The Namesake A Novel by Jhumpa Lahiri

The Namesake: A Novel

Author: Jhumpa Lahiri
Binding: Paperback 
Paper Quality: A5 Matt Paper
Category: Fiction, Contemporary Literature, South Asian Literature
Recommended For:
BS English Literature, MA English, general fiction readers, and those interested in themes of identity, immigration, and cultural heritage.

Key Points:

1. Acclaimed Debut Novel
   The Namesake is the first novel by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Jhumpa Lahiri, celebrated for its poignant storytelling and emotional depth.

2. Immigrant Experience & Cultural Identity
   Follows Gogol Ganguli, a boy born to Indian immigrant parents in the U.S., as he struggles with his name, his heritage, and his place between two cultures.

3. Spanning Generations
   Explores the life of a Bengali family from Calcutta to Cambridge, capturing the complexity of assimilation, family duty, and personal freedom.

4. Beautiful, Evocative Prose
   Lahiri’s writing is elegant and emotionally resonant, offering readers a deeply human portrayal of longing, loss, and self-discovery.

5. Critically Acclaimed and Widely Taught
   A modern classic in diaspora literature, included in many university syllabi across literature and cultural studies programs.

6. Adapted into a Major Film
   The novel was adapted into a well-received film directed by Mira Nair, starring Kal Penn, which brought further attention to the book’s themes.