Holly's review

I just finished reading this book after having it on my "to read" list for a few years. I enjoyed reading this book about family, tradition, identity, and growth. The book begins with the story of a young Bengali couple's immigration to the United States. It follows the life of their son, Gogol, as he grows up in a country that is foreign to his parents. The reader sees him struggle for independence as he tries to shrug off his parents' ways of life to set himself apart from them as an American. I was fascinated by the Bengali traditions described in the book. But most of all I was in awe of the way that author, Jhumpa Lahiri, was able to tell such a universal story about growing up and struggling for independence. I could relate to much of Gogol's journey.

Although I really liked the book, some of my friends complained that it dragged on for too long and they wished it had ended pages and years earlier. I disagree and think that the book was so much about growth and family that it was important for the reader to follow the story further.

I agree. I also enjoyed the book a lot. Good review!

Hi Holly! I agree too with your review -- I wanted the book to keep going at the end, not be shorter! I also think the movie adaption is pretty good, and stays true to the book for the most part (something which most movie adaptions don't really even try to do).