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From Page to Screen: A Critical Look at Call Me by Your Name

A little prologue: Ha! Finally started with this one. I finished Call Me by Your Name before my sat exam, which was intended to help me perform better in the exam. And it did! I got an ideal score this time, and although there's still space for improvement, I want to express a slight appreciation for this book.

In summary, Call Me by Your Name can be described as a lament and ethereal love story that evokes intense emotions and a vivid summer atmosphere. However, despite these strengths, the book ultimately fails to deliver a meaningful message or substantial content.

Initially, my admiration for the book was largely due to its successful movie adaptation, which captivated audiences worldwide. However, upon watching the film, I was left feeling disappointed and confused. The story's sole focus on a brief summer romance between a teenager and an older man seemed superficial and lacking in depth. Nonetheless, the film's stunning visuals and impressive cinematography were undeniable, and its portrayal of a charming Italian town, complete with beaches, lakes, villas, peaches, pools, and bicycles, left me enamored. I instantly fell in love with the town where the shooting took place (I searched and it's called Crema) and bought a few posters to put them on the bedroom walls.

Despite the book's similarities to the film, nothing is learned despise the author's excessive focus on the environment and the protagonist's thoughts, and do little to advance the story or contribute to any deeper themes. Compared to classic and modern romance literature, Call Me by Your Name lacks the same level of depth and complexity. For example, novels like Pride and Prejudice and Jane Eyre, which have been a source of inspiration and spiritual guidance for me since childhood, feature independent, intelligent female characters who break free from traditional stereotypes. While the inclusion of homosexuality in Call Me by Your Name may contribute to greater understanding and acceptance of this minority group, it ultimately seems to serve as little more than a hook to draw in readers. If the main characters were switched to heterosexuality, it would not have attracted so much attention.

As a novel, character development is of paramount importance. Unfortunately, the main characters of Elio and Oliver lack the humanity and complexity that would make them truly engaging. While they are portrayed as intelligent and academic, their behaviors often seem driven more by base instincts and emotions rather than a deeper understanding of themselves or the world around them. It's hard to find any detailed description of Elio or Oliver in the entire book other than their relationship development. Their appearance, personal stories, and beliefs barely occur in the book. It's fine with their emotions, and actually one thing what I considered to be attractive and engaging.

One aspect of Call Me by Your Name that stood out to me was the book's exploration of the complexities of human desire. While the story's central romance may seem superficial at first glance, the book delves into the nuances of attraction, intimacy, and the emotional connections that can develop between people. Through Elio and Oliver's relationship, the author portrays the yearning and longing that can drive us to seek out connections with others, even when those connections may be fleeting or ultimately unfulfilling. In this sense, the book serves as a powerful meditation on the human experience of love and desire.

I am open to all kinds of criticisms and discussions, please comment below!

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From Kabul to America: A Journey Through The Kite Runner

The Kite Runner is a literary masterpiece that took me a period of two months to complete, occupying my bedtime every day. I highly recommend this book to teenagers and adults alike, as it is captivating and thought-provoking. 

The novel follows the journey of Amir, a young boy from a wealthy family in Kabul, who experiences the fall of Afghanistan's monarchy and seeks refuge in the United States amidst the rise of the Taliban. The book seamlessly blends various elements such as father-son relationships, friendship, nationalism, and redemption. 

I was particularly drawn to the theme of male relationships, portrayed through the characters of Hassan and Amir, as well as Amir and Baba. This is a rare thematic element in contemporary fiction, as most classics focus on either female-female or male-female relationships. The book showcases the complexity of male relationships, highlighting the superiority and social status between Amir and Hassan, and the unequal paternal love through the use of metaphors throughout the book.

The theme of "being good again" in the book is relatable to many people's experiences and personalities, making it a popular choice among readers. The language is delicately crafted and smooth, with no hint of it being written by a non-native speaker. Moreover, the book is an excellent resource for anyone looking to improve their writing skills, as it uses authentic and detailed psychological descriptions, written in the first-person narrative.

The book also provides a unique perspective on the history and culture of Afghanistan. It offers a glimpse into the lives of ordinary Afghans during the tumultuous period of the country's history, from the fall of the monarchy to the rise of the Taliban. Through the eyes of Amir, the reader gains an understanding of the challenges faced by Afghans during this period, including the impact of war and political instability on their lives. One of the most intriguing aspects of the book is the similarity between the antagonist and the author himself. Although the author claims that Hassan is a fictional character, I have doubts that he did not draw from similar experiences growing up. This begs the question, is the author using the book to confess himself? 

I particularly enjoyed the book's first quarter, which focuses on Amir's childhood. Childhood novels always strike a chord with me, as they remind me of my own childhood experiences. It was a time of pure happiness, vagueness, and physical distance, which makes it all the more intriguing. Although I still live in the same city, my childhood home seems like an unreachable place, as time fades. I can never go back there. The book highlights this point, emphasizing the innocence and dream-like adventures of childhood. However, I was not as interested in the latter part of the book, which seemed overly pro-American and featured an unrealistic and far-fetched plot to save Hassan's son. The emotional ending felt somewhat forced, and as someone who has read many books about war, I found the descriptions of the destruction wrought by war to be cliched. Despite this, the book is well-written, with excellent character development and vivid descriptions of their emotions. Overall, The Kite Runner is an excellent book, with a strong beginning and ending, although I did not feel emotionally attached to the story as much as I would have liked.

I am open to all kinds of criticisms and discussions, please comment below!

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