The Name Sake (P)

Literary awards - Orange Prize Nominee for Fiction Longlist (2004), Los Angeles Times Book Prize Nominee for Fiction (2003).

"The Namesake" unfolds the poignant tale of a boy raised Indian in America, penned by acclaimed writer Jhumpa Lahiri—a storyteller whose work compels readers to share its brilliance (Amy Tan).

When Ashima's grandmother learns of her pregnancy, she eagerly awaits the family's first sahib. Delaying the naming until a letter arrives from India, Ashima and Ashoke temporarily label their son "Baby Boy Ganguli." Yet, as American bureaucracy intervenes with demands for a name, Ashoke hastily nicknames him "Gogol," after his beloved writer.

Growing up as an Indian in suburban America, Gogol Ganguli yearns to shed his awkward name and the traditional values of his Bengali parents. His journey through three decades and across continents is marked by conflicting loyalties, love, and loss, as he strives to forge his own identity.

Spanning generations with elegance, subtlety, and emotional depth, Jhumpa Lahiri's debut novel captivates with its humane storytelling. "The Namesake" is a triumph for readers who cherish Lahiri's Pulitzer Prize-winning clarity, empathy, and grace, first showcased in her acclaimed collection, "Interpreter of Maladies."