Enigma Variations

Enigma Variations

2017 • 289 pages

Ratings11

Average rating3.7

15

Aciman writes angst and longing so well. In Enigma Variations we follow Paul/Paulo through 5 lovestories, that are intriguingly structured into 5 separate vignettes, interlacing in time yet separated by lovers. From an unrequited crush in his young adolescence (Nanni), to obsessive yet detached jealousy (Maud), to intense craving on a tennis court (Manfred), to doomed love on a rhythm (Chloe), and unfulfilled infatuation with a younger writer (unnamed).

As in CMBYN Aciman plays with the theme of patterns and repetitions. His protagonist enjoys daily rituals, revisiting and reliving moments of the past. Paul's love-stories - all full of desire and similarly tortured by hesitation and regret - are different variations on his attempt to “drink the wine of life”. Does he ever reach it, or was he there all along? Does our first love set the tone - of bittersweet longing and unfulfilled melancholia - for the rest of all our loves?

The first story on the Italian island was wonderful, but almost too reminiscent of CMBYN. I immensely enjoyed the angst and torture that were the Manfred and Chloe stories. Sadly I felt the last story was the weakest.