The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri

My son in his Senior English class has been assigned this book to read. Lahiri who has won a Pulitzer for a collection of short stories is an accomplished author and in this book she continues to write about the immigrant experience.

Ashoke and Ashima are Indian immigrants. They, soon after being married in a traditional Bengali ceremony in Calcutta, move to Boston so that Ashoke can attend MIT. The couple live an isolated life in America, first with Ashoke as a student and then as an academic. Soon their first child is born. A young boy they become confused in the naming process. In their traditions a child has a " good name" a name for public consumption and use, and a family or " pet" name.

Ashoke's favorite author is the Russian Gogol. Having survived a life threatening experience back in India, in part, because of his dedication to the author, Ashoke had planned to give his son the pet name Gogul. In the meantime a revered grandmother in India was sending the good name that the boy would use by mail. They are told they cannot leave the hospital however without a name for the baby, so they reluctantly, not understanding the significance name the boy Gogol on his birth certificate.

Life proceeds, the family moves to the suburbs. The family intends to have Gogol use the name Nikhail outside of the family and when he starts school they place this name on the records. Gogol however rejects the name, and the school, not cooperative disregards the parents instructions and he becomes Gogol at school. Later Gogol regrets this very much.

The book centers on the conflict an immigrant feels. Growing up in the seventies he wants to be American, he is embarrassed by his parents and their Indian ways.

As Gogol grows, goes to college and dates American girls his dissatisfaction and downright embarrassment grows. Gogol is dating a wealth young woman in New York, whose parents modern and very wealthy,give over the fifth floor of their towering walk up to te two and Gogol feels a disconnection from his past even greater.

Then late one night Gogol receives a phone call about his father. It will change his life.

This book dragged in places. Still it was very effective in telling what i think is most likely a common occurrence. The battle that children of immigrants, especially those immigrants who do little to assimilate, feel. For me the ending of the book was perhaps the best part. I think the circle was drawn very well in the story, and when finally Gogol begins to feel a connection with his father one cannot hope as a parent that someday we too will share a moment where all we meant to say or tried to say to our children will make sense to them.

A fine book.