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Literary Fiction · Melancholic

A boy named after Gogol and a family that moved from Calcutta

The Namesake

by Jhumpa Lahiri

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2003Moderate readSteady pace

What it is about

Gogol Ganguli grows up in Massachusetts, the son of Bengali immigrants, and struggles with his unusual name. Lahiri’s 2003 novel follows two generations of an immigrant family.

Who will enjoy it

Readers who enjoy literary fiction that puts character and language first, with a melancholic mood and a steady pace. It is a read that rewards some attention.

Themes: Immigration · Family · Identity

Screen adaptation

The Namesake (2006)

See it on Amazon

About the author

Jhumpa Lahiri2 books on Tori Books

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