The Namesake: A Novel

I can't remember what movie I must constantly watch that has the trailer for the movie The Namesake, which is based upon Jhumpa Lahiri's book of the same name, but every single time I saw the trailer, I wanted to see the movie. Naturally, I waited a few years, took the book out from the library, waited a few weeks, and now have finally finished the book.

Seems like the natural progression, don't you think?

In the past, I never used to be one of those people who ensured they read the book before watching the movie, but now I make myself. I was quite pleased with Lahiri's novel and couldn't put it down-over 24 hours I had finished the whole thing; naturally, stopping to eat and sleep, and to get a tire fixed (which has nothing to do with anything-it was just an annoyance that took me away from reading this!).

I don't know what it is about books set in different places, or books that showcase a different culture, but I find them to be such an escape. Something so different than what I'm accustomed to in my everyday life. Though, don't be fooled! The Namesake takes place mostly in America, but the smatterings of India throughout the novel as well as the culture the family tries to preserve in America is breathtaking. At just under 300 pages, Lahiri covers so much ground, which I'm impressed with; too many times I pick up a huge novel that is trying to do just the same thing Lahiri is and I find myself getting bored, putting it down, and reading something else in the interim. I'm happy to say I didn't have that problem with this book.

There may be a lot of narrative in this book, it is quite simple (though still beautiful and unpretentious), which makes for a very quick pace and I found I was swept into the story instantly-Lahiri has a great flow in this novel. I wouldn't say there's any main character of the book-the closest is probably Gogol-but, rather, the main "character" is the Ganguli family. It only seems natural because the Ganguli's immediately gravitate towards more Bengalis in the neighbourhood in which they move, everyone being dubbed an honorary aunt, uncle, or cousin.

Leaving the novel, I was left to think about what's in a name? I think people take their names for granted-or even the naming of a child can be so frivolously done. The Namesake reminds us that the naming of a child is a big thing, that parents should pick a name that the child will be proud of, a name that tells a story, a name that brings them back to their history. It tells us that even though we may be so quick to try and run away from our heritage, after a few trips and life struggles, we might just want to come back to it.

Lahiri's words reach out to the reader in all its simplicity. Places and events are described delicately, the motivation and intents of the character are made known while sometimes left for one to interpret. More captivating are the anecdotes of memories that give the reader a greater recognition and empathy for the characters. I relate with Ashoke and Ashima being in a foreign laund and trying to assimilate, coming from a different background myself, while from an age-perspective understanding the "embarrassments" that the new generation of Gogol and Sonia go through in order to be seen a certain way.

The book is about reconnecting with one's identity and heritage, while grasping that the past shapes us but does not, at least should not, hinder us for the future.

The Namesake is about a young man's journey and shows that life is sometimes filled with irony.

I highly recommend this book. The characters are brilliantly written. You will be taken in by this touching family story. Watch for the movie in theatres!