The Namesake Review

Movie Poster & Tie-in cover

Original US Publication Cover

 

 

 

The Namesake is the story of the Ganguli family and their lives in two worlds, one in the modern United States and the other in India. Two worlds also play a major part in the story of Gogol, the son in the book, who changes his name to Nikhil because he is ashamed of the name Gogol. He is named after a Russian author who is father favored, despite the fact that Indian custom dictates that he be named an traditional Indian name. The story is a follow up to author Jhumpa Lahiri's acclaimed debut novel The Interpreter of Maladies.

My thoughts:
I bought the book for two reasons, one it was on sale and two I loved The Interpreter of Maladies which I read during the summer before senior year of high school. Almost four years later I feel the same way about this book. I am not sure what it is that makes Lahiri's writing style so captivating. Perhaps it is the frankness of it all. Perhaps it is because Lahari, like Gogol, was raised in the US (though she was born in Britain) to Indian immigrants. Whatever the reason, even those (like me) who do not understand the difference between good names and pet names or know what foods the Ganguli family is eating can relate to the plight of at least one character. We have all felt lost at some point in time or felt as if we don't belong with everyone else. I challenge anyone to read this book and not have some thoughts about their own lives and exactly where in the world they fit.

Fight Agains the Hours

Lena Martin, and  I actually think it is a rather fitting title to what Thursday was like. I felt like I was running everywhere and getting nowhere. I spent all morning trying to take notes and learn for International Business and feel like I didn't get anywhere! Went to IDS and talked more about rockets and STRUGGLED to stay awake during the documentary we were watching. It was just so dark and easy to fall asleep. Lunch was as crazy and hectic as ever. And the food isn't getting any better which really stinks. I'm really not into either eating pizza or grilled cheese ever day. International Management was a review day which meant that we got out early because no one wanted to ask questions. Fine by me. More time to work on my Senior Seminar paper which felt like it would never get done. Tutored after class and then went back to my room and never left. Just locked myself in. Upside, I finished my paper! The angels should have started singing. I'm about halfway through The Namesake again and I think I am more into it this time then when I read it the first time. Hopefully I can finish and review it soon!