Diving Into the Heart of Rome: A Review of Run Away with Me by Brian Selznick
When I first stumbled upon Run Away with Me, I didn’t realize that I was about to embark on a journey that would envelop me in art, love, and the magic of Rome. This was my inaugural experience with Brian Selznick’s work, and let me tell you: it certainly won’t be my last!
Having recently finished a string of diverse YA novels, I found myself yearning for a gay love story, and the timing was serendipitous as I snagged it digitally on Libby. Kindle reads have a special charm for me; they encourage a certain pace while allowing me to carry my literary adventures wherever I go. Despite reading it on a screen, Run Away with Me felt like a breeze—at just 240 pages, I was captivated from the opening lines.
The book begins with an unnamed sixteen-year-old protagonist who wakes up in a church, greeted by the sound of rain. The heavy downpour creates an almost cinematic backdrop, setting a tone of isolation and wonder as he steps back into a city made empty by the rain. It’s within this quietude that he discovers a map and—spurred by curiosity—embarks on an adventure that leads him to Danny, a boy brimming with stories and passion for Rome.
From the moment Danny and Angelo meet, the storytelling blossoms, inviting us into their intimate exploration of the city’s hidden treasures. Their relationship unfolds like a beautiful painting, mirroring the historical connections of other characters we encounter along the way. This thematic intertwining of past and present is both inventive and moving, filling me with gratitude for the layers of storytelling that Selznick weaves.
Selznick’s signature style is beautifully showcased through the accompanying artwork that punctuates the narrative. These illustrations serve not just as decoration but as an additional narrative thread, enhancing the emotions and experiences of Danny and Angelo. I was particularly struck by the way the pictures can be viewed in reverse—offering a different narrative experience altogether, a clever detail that delighted me.
As I turned pages, I found myself immersed not only in Rome’s historical richness but also in the tender yet fleeting dynamics between Danny and Angelo. There’s a bittersweet tension anchored in the knowledge that their time together is limited; this made their moments feel even more precious. As Danny grapples with his growing feelings for Angelo, I felt my own heart swell—Selznick truly captures the essence of young love’s mixture of excitement and fear.
The emotional weight of the conclusion left me in both joy and heartache. I appreciated how effortlessly Selznick manages to elicit these feelings, crafting a tale that resonates long after the pages are closed. I don’t often purchase new books, preferring to savor the experience before investing, but I can confidently say that Run Away with Me is one I will be adding to my collection. The thought of revisiting Danny and Angelo’s journey fills me with anticipation; it’s a world I want to dive back into, over and over.
If you’re a fan of LGBTQ+ young adult literature, or simply looking for a heartfelt journey through art and love, I wholeheartedly recommend picking up this book. In a world filled with noise and haste, Selznick’s work invites us to slow down, reflect, and embrace the beauty around us—both in art and in our connections with each other. Reading Run Away with Me has been nothing short of delightful, and I can’t wait to explore more of Brian Selznick’s enchanting worlds. Thank you, Brian!