The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri

The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri renders a space in which readers can meditate on the realness of “identity.” And we can also admit to ourselves certain terms that we consider true and false in order to become who we really are. And this book is proof of why the journey of self-discovery and unconditional acceptance is not simple.

The story is about the loss and gain of a self. The loyalty one sacrifices to one’s own family; not to be rid of them but to feel free of dependency to find oneself despite the mask one is provided with at birth. The devastating depth we are forced to climb into and throw sand upon only to disburden ourselves from showing our vulnerabilities. This book is a remarkable experience of love, belonging, and upbringing. To read it is to invite melancholy to seep in and never leave.