The Namesake: A Novel

Book Review "The Namesake", written by Jhumpa Lahiri, is a masterpiece. I know this book and specially the author, doens't need any introduction here amongst this elite group of readers . There is a movie too which stars Irrfan Khan and Tabu which isn't bad either, though reading the book would always be recommended. This book dwells upon the intricacies of the life of Indian immigrants in America- A Bengali couple, dares to dream to have a life away from their home, in a foreign land, dealing with situations, circumstances unintended, unanticipated, unplanned one after the other, with the major one hovering around the life of their son, who is named " Gogol" by his Father, after the famous Russian author -Nikolai Gogol. How he hates his name and changes it when he is an adult, however is never able to erase the person that he is, his roots and his origin. He is never able to detach himself off his identity that came from his parents. All the characters in this novel are so empathetically created, that you as a reader would care very fiercely and ardently for each one of them in the various situations of life they are in, without being judgemental. You will find yourself, laughing, crying and feeling for them. You would barely be able to out his novel down. If this is you first one of Lahiri's work, you are sure to pick up the next one soon. And this book does raise the standards of choice of books that one makes. Atleast it did that to me. Go for it. And it will draw you effortlessly into its world.

It's easy to move through this story, carried along by the characters. I gave this one only 3stars because I felt too much as if I were merely reading about the characters instead of truly learning about them and how the events of the many decades covered in this book actually impact each individually and collectively, events that should have made me cry merely stacked up with everything else. I never got inside the heart and mind of anyone, which is an essential component of my favorite books.

Jhumpa Lahiri is adept at describing her settings with sensory flair. When her characters dine, I can taste, smell and feel the exotic foods. Her descriptions of her character’s clothing and places are vividly pictured in the reader’s mind. But, too much of a good thing becomes a weakness. While the book captured me, i would have given a higher rating if the plot had not been as predictable.

The Namesake -- Jhumpa Lahiri PROS: Beautifully written, with vivid depictions of characters and settings that feel true and authentic. A timeless, classic story of identity, family, and self-discovery. CONS: The last third of the book drags a little and didn't sustain my attention the way the rest of the book did. The ending was poignant but a little dull. I had expected (and hoped for) more. Overall: This is my first Jhumpa Lahiri read, so I can't compare it to Interpreter of Maladies or any of her other works. I appreciate Lahiri's ability to make her characters "come to life" on the page, to recreate specific time periods, settings, and kinds of people with such skill that you sometimes forget you're reading fiction. This was an enjoyable read, though the first 2/3 of the book was better, in my opinion, than the end. I kept waiting for the plot to intensify a little, but the story plodded on as it had throughout, if anything becoming less intense as it progressed. Nevertheless, this is a fine novel, a worthy retelling of a classic human story, well written and, for the most part, engaging. Not an amazing book, but a good one.

Again I am captivated by the writings of Jhumpa Lahiri. Having read Interpreter of Maladies, I was rewarded by once again selecting this novel. There is nothing like historical fiction and/or stories incorporating other cultures, traditions and mindsets. Ms. Lahiri has the gift of interpreting a fine story along with all. The Namesake, one Gogol Ganguli, son of Bengali immigrants, Ashima and Ashroke, spends his life attempting to reinvent himself, his name and heritage in order to...what? Gogol and all the characters are relatable, understood and add to the complexity we all have in our close and extended relationships. I cared, absorbed, and was enlightened with culture and new insights.