67 pages • 2 hours read
Jhumpa LahiriThe Namesake
Jhumpa LahiriFiction | 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.
Book Brief
291
Novel • Fiction
Massachusetts • 1980s
2003
Adult
18+ years
1140L
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.
Melancholic
Nostalgic
Contemplative
Bittersweet
Emotional
Reviews & Readership
284,670 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
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.
284,670 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
291
Novel • Fiction
Massachusetts • 1980s
2003
Adult
18+ years
1140L
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