2026 Reading Challenge
The Namesake

Questions About The Namesake

by Jhumpa Lahiri

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Answered Questions (9)

What is so important about this book that it was selected for the 2015 "The Big Read" in Virginia?
Maria The Big Read program selects books that broaden "our understanding of our world, our communities, and ourselves." The Namesake fits that criteria in t…moreThe Big Read program selects books that broaden "our understanding of our world, our communities, and ourselves." The Namesake fits that criteria in that it takes place in three cities and two countries, and "examines the nuances involved with being caught between two conflicting cultures with highly distinct religious, social, and ideological differences." Written by a Pulitzer Prize-winning author and having been listed as a New York Times Notable Book, a Los Angeles Times Book Prize finalist, and selected as one of the best books of the year by USA Today and Entertainment Weekly, the book has wide appeal to a large number of readers. (less)
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It looks an interesting book!...
Jordan B I really loved this book. It shows the struggles each generation has with each other and how that can work in a family where each generation is from a…moreI really loved this book. It shows the struggles each generation has with each other and how that can work in a family where each generation is from a different cultural experience. (less)
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Could someone like Maxine actually exist?
nandini I think they also represent the part of Gogol that always wished for the "normal" American experience, allowing him to indulge in that life to that ex…moreI think they also represent the part of Gogol that always wished for the "normal" American experience, allowing him to indulge in that life to that extent and still move away was symbolic of his eternal yearning for "whiteness" and the fact that his upbringinging simply doesnt enable him to be completely himself in that kind of life (less)
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anyone able to tell me about any sexual content, language or violence in this book? is the book "PG-13", as is the movie? (same content)?
nandini There is some sexual content but it isn't too elaborate or visual perhaps PG-15. There isn't any violence.

The movie has some sexual scenes again not …moreThere is some sexual content but it isn't too elaborate or visual perhaps PG-15. There isn't any violence.

The movie has some sexual scenes again not too explicit but a little more visual, with no violence. Should be ok for a 15-year-old. (less)
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Did anyone feel as if this presented as a documentary? It has such a distant narrative viewpoint.
Susan Yes! Although many books are in the third person, I had such a strong feeling that it was particularly distant. I thought maybe the parents would be i…moreYes! Although many books are in the third person, I had such a strong feeling that it was particularly distant. I thought maybe the parents would be in the 3rd person, but Gogol would start in the first. But no. It's just like the recounting of an immigrant family's life in the US. No plot, per se.(less)
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Unanswered Questions (2)

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