How do you think Elio's experience of first love as a boy shape the man he has become? What do you believe Oliver's infatuation with Erica and Paul says about him?

The story of Elio and Oliver is revealed gradually. What did you learn about them in each section? How do you think Elio's experience of first love as a boy shape the man he has become? What do you believe Oliver's infatuation with Erica and Paul says about him? What happens in the time between the events of 'Capriccio' and 'Da Capo'?

Since I hadn't read the prequel to this novel, I really did feel like their story was revealed gradually... finding out that Oliver was Elios first, and really, only love until he meets Michel. Then that Oliver left him for a woman and ended up getting married and having a family, then that Elio is still truly , madly in love with him and unable to love another completely. I think our first loves always shape us in some way or another...if it was a good and healthy relationship, it can help us find love with another. If it was an unhealthy relationship, it can damage us and make it harder to find complete love with another person later on. But no matter what kind of relationship it was, I don't think you ever forget it. And maybe , think about what if's ... as far as Olivers infatuation with Erica and Paul... I wasn't really sure what that meant. I know I am a little more square than all of the characters in this novel... I know as an American, I am more hung up on sex and the fluidity of relationships and roles than Europeans, so this section just seemed a little "off" to me. Between the last two chapters, I think Oliver realizes how much he longs to be with Elio who was his true love... he decides to go and "find" him.