The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri

All book reviews contain spoilers... ah duhhhhhh

It's honestly been a while since I last read a good book. While American Psycho was a good read, it doesn't compare to this book, The Namesake.

Why do I like this book so much? I have no idea. It's definitely not something that I'd normally pick up. (and I thank Vianne for getting me this book... seriously) The storyline is extremely normal, flat, nothing special. But somehow it appeals to me. Perhaps it's because of the similarities Gogol and I share.

It's not easy growing up as a "foreigner" in a country. I've mentioned this countless times in my other blog and conversations that sometimes, ultimately, the person who is discriminating and stereotyping against yourself is you. This is a book review so I'm not going to retell my story.

Both Gogol and Moushumi struggled for the majority of their lives trying to be non-Indian, to escape from the traditions. Gogol was fortunate enough to break free of this constant struggle before Moushumi.

While I felt bad for Moushumi, I also hated her. She's the type of person I'd hate if I met her in real life. I hate people who try so hard to be different, to be unique, only to end up getting lost in what they genuinely like. Just enjoy the things you like, regardless if they are cliche or mainstream. There is nothing wrong with liking these things. Doing so doesn't make you less of an individual and more of a conformist. It's simply something you enjoy.

Another reason why I'm in love with this book is because it's very mundane, something I can easily relate to. The characters in the book go through a series of unsuccessful relationships, some of which were morally wrong. Even in the end there is no happy ending. There's pretty much no conclusion as to what happens to Gogol after the divorce, leaving it as an open mystery. That's how I think books should end, because life is an ongoing process and doesn't end the moment the author drops his or her pen. Characters should be allowed to live their lives beyond the last page of the book.

So please, if after reading this review you have the slightest interest in reading it, go for it. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.