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Oct 29, 2017radcliffe23 rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
This book rips your heart out but in the best possible way. Anyone can relate to a love story that takes place over a finite time where it seems like you're together in a dream before the cruel realities of life, time, and distance separate you--no matter if you're gay or straight. Please don't listen to the reviews describing this as a older man "predator"/ underage "boy" relationship. That is patently false and is judged with clearly homophobic eyes and U.S. laws and with no regard for where the novel actually takes place which is Italy in 1983. Elio, the "boy", is 17 and FAR above the age of sexual consent in Italy, which is 14 (or 16 if the other partner is a teacher or in another position of influence as another commenter has stated). The "older man", Oliver, is all of 24, a doctorate student working for Elio's father for the summer and has no position of authority over him. And as far as anything "predatory" is concerned, Elio makes ALL the first moves, Oliver is not the persuer, he is the persued. And not in an obvious manner, rather Elio's pent up unexpressed desire finally causes him to act. There's nothing salcious or illegal about it, just a wonderful not even close to average love story that sucker punches you HARD when you're done reading and stays with you long after. I cannot recommend it highly enough