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The Namesake
The Namesake
Author: Jhumpa Lahiri
Meet the Ganguli family, new arrivals from Calcutta trying their best to become Americans even as they pine for home... Ashima and Ashoke Ganguli arrive in America at the end of the 1960s, shortly after their arranged marriage in Calcutta, in order for Ashoke to finish his engineering degree at MIT. Ashoke is forward-th...  more »
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ISBN-13: 9780618485222
ISBN-10: 0618485228
Publication Date: 9/1/2004
Pages: 291
Rating:
  • Currently 3.9/5 Stars.
 849

3.9 stars, based on 849 ratings
Publisher: Mariner Books
Book Type: Paperback
Other Versions: Hardcover, Audio Cassette, Audio CD
Reviews: Member | Amazon | Write a Review

Top Member Book Reviews

bigrachwoowoo avatar reviewed The Namesake on + 23 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 16
I just read this book in 6 hours, the day after I received it in the mail. Very well written, excellent description but not drawn out. Not predictable. Definitely worth reading.
reviewed The Namesake on + 52 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 16
This is one of the most moving books I have ever read. It is one of the best depictions ever of the longing for a former homeland and the sense of not yet belonging to the new one that exists. Any immigrant or descendant of one will find an echo of his/her own life in this book. A lovely story of family, tradition and pride...it makes you laugh and cry at the same time!
reviewed The Namesake on + 99 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 12
I was unsure whether I would enjoy the book, but I found it hard to put down. The prose is effortless, wrought with detail but taut and fast paced. Not many surprises in the book - I felt I knew how it would end, but this was not disappointing. Overall, a great read, one I will remember.
reviewed The Namesake on + 14 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 11
About the experience of an immigrant family to the USA. A very good read. I read it straight through and got very little sleep. Have not seen the movie, yet!
egyptian avatar reviewed The Namesake on + 15 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 7
very touching. read it in two days. extremely atmospheric. made me want to put on some ravi shankar, drink indian tea, and eat chicken masala all day long. :)
Read All 116 Book Reviews of "The Namesake"

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reviewed The Namesake on
One of my favorite books by a wonderful author. So well written with interesting details about Indian culture. Highly recommend!
reviewed The Namesake on + 25 more book reviews
I'm partial to loving anything by this author, particularly her short stories. This novel did not disappoint. And it's much better than the movie, of course.
reviewed The Namesake on + 7 more book reviews
Excellent insight into a culture that has always fasinatied me....
reviewed The Namesake on
Very well written. Great story. Long chapters.
elle-dub avatar reviewed The Namesake on + 2 more book reviews
I picked this for my book club (we've been meeting for almost 8 years). I think most of the ladies enjoyed reading it, although you can't please everybody.
I enjoyed how Jhumpa got us "into the heads" of all the characters. Her style of prose draws you into the story.
I would like to know more... isn't that the sign of an engaging story?
GusNBuster avatar reviewed The Namesake on + 51 more book reviews
This book is phenomenal. I can understand why the movie's director put her other two projects on hold to turn this novel into a movie. Though I haven't seen the movie, and it's been a while since I read the novel, the characters stay with you for a long time! Truly a memorable read.
reviewed The Namesake on + 4 more book reviews
Wonderful book!
raeshei avatar reviewed The Namesake on + 2 more book reviews
This book really captured the Indian-in-America story, the expectations, disappointments, heartaches and triumphs. The author and fantastic reader evoked colors, textures, smells, moods and emotions woven seamlessly through the story. Nothing earth-moving or life-changing; just a pleasant journey. I would happily listen to this book again to hear the delicious reader share the author's descriptions. Highly recommended.

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