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ultimatekate's review against another edition
3.0
"The Namesake" is a well-written book that details the lives of a Bengali family, from the parents' time entering the US (and even some time in India) through their son's journeys into his 30's. The author did a great job creating the different voices and personalities, and she does the multiple points of view thing seemlessly (and almost effortlessly). The majority of the book is told from Gogol's (the main character) point of view, but we also get into the minds of his father, his mother, and his wife.
Having lived in the US my entire life, and having parents who have also lived in the US their entire lives, it's hard for me to know exactly what immigrants and the children of immigrants think. However, I think that Lahiri captures the struggles perfectly. For example, the main character is very often frustrated by his family and their old-country ways, but he feels a certain duty to them. In his college years, he begins to go by a new name, and he isn't happy when his parents refer to him by his old name OR his new name--the typical college freshman. Lahiri does a great job making him rounded and sympathetic.
I also appreciated the small details that Lahiri puts into her story. She doesn't explain everything going on all the time, but she will occassionally throw in random small details that help the reader picture things.
My only criticism is that the book just ended; there was no real closure. I guess that's true in real life, but sometimes, I expect more out of a book!
Having lived in the US my entire life, and having parents who have also lived in the US their entire lives, it's hard for me to know exactly what immigrants and the children of immigrants think. However, I think that Lahiri captures the struggles perfectly. For example, the main character is very often frustrated by his family and their old-country ways, but he feels a certain duty to them. In his college years, he begins to go by a new name, and he isn't happy when his parents refer to him by his old name OR his new name--the typical college freshman. Lahiri does a great job making him rounded and sympathetic.
I also appreciated the small details that Lahiri puts into her story. She doesn't explain everything going on all the time, but she will occassionally throw in random small details that help the reader picture things.
My only criticism is that the book just ended; there was no real closure. I guess that's true in real life, but sometimes, I expect more out of a book!
aliza__'s review against another edition
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? No
3.0
jess_mango's review against another edition
5.0
The movie was good...but the books is even better. Jhumpa Lahiri's novel tells the story of American immigrants and their American-born children's experiences living in America and the struggles they face in maintaining their unique cultural traditions.
theangrylibrarian's review against another edition
emotional
funny
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
robisreading's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
angelsrgorgeous's review against another edition
5.0
I found myself unable to stop thinking about this book as I went about my daily life, amazed that it's gentle style held such power. It had the power to draw me in an inexplicable way to the quiet details that determine the direction of lives.
I felt so personally connected to the characters, and often forgot I was reading, as it felt that the book blended almost seamlessly with my personal stream of consciousness. I most appreciated Ashima, her inner thoughts and motivations. There was a quiet strength in her that realistically demonstrated that the process of finding true peace is centered around acceptance of circumstances and conscious forward motion.
I agree with one of the reviews below that "Tender" is an ideal characterization of this novel. Tender and rich.
I was unexpectedly charmed by this impressive novel and am now an enthusiastic convert to Lahiri's style. I hope to read more of her works in the future.
I felt so personally connected to the characters, and often forgot I was reading, as it felt that the book blended almost seamlessly with my personal stream of consciousness. I most appreciated Ashima, her inner thoughts and motivations. There was a quiet strength in her that realistically demonstrated that the process of finding true peace is centered around acceptance of circumstances and conscious forward motion.
I agree with one of the reviews below that "Tender" is an ideal characterization of this novel. Tender and rich.
I was unexpectedly charmed by this impressive novel and am now an enthusiastic convert to Lahiri's style. I hope to read more of her works in the future.
fannachristine's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
emperadorapb's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
klparmley's review against another edition
1.0
I started it and couldn't get sucked into the story. I suspect it was the wrong book at the wrong time. I might like it better later, but I'm not likely to try it because there are other books that I WANT to read waiting for me.