The Namesake: A Novel

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.