67 pages • 2 hours read
Jhumpa LahiriThe Namesake
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2003A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri follows the journey of Ashima and Ashoke Ganguli, who immigrate from West Bengal to America in 1967 and navigate the cultural challenges of raising their children, Gogol and Sonia, in a dual society. Gogol grapples with his identity and name, experiencing personal and familial struggles, culminating in his reflection on his heritage and future aspirations.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri receives praise for its eloquent narrative and deep exploration of identity, culture, and family dynamics. Reviewers commend Lahiri's rich character development and evocative prose. However, some find the pacing slow and the plot predictable. Overall, it’s celebrated for its emotional depth and insightful depiction of the immigrant experience.
Who Should Read The Namesake?
A reader who enjoys The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri is likely drawn to multicultural narratives, immigrant experiences, and family dynamics. Fans of Amy Tan's The Joy Luck Club or Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's Americanah will appreciate Lahiri's exploration of identity and belonging within the Indian-American context.
RecommendedReading Age
18+yearsLexile Level
1140LBook Details
Coming of Age / Bildungsroman
Indian Literature
Immigration / Refugee
Diversity
Race / Racism
Identity: Race
Society: Immigration
Relationships: Marriage