Reviews

Kaima by Jhumpa Lahiri

manha10's review against another edition

5.0

I have never felt so seen in literature or any other media format, going on to show how much representation matters. I never related to the small details and events of a story so much. Jhumpa Lahiri's book explored identity and belonging by focusing on a simple name that carried so much weight for its bearers, and I loved reading every second of it. Her beautiful and detailed writing pulled me in and didn't let me go. I was never bored even though she was detailed at times because everything felt significant. It was a slice-of-life type of story and after finishing the book I felt like I personally knew the Gangulis. I had the privilege of attending one of her panels in person and she talked about her love of Italy the panel, which was very present in the book. I related to Gogol throughout the book but also felt weirdly frustrated and guilty because of that aspect as well. Lahiri perfectly captured the nuanced immigrant experience in this book which I am very grateful for. I feel a personal connection to this story and I cannot wait to watch the movie and read more of Lahiri's books. She is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors.

constantlythinking's review against another edition

emotional hopeful reflective sad medium-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

5.0

I have never felt more seen in my life. Gogol embodies the experience of being the child of immigrants, having to grow up feeling like two different people. I related to him in so many aspects, from the hating of his name, to not wanting to visit his family, the suppressing of his culture, and wanting to fit in. It broke my heart when he changed his name but I immediately understood the decision. I wanted to do it too at some point. Growing up with a unique name and background is so difficult in the United States. As much as Gogol tried to escape his culture, it kept coming back to him. The memory of his father at the beach broke me into pieces and made me realize how important it is to value those family members who are still with us, even the ones we don't like visiting. I realized how I need to stay in touch with my family across the country and be grateful for my immigrant parents who are the strongest people I know. I enjoyed the book so much I even read the afterword (which I never do). Life is full of train wrecks but we have to keep moving forward.

padam31_'s review against another edition

emotional relaxing slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75

prachi_8's review against another edition

lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

w0rmonastring's review against another edition

reflective relaxing 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? It's complicated

3.25

reintje69's review against another edition

reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes

3.0

I liked Lowlands better. I get it is about identity, but although I am an emigrant and so was my mother, I did not identify that much. Maybe it was too much about Indian emigrants specifically. I understood the Gogol name identity crisis but it just went on for so long… it was an ok book, but for me not amazing. Some parts were just too slow. 

rcraw11's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful relaxing medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

jennyluwho's review against another edition

4.0

‘In so many ways, his family’s life feels like a string of accidents, unforeseen, unintended, one incident begetting another.’

sarahpreno's review against another edition

3.0

I really want to give this book 4 stars because I enjoyed reading it and was interested in the story the entire time but there were a few parts that I just hated and cannot overlook!

andrewsutton's review against another edition

informative lighthearted reflective

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.5