The Namesake: A Novel

I fell in love with Jhumpa Lahiri's work when I had read her first short story collection, Interpreter of Maladies, and was eager to dive into her first novel. Her writing is luminous, seemingly effortless, and as a writer I was fully absorbed by her use of language, and its simple beauty.

But this story of how an Indian family, the Gangulis of Calcutta, finds their place in the United States lacked the depth of character development that was not an issue with the short stories. It is a universal tale with familiar elements: the immigrant generation longing for home, dealing with their loneliness for family, bewilderment at aspects of their adopted culture, eventually learning to adapt and find their place in a new land. One of the saddest aspects to this and other stories like it is the inevitable acceptance -- however reluctantly -- of the immigrants (in this case, Ashoke and Ashima Ganguli) to watch their American-born children rebel to varying extents from their cultural roots. Gogol, the main character in this novel, and his sister Sonia, are determined to be fully American, and typically are at times embarrassed by their parents' "Indian-ness."

This story revolved around Gogol, whose name (after the famed Russian writer) plagues him for years, until he decides to change it. Yet Lahiri, as omniscient narrator, continues to refer to him as Gogol, even when others in his life refer to him as his chosen name: Nikhil. It was her way, it seems, of conveying that his cultural roots are something he cannot escape and will one day choose to embrace to a larger extent. The story behind his name is a deeply affecting one as well, but is one that is not appreciated by Gogol until the end of the book.

There are many poignant aspects of this story, mostly involving Gogol's parents, Ashima and Ashoke. I wish there had been more dramatic episodes that involved the three of them. Gogol's romantic life involves women who at first inspire yet ultimately disappoint, and we sympathize, but perhaps not as much as if Lahiri had gone deeper into his own emotional life.

I will still eagerly read Lahiri's other works. She is a writer of immense talent, and despite these shortcomings, reading her prose is an intoxicating pleasure.

Great book, and is much more than a simple success story, really enjoyed reading it

I really enjoy the way in which Jhumpa Lahiri writes: her attention to detail and intricate portrayal of inner family workings absolutely drew me into the book and its characters. While immersing the reader in a culturally rich text and storyline, Lahiri writes of challenges and triumphs applicable to the overall human experience. My one small complaint would be the fact that as much as I loved and appreciated this book, the way it ended (as per the last 100 pages or so) left me feeling slightly disheartened and as though the build up to the end of the novel was for not. It was not the ending I had expected for the characters I had come to know throughout the course of The Namesake.

The characters and story felt remarkably real. The prose was excellent. I recommend reading Gogol before this. Luckily, my husband had strongly recommended Gogol to me some years ago.

I have tears in my eyes as I have just finished listening this incredibly beautiful book. Names are powerful - and this book captures the power that comes with your name. What a terrific story - so many depths to this story and very well executed. Very touching writing, I cried a few times during this book - I will miss spending time with the Ganguli family. Jhumpa Lahrai wrote such wonderful characters in Ashima and Ashoke Ganguli, telling their story as much as the story of Gogol their son. The reader is transported from Calcutta, India to Cambridge, MA and back again. I enjoyed, as I said earlier spending time with Ganguli family - Lahiri's descriptions of their family life painted such a vivid picture that I felt like I was one of their guests at times. You could just smell Ashram's cooking!
The narrator, Sarita Choudhury, has a beautiful voice - I would listen to her read a grocery list and it be soothing! I absolutely loved this book and am very sad that it over.