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| The Namesake: A Novel | 
| Author: Jhumpa Lahiri
Publisher: Mariner Books
Category: Book
List Price: $14.00
Buy Used: $0.31
You Save: $13.69 (98%)
New (104) Collectible (9) from $3.74
Avg. Customer Rating:  475 reviews
Sales Rank: 2480
Media: Paperback
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 304
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.7
Dimensions (in): 8.2 x 5.5 x 0.9
ISBN: 0618485228
Dewey Decimal Number: 813.54
UPC: 046442485227
EAN: 9780618485222
ASIN: 0618485228
Publication Date: September 1, 2004
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Condition: With pride from Motor City. All books guaranteed. Best Service, best prices.
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| Customer Reviews:
 Wonderful! Couldn't put it down! May 29, 2008
I have learned not to read these reviews before I actually read a book because with everything out there, either you love it or you hate it. There is really nothing in between and I like to form my own opinions on things. So-all of that being said, I know that there are people out there that read the reviews and based on others opinions of the story, choose to read the book or not, so here is my opinion-I LOVED IT! I read for a living. I'm a librarian, and I can tell you that this is one of the best books that I have read in a long time! I couldn't put it down. Lahiri is wonderful with words. Her descriptions where beautiful. I love to read a book and feel that I am a part of the story, like I am sitting in with the charcters watching what is happening, and I can say that I felt this way with her story.
I have read other reviews on this book, and people seem to be very critical of Gogol and his struggle with his name. I can only imagine that being a the first generation born in a country and culture that is not your parents, can cause confussion and a need to want to fit in. And a name is a big deal! It's almost as if it can define you to others. When naming your child, you wouldn't want to name them something that you know will get them tormented on the playground would you? And Gogol wasn't teased by others because of his name, but he didn't feel that he fit. He didn't fit with Bengali people and he didn't fit with Americans either. This caused an inner struggle that affected him for years, even after he was married and no one, except for his wife, knew that he had changed his name. And if you read the book, remember when it comes out? The people at the dinner party were shocked, and again Gogol felt as if he didn't fit.
Of course, as with all (well most) stories, everything comes full circle and Gogol learns (and begins to appreciate) why he was given that name, and he makes peace with it.
Lahiri wrote and incredible book about love, family, tolerance, growing, multiculturalism and life. As I mentioned, I had a really hard time putting this book down, and would recommend it to anyone that has an interest in cultural studies, literature or a good read!
An Indian woman's life story which leads to her son's May 16, 2008
A very well written life story of a woman's sacrifice when she marries, then moves to London and then to the United States. The story fluidly moves tot he life of the son and how he deals with list as a 1st generation Indian-American. The story is both tragic and celebratory.
Mega tear jerker... A lot of hype and did NOT disappoint! March 27, 2008
0 out of 1 found this review helpful
Finally got around to reading it and wasn't disappointed. First generation immigrants beware! Lump in my throat started midway thru the book and couldn't stop weeping for the last quarter. Had to call my parents as soon as it was over to tell them I loved them... Yeah, it's that kind of book. No need for me to go over the plot since it's been hashed over many times. Something about Jhumpa Lahiri's style of writing. It's languid, evocative, and very very real.
 Just blah March 17, 2008
8 out of 8 found this review helpful
I had high expectations for this book, but it was just blah. It's superficial, with no insight behind it. The author seemed to spend more time dreaming up outfits for her characters than substance for their personalities. I'm sorry to say this book was kind of a waste of time; it's the kind of writing you might appreciate to have, in a magazine, while you're waiting at the dentist's office...not something you'd like to see dragged out into a whole novel and paraded as literature. Blah.
Just blah March 14, 2008
1 out of 3 found this review helpful
I had high expectations for this book, but it was just blah. It's superficial, with no insight behind it. The author seemed to spend more time dreaming up outfits for her characters than substance for their personalities. I'm sorry to say this book was kind of a waste of time; it's the kind of writing you might appreciate to have, in a magazine, while you're waiting at the dentist's office...not something you'd like to see dragged out into a whole novel and paraded as literature. Blah.
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