Review of The Namesake (2006) by Sonia D — 22 Apr 2011

The Namesake is the story of a Indian couple, Ashoke and Ashima, who move to New York immediately after they are married. This is an arranged marriage by their families. They are in a land and relationship that is new and foreign to them both. As they adapt to these, they also work at keeping their heritage alive.

Ghosh and Ashima have two children, Gogol and Sonia. Gogol is named after his father's favorite German writer, Nicholai Gogol. In India, children do not have to be named at birth, but in America, a name is required on the birth certificate to leave the hospital. While Gogol's name is chosen for his father's personal reasons, it was chosen quickly and unexpectedly due to the birth certificate requirement. When Gogol is older, his parents give him the name of Nikil, this is to be his real "good" name. When he is younger, he wants to be called Gogol, but when he is older, he prefers the shortened version of Nicky.

Gogol and Sonia grow up in a typical American life, and this is what they are familiar with. Their heritage as Indian and Hindu isn't markedly in them as they go through the teenage years into young adulthood, they demonstrate more American behavior. Gogol's first serious girlfriend is very American and he struggles with the balance of her ways and his family ways, i.e., affectionate touching, her informal addressing of his parents. What brings about a tremendous change in Gogol is his father's death.

Upon his father's death, Gogol begins to truly contemplate himself and his beliefs. He shaves his head, signifying a deep change within himself, and begins to seek his faith and heritage. Ashoke's death ceremony and being placed out onto the river give honor to the Hindu rites. Later, Gogol meets his childhood Indian friend, Moushumi, and they marry. Just as his parents marriage ceremony was, Gogol and Moushumi's marriage ceremony is rich in Hindu tradition. The beauty of their clothing, intricacy of their skin markings, their songs, and the ceremony are all honoring of their Hindu beliefs.

Unfortunately, not long after they are married, Gogol and Moushumi separate due to her infidelity. What this does allow though, is Gogol to have time for himself to reflect upon who he is and what he believes. Ashima is experiencing this as well and they both learn to find peace and freedom in their paths of life. Ashima returns to India, while Gogol starts out on his own new journey of life.