The Sweetest Oblivion

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes depictions of imbalanced power dynamics in intimate relationships, gender discrimination, and emotional abuse.

The Sweetest Oblivion uses the forbidden romance trope to explore the passionate intensity of taboo relationships. According to the forbidden romance trope, two characters who aren’t allowed to be together due to circumstantial barriers struggle to fight their attraction for each other. For Elena Abelli and Nicolas (Nico) Russo, staying apart is especially challenging because Nico is engaged to Elena’s sister Adriana Abelli. As their wedding draws near, Nico spends more and more time in Elena’s home and immediate sphere. Their proximity incites intense feelings between them despite their alleged aversion to each other. In these recurring encounters, Elena feels “tongue-tied around [Nico], tilted off [her] point of gravity, and truthfully just hot, as though a blush permanently warmed [her] skin” (16). Throughout Elena’s chapters, Elena repeatedly describes her physiological response to Nico. Her senses are often overwhelmed, confusing her logical brain. The same is true for Nico, who can’t tamp down his desire to be with Elena although he knows being together is wrong. The social and familial barriers that keep the love interests apart augment the tension between them.