

    In Call Me by Your Name by André Aciman, we are introduced to Elio, a seventeen-year-old boy spending his summer in the Italian Riviera. His father, a professor of archaeology, invites a graduate student, Oliver, to stay with them and assist him with his academic work. Elio, initially put off by Oliver's confidence and nonchalance, soon finds himself drawn to him.

    As the days pass, Elio and Oliver develop a close friendship, bonding over their shared Jewish heritage and their mutual love for literature and music. Elio, however, is unable to express his growing attraction to Oliver, who seems to be involved with a local girl. Despite this, their relationship deepens, and they share intimate moments, often exploring the beautiful Italian countryside together.

    Unveiling Hidden Desires

    As the summer progresses, Elio's feelings for Oliver intensify, and he struggles to come to terms with his burgeoning sexuality. He grapples with his desires, feeling both elated and tormented by his infatuation with Oliver. Meanwhile, Oliver remains enigmatic, his true feelings and intentions shrouded in mystery.

    One day, Elio finally confesses his feelings to Oliver, who reciprocates, and they begin a passionate, clandestine affair. Their relationship is marked by intense emotions, a sense of urgency, and the looming end of summer, which threatens to separate them. Despite their love, they are unable to openly acknowledge their relationship due to societal norms and their own fears.

    The Pain of Parting

    As the end of summer approaches, Elio and Oliver's relationship becomes increasingly strained. They both struggle with the impending separation, knowing that their time together is limited. Elio, in particular, is devastated by the thought of losing Oliver, and he becomes withdrawn and despondent.

    When Oliver leaves, Elio is left heartbroken, grappling with the pain of their parting. He tries to move on, but his thoughts constantly return to Oliver. He is haunted by the memories of their time together and the intensity of their love, unable to shake off the profound impact Oliver has had on his life.

    Reflections on Love and Loss

    In the final part of Call Me by Your Name, we follow Elio as he reflects on his summer romance with Oliver. He grapples with the complexities of love and desire, the pain of loss, and the passage of time. Elio's narrative is a poignant exploration of the transformative power of first love and the enduring impact it can have on our lives.

    In conclusion, Call Me by Your Name is a beautifully written, emotionally charged novel that delves deep into the complexities of human relationships. Aciman's lyrical prose captures the intensity of Elio and Oliver's love, as well as the profound impact of their brief, but life-changing, summer romance. The novel leaves us with a bittersweet understanding of the enduring nature of love and the pain of its loss.

    Give Feedback
    How do we create content on this page?
    More knowledge in less time
    Read or listen
    Read or listen
    Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
    Find your next read
    Find your next read
    Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
    Shortcasts
    Shortcasts New
    We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.

    What is Call Me by Your Name about?

    Call Me by Your Name is a captivating novel by André Aciman that tells the story of a passionate summer romance between 17-year-old Elio and 24-year-old Oliver. Set in the sun-drenched Italian countryside, the book explores themes of love, desire, and self-discovery. Aciman's beautiful prose and poignant storytelling make this a must-read for anyone who enjoys a heartfelt and thought-provoking tale.

    Call Me by Your Name Review

    Call Me by Your Name (2007) portrays a passionate summer romance between two young men in Italy. Here's why this book is worth reading:

    • With its raw emotions and vivid descriptions, it immerses readers in the intensity of first love.
    • The book explores themes of self-discovery and acceptance in a way that feels both universal and deeply personal.
    • Through its beautiful prose and sensuous imagery, the story transports readers to the sun-soaked setting of Italy, creating an immersive reading experience.

    Who should read Call Me by Your Name?

    • Anyone who enjoys beautifully written, passionate love stories
    • Readers who appreciate vivid descriptions of landscapes and sensory experiences
    • People who are open-minded and interested in exploring complex emotions and relationships

    About the Author

    André Aciman is an acclaimed author and professor. He is best known for his book "Call Me by Your Name," which explores themes of love, desire, and identity. Aciman's writing is known for its lyrical and introspective style, and he has received widespread recognition for his work. In addition to "Call Me by Your Name," Aciman has written several other books, including "Out of Egypt" and "Enigma Variations."

    Categories with Call Me by Your Name

    People ❤️ Blinkist 
    Sven O.

    It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.

    Thi Viet Quynh N.

    Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.

    Jonathan A.

    Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.

    Renee D.

    Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.

    4.7 Stars
    Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
    32 Million
    Downloads on all platforms
    10+ years
    Experience igniting personal growth
    Powerful ideas from top nonfiction

    Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.

    Start your free trial

    Call Me by Your Name FAQs 

    What is the main message of Call Me by Your Name?

    The main message of Call Me by Your Name is a powerful exploration of love, desire, and the complexities of human connection.

    How long does it take to read Call Me by Your Name?

    The reading time for Call Me by Your Name varies depending on the reader's speed. However, the Blinkist summary of the book can be read in just 15 minutes.

    Is Call Me by Your Name a good book? Is it worth reading?

    Call Me by Your Name is a captivating and evocative book that is definitely worth reading. It explores deep emotions and beautifully captures the essence of first love.

    Who is the author of Call Me by Your Name?

    The author of Call Me by Your Name is André Aciman.

    What to read after Call Me by Your Name?

    If you're wondering what to read next after Call Me by Your Name, here are some recommendations we suggest:
    • Attached by Amir Levine and Rachel S. F. Heller
    • Click by Rom and Ori Brafman
    • Daring Greatly by Brené Brown
    • Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Goleman
    • The Truth About Trust by David DeSteno
    • Why We Love by Helen Fisher
    • Crucial Conversations by Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan, Al Switzler
    • Sex at Dawn by Christopher Ryan and Cacilda Jethá
    • A General Theory of Love by Thomas Lewis, Fari Amini and Richard Lannon
    • The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work by John M. Gottman and Nan Silver