A review by ravina_b
The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri

emotional 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

Mini review: Jhumpa Lahiri’s writing is in a world of its own, I genuinely only had to read the first chapter to understand why THE NAMESAKE is such a famous novel.  It is a fantastic exploration of identity and several different formats - including being a first- and second-generation immigrant, the weight behind a name, the identity of the individual vs. the collective.  I connected so heavily with aspects of a few of the characters, and there were three whole pages depicting Moushumi’s relationship with the concept of marriage that were a near-perfect reflection of my own feelings about marriage.  That, in particular, pushed THE NAMESAKE into a five-star read.  This book had deep and complex emotions running through its very veins, the exploration of parent-child and boyfriend-girlfriend/husband-wife relationships was intense and realistic, and I’m only sorry that it took me so long to read it!

📌 Set in Kolkata, India, Boston, United States, and New York City, United States of America.
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