Find Me by André Aciman

Sequels are very tricky- will it be a hit or a miss?

Aciman’s Find Me, sequel to Call Me By Your Name, is a total miss. This book almost ruined the first novel for me. Divided into three sections, the novel is dreary. The characters are dull. Nothing about them stands out; there’s nothing more to them than their sexual desires and lust.

In the first section, the narration follows Samuel, Elio’s now-divorced father, and his journey to Rome, to visit his piano prodigy son. On the train, he meets a young woman Miranda and they strike up a conversation. It is evident from the beginning that Samuel is attracted to her. The narration flowing in a naturalistic manner, both the characters confide in each other, understanding that they are strangers and it would be highly unlikely of them meeting again. Although these sections keeps the readers engaged in their repartee, the coupling of Miranda and Samuel is distasteful- Miranda, as much as I hate to use this term, is a manic pixie dream girl with whom Samuel is going around Rome “regaling” about the time he was a teacher and was having relations with his students. This book ruined the once good character of Samuel. The one who was in touch with his feelings. One whose words in the first novel flowed like poetry. But is now answering Miranda's deep and thoughtful questions with ‘Cool’. His character is tainted by myriads of actions that take place in this book.

When the romance between Elio and Oliver is revisited in the novel, it is contrasting to their dynamic in the first novel- they are both loquacious; there is no subtlety and this leads to both characters openly discuss their once summer romance and the intimate moments they spent together. Also, there is no growth in the dynamic between Elio and Oliver. Although their reunion does feel honest... any growth in these character as individuals seem to vanish.

The aggravating part is that I was eagerly waiting for the sequel. I was curious about how will the novel develop following Oliver’s marriage and him having a family, and that in relation to the romance between him and Elio. Aciman’s writing in this novel is contrasting to the writing in Call Me By Your Name. Neither the plot nor the writing is gripping.

First section of the novel is intolerable and the other two sections of the novel somewhat save the sequel. Ultimately, Find Me is underwhelming and disappointing for a true Call Me By Your Name fan, such as myself.