The Namesake is the debut novel written by American novelist, with Indian origin, Jhumpa Lahiri. This novel is a classic example when it comes to depicting rootlessness and cultural hiatus experienced by the Indian diaspora.

“The Namesake” is about the ‘struggle’ of a Bengali family – the Gangulies, who leave India to get settled in Central Square in Cambridge, Massachusetts post their wedding. Ashoke and Ashima are the first generation immigrants to the US. Ashoke being a student of engineering at MIT is almost comfortable with the foreign atmosphere, culture and food. But, it certainly takes time for Ashima to get accustomed to the peculiarities of a new country, a new language, new home, and new culture. This shows she has never travelled abroad before marriage. 

Gogol, their son is the protagonist. The author describes his life’s journey as he faces difficulty living a dual identity –fitting in the Bengali culture as well as embracing the American lifestyle.

This book excels on many levels. The writing is exquisite and the characters are real and engaging. Lahiri weaves emotional and identical crisis very nicely. 

The Namesake is written in simplistic language avoiding complex words and sentences. The author also avoids the use of figurative language. 

All in all, it’s a good read. It’s a family story and a classic diaspora tale, especially in the United States, that many children of immigrants can relate to.

✍️©️ Sheetal Pradhan Deshpande