Review of The Namesake (2006) by Shakera G — 14 Mar 2011

The Namesake is the story of the Ganguli family taken place in India with the preparation of the arranged marriage of Ashoke and Ashima. The female character Ashima experienced a bit of culture shock when she moved to New York with her... read more new husband Ashoke. The story begins with Ashima getting custom with her new culture and still trying to keep close with her traditions. After awhile Ashima and Ashoke gave birth to a son and daughter named and Sonia. The story then switched to Gogol as an Indian teen, who begin to realize the meaning behind his name, raised in America trying to fit in, but still trying to keep in touch with his heritage. Gogol and his father were for awhile always confrontational because Ashoke considered Gogol ungrateful of his parents sacrifice and heritage. Even though, the story doesn?t focus on the youngest daughter Sonia a great bit she is still struggling with fit in being a first generation American. Getting back to Gogol he falls in love with an All-American girl names Maxine, who was from a wealthy family. After his father goes on a business trip and died from a heart-attack Gogol begin to feel like he need to know more of his culture and pull away from his love Maxine who offered to support him. Then he fall in love with a childhood friend Moushumi, who before never thought to be attractive until she stepped an experienced the world. They soon got married, but Moushumi was much more out there than Gogol and had a few affairs. Not leaving Ashima out she feels lonely and begin to decide to move back to India.

The Namesake relates to World Religion, because of some of their culture norms are very strong for their religion such as, arranged marriages and letting some else choose the children?s name. I also think some of the clothing they wear is very symbolic of their heritage. The story is strong view on their religion and the culture shock you might go through from being a first generation in America.