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angie99's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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
4.75
Lathered in beautiful words that will sweep you off your feet, The Namesake is a journey about Bengali-American Gogol Ganguli who struggles to accept his Russian first name and his Indian heritage laced in American culture. Through a series of pleasant and tragic events targeting the root of his insecurities, Gogol's uncomfortable disposition about himself, and his family's customs, captures the painful, yet liberating, human expedition to self-realization within a diverse, complicated world. I recommend this to anyone interested in immersing themselves in another culture and who is looking to enjoy well-written, round, realistic characters.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Deadnaming, Infidelity, Racism, Death of parent, and Alcohol
juby_uwu's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
This book was definitely ahead of its time. Lahiri really authentically captures the experience of simply anyone who has heritage in one country, but has been brought up in another. All the questions that Nikhil asks, the emotions he feels had definitely crossed me, especially during childhood. Its really sad that many of us deeply relate to this experience, but atleast there's a book to shed light on it.
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However, there are some moments when describing Nikhil's love interests where the appearance is objectified, the word "suggestively" shows up many a time.
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However, there are some moments when describing Nikhil's love interests where the appearance is objectified, the word "suggestively" shows up many a time.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism and Sexual content
caseythereader's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
reflective
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
4.75
Given that I'm extremely late to THE NAMESAKE party, you probably don't need a real review from me. I'll just say that this is such a beautiful, tender, sprawling book that carries you along its currents. Following the Ganguli family through their joys and heartbreaks was such a wonderful experience, and - as with every time I've joined @idleutopia_reads' #DiversifyYourBacklist buddy read group - I've been so grateful to Karen for getting me to pick up such a lovely book. I would have gladly read hundreds more pages of this story, and I'm looking forward to reading Lahiri's other works.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Infidelity, Sexual assault, Suicide, Grief, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, and Pregnancy
Moderate: Racism
Minor: Deadnaming
debookgeek's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Infidelity, Racism, Sexual content, Xenophobia, Death of parent, and Pregnancy
Minor: Transphobia
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