The Namesake is one of the best literary works that I have ever read. This novel has great subplots and is provocative. You will definitely not find a book like this. I know it’s a bold statement to make but I mean it. You won’t find a book like this. Period. Read on to know more about this wonderful book and why you should give it a try.
About the book
- Title: The Namesake.
- Author: Jhumpa Lahiri.
- Botopsy rating: 5/5⭐
- Length of the book: 291 pages long.
- Genre: Fiction/ Bildungsroman.
Outline
The Namesake is the story of a Bengali immigrant family living in the U.S. They name their firstborn Gogol, in a haste, after his father’s favourite author. Living in an Indian family in America; Gogol finds it difficult to be a part of, both, the Indian tradition and the American life. Longing to cast off his embarrassing name and determined to live far from his parents, he sets off on his won path, only to recognize that search for identity depends on many factors other than a name. Additionally, he discovers that family is important and plays a major role in character formation.
My views
This book is a magnificent read, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Reading about the lives of Indian expatriate family, their struggles in the unknown land, their friendships and their trips to India engrossed me into this book. Likewise, I was fascinated to read about Gogol, his displeasure towards his name and his family, his continuous yearning to become independent. God! This book has two complete generations, their happiness and fears, just in 300 odd pages. The plot of this book has its own pace, not too fast, not too slow, just the right speed for a reader to empathize with the characters and their feelings.
Writing style
This book is narrated in the third person, giving the readers a complete and intense picture of the story and its characters. I, truly, admired her writing style; with the use of simple sentences including rich prose. The author painted a magnificent picture of Ashima, Ashoke and Gogol.
Characters
The foremost feature that enables any reader to traverse through a book, with utmost ease and captivation, is the book’s characters. If the characters are vague, the story is lost and so is the reader. This book has the best characters that I would ever care about. I was really able to connect with Gogol and his parents alike. Of all the characters Ashima will remain my forever favourite.
Recommendation
Reasons to pick this book
- If you wish to read a book that is rich in literature.
- This book has simple writing but will have a deep impact on you.
- Pick this book, just to experience her impeccable storytelling.
Honestly, I cannot cite any argument against picking this book. This book, inexorably, deserves a re-read.
The Namesake is a cheerful celebration of love, family, and identity that will invoke you in a very unique manner. I assure you that you’ll finish the book with moist eyes and a silly grin on your face.
