The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri

Jhumpa Lahiri is one of the best authors I know because of her talent of capturing the audience’s heart through her extensive, yet light descriptions of her characters. The Namesake, a New York Times Bestseller is an amazing story that highlights the Gangulis’ will power to face the struggles in a foreign land away from Calcutta, India. When Ashoke Ganguli got on a train to visit his grandfather, an unexpected event and person was going to change him forever. Ashoke met Ghosh, a Bengali businessman, who told him to explore the world outside of Calcutta. A bomb exploded on the train. He was thrown out of the train, he laid helpless on the ground in a chilly night. He clutched a wad of paper and alarmed the rescuers that he was still alive. Ashoke was relieved and owed his life to Gogol. After that, his legs were paralyzed and when he recovered he promised himself that he would travel and experience life far away from Calcutta. Ashoke married Ashima and they were expecting their first child. Ashoke gave Gogol as his son’s name, the name of the author who saved his life.

How Gogol got his name is an exciting part in the first few chapters of the book. I recommend this book because it’s interesting! How Ashima copes with the struggles in a foreign land and how the name Gogol will test his courage. You will also discover the interesting love relationships Gogol will have and many more to find out. Check this book out! It was a pleasure to read. It is captivating to find out how each character will deal and balance their life that is impacted with their Indian culture, and the American culture they assimilated to.