Book Review: Find Me by André Aciman

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“Find Me” is the second book of the “Call Me By Your Name” duology by André Aciman. I highly recommend reading the first book before picking up its sequel.

I loved both books as they made me feel seen and they’ve made me cry. Definitely a great pick if you want to pick more LGBTQ+ books.

Without giving too many spoilers, “Find Me” is a deep exploration of the self and the relationships we have with others as well as with ourselves as we age. It explores the idea of second chances and second lives.  

The sequel still follows our main character Elio – but we also see more of Elio’s father, Samuel – as well as a short segment on Oliver. However, the story takes place many years later from the events of “Call Me By Your Name.”

I absolutely loved getting the perspective of Elio’s father Samuel. Actually, it was my favourite perspective of the three. 

The interactions that Samuel had with Miranda was so engrossing to read as it was highly relatable. I hihglighted so many passages. I found it so hopeful watching these two going through life through a screen and finally open up their true selves.

In this book, I also enjoyed the big focus on fatherhood and fatherly love. (Another relatable concept to me!) We see father’s again and still trying to maintain and have a relationship with their sons. Speaking of fatherhood, there’s also the obvious of aging and dying. And also, immortalization of memory of loved ones.

“Find Me” as a title is highly reflective as it comes about subtly in the text. Find Me is multileveled in this novel. To be found, to be rekindled, to be remembered, to be conjured, to be generational as well find me in love and in death. 

The parallels between fathers and sons was also fascinating to witness. Andre Aciman really weaved everything nicely together. He did great justice to all three men after many years of stagnant living. 

Some other topics I enjoyed seeing being discussed: identity (being gay and Jewish), the importance of art (museums and vigils), literature (Greek), and music (piano).

I love this story of second chance so much. Most of us do live second lives and second selves. It’s never too late to start again. To pursue what you love and to love again.

“It’s just that the magic of someone new never lasts long enough. We only want those we can’t have. It’s those we lost or who never knew we existed who leave their mark. The others barely echo.” 

“As the French poet says, Le temps d’apprendre à vivre il est déjà trop tard, by the time we learn to live, it’s already too late.” 

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