The Namesake: A Novel by Jhumpa Lahiri
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Book Reviews of The Namesake: A Novel
Book Review: wonderful read
Summary: 5 Stars
I won't even try to say what this novel is (because I don't care), I can only say what it means to me. It is wonderfully written, elegant, no word is out of place, Gogol's struggles are touching and I can easily identify. Use of the present tense adds a lot of charm and at the same time urgency. The cast of characters is totally believable and loveable. Sometimes the book feels so real as if it tells my story (although it doesn't), it speaks directly to my heart. I think that is the greatest accomplishment of the book, that although it is someone else's experience it is told so empathetically that it becomes mine. The style of the narration is very classic, which isn't negative for this work. It feels contemporary at the same time. The language is very sensual and in love with detail, which makes it more enjoyable. I have nothing negative to say about this book, apart from that I would have liked to hear more about Sonia. I haven't been touched by any writer's work this much since reading Tobias Wolff, Raymond Carver or Thomas Mann.Book Review: An excellent book!
Summary: 5 Stars
I loved this book, to me it was better than the highly praised Interpreter of Maladies. I thought in short stories there was simply no time to develop the characters and their individual stories. The Namesake, however, did all that. It's an excellent story, with characters so well developed you couldn't help but feel for them. For the immigrant parents, who try so hard to make a new life for themselves and give their children everything they possibly could, and for their children, the first generation Americans caught in two cultures and having to find peace between the culture their parents created at home and the culture all around them. It's a story that any first generation American can relate to, no matter what culture they came from: parents clinging to the culture they left behind because it's the only familiarity they had in the new country and children born and educated in the US, shielded by their parents and trying so hard to figure out who they are. A great book! I highly recommend it to everyone.Book Review: Nice read
Summary: 5 Stars
The Namesake. The central character of this book is Gogol Ganguli - who is born to Bengali parents gone to the US. Gogol is son to Ashima and Ashoke Ganguli who had an arranged, traditional Bengali wedding in the 1960s. They start their family in the US - one son and one daughter. Ashoke keeps his son's name as Gogol - a name that Gogol has to live with his entire life - whether he likes it or not.
The book revolves around how difficult at times it becomes for Gogol Ganguli to be a part of India and being accepted as an American. All this even though he is a very bright student and also settles, pretty decently, as an architect. He has had pretty girlfriends. Still.
I have also watched the movie - by the same name - based on the novel. The movie too is very closely made on the lines of this book and I could remember movie scenes as I read through the book.
This is a book that is recommended to be read.
Book Review: A delight to anyone who comes across this book
Summary: 5 Stars
The Namesake is a well written story by Jhumpa Lahiri and wonderfully narrated by Sarita Choudhury.
It is a story of an immigrant family, growing up in a culture clash. But there is a twist, a novel idea to this story. It is about the boy's name. The Ganguly family names their son by circumstances and how it evolves in the story is very well depicted. I especially love the ending of the story. Kudos to Lahiri who does a fine job of portraying every element of the story with finesse and warmth. Each character touches your heart and falls correctly in the story.
A Bengali couple immigrating from India to Boston. MA. How they adjust to the new life in the US and the upbringing of their son GOGOL. Coming from a similar background, I could relate to the story quite a bit. It a warm and touching story and sure to delight everyone who comes across this book.
This review is based on the audio book.
- uday K
Book Review: A powerful book that relates to culture and identity
Summary: 5 Stars
The Namesake is one of my favorite books. The author writes prose that are lyrical and the words touch your heart. The main characters, Ashoke and Ashima and the beginnings of an arranged marriage are fascinating. They come to America so the husband can finish his doctorate degree. The immigrant experiences, clash of cultures, conflicts of assimilation and then the tangle tof ties betwen generations are strong themes. The most deeply felt theme is of identity. They have a son Gogol, whom they name after the Russian writer. Gogol dislikes his name and changes as soon as he can. His father feels a connection to Gogol, the author as he feels reading the book saved his life. I related to this book in many ways as a daughter of a foreign born mother, not of Indian descent but there are similarities when a parent is of a different culture. This is a thought provoking book on many levels and would be an excellent choice for a book club discussion.