More time had passed than I would have liked, but I did finally read Bejamin Alire Saenz’ novel, Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe. I thought the movie was terrific, but I knew the book would likely be better.
Safe to say, they were almost identical! I think the only major difference was that aside from an older brother in prison, Ari also had two older twin sisters that he never really saw. And I may just be forgetting that bit in the movie, but I don’t recall it being mentioned. As with most cases where I watch the thing before I read it, I couldn’t help but picture everyone in the cast as I went along. I mean, I think they did a pretty great job if I’m being honest. Ari’s parents are a little older because he was a later in life baby, and Dante’s parents were younger, as his mom was only twenty when she had him.
Truly, the casting of Ari and Dante were pretty perfect. I think the real-life casted Dante was maybe shorter than what the book described, but who cares! They both seemed to embody the written character so well. In watching an interview from the time the movie premiered, I cannot remember if either of the actors were familiar with the book before becoming involved with the film, but if the script was anything to go by, reading the book wouldn’t have really given them much more to work with.
I think Ari’s father got a little bit more, much deserved page time, and if there was more time to be had for the film, I would have loved to have seen more of those scenes play out. Either way, this was a fantastic story of best friends, coming of age. It only adds that they are both two very different Mexicans living in Texas. Those elements will certainly add a layer of specificity and complexity to an already trying time in everyone’s life. While Dante’s parents are great, it’s truly Ari’s parents who shine and surprise in the best way. This story made me smile and tear up, just like the film. I think it’s certainly one of those great love stories that everyone should know about.
I just learned that Saenz wrote a sequel to this novel, so you know I will be checking it out! Here’s hoping it gets an adaptation, too!