rican society the way Gogol did.

Throughout the book, Gogol struggles to accept his name. In the Bengali culture, every person is given two names. The first name is a pet name, which is used only by friends and family. The second name is a good name, which is used in public. For example, a good name would be used in school, while a pet name is used at home. “Gogol” is a peculiar name, but that does not bother him during the beginning of his childhood. Gogol does not feel unknown until he relates to the rare names rather than the common ones in the cemetery. As a result of his discomfort, Gogol decides to legally change his name before leaving for college. Gogol thinks his name has no meaning, but he will soon find out that it holds a very special place in his father’s heart. Ashoke reveals the true meaning of Gogol’s name, “And suddenly the sound of his pet name, uttered by his father as he has been accustomed to hearing it all his life, means something completely new, bound up with a catastrophe he has unwittingly embodied for years.” (124) Gogol represents a new life for his father after a train accident he survived in 1961. Ashoke was holding a book written by Nikolai Gogol when he was rescued from the train. He could have died on the train, and the book was a token of his life. Gogol decided not to visit his dad in another state in order to spend time with his girlfriend. During this time, Gogol received a phone call saying his father had passed from a heart attack. Gogol feels he has betrayed his father because he was supposed to be there with him when he passed. Gogol’s life evolves around the betrayal of his father; he realizes the true importance of his name and family through the loss of a loved one.

The Namesake explores cultural identity and family tradition, as well as the struggles faced by immigrants entering a foreign place that they will soon call home. A plethora of book reviews are available for the book, The Namesake. Many have said that they can almost taste the Indian food described by Jhumpa Lahiri. A major theme in The Namesake is the unkempt links between generations. Lahiri’s use of intricate detail allows the reader to feel the deep emotions of the Ganguli family and their lost connection with India. “This book is a brilliantly told story of family, traditions, and self-acceptance. Lahiri combines skillful storytelling with emotional prose to draw readers into the world of a traditional Indian family.” (Brown) Jhumpa Lahiri highlights the denoting power of names and their contribution to discovering our true identity. (BookBrowse) The deep connections between family and culture engages the reader and does not fail to show the difficulties faced by children growing up with cultural restrictions.

Jesminder Bhamra, the main character in Bend It Like Beckham, desires to fit in a culture other than her own, while pleasing her parents and remaining loyal to her culture. Jesminder was raised by a Sikh family; they want her to marry an Indian man, but she wants to play soccer. Jesminder has a strong desire to join the British society, but is fearful of neglecting her culture and losing her family. It is a challenge for Jesminder to stay loyal to her Indian culture because there are many rules and expectations. Jesminder is concerned because her parents do not accept or understand her love for playing soccer. “If I had an arranged marriage, would he let me play football?” (Bend It Like Beckham) Jesminder knows the importance of obeying her parents, but cannot help her desire to break free from the restrictions of her culture. Jesminder’s mother has associated herself with the Indian community in England, but Jesminder is involved with the British community. Jesminder has dedicated herself to playing soccer and being a loyal, committed teammate, but still sees pleasing her parents as a priority. Her choices in life are directly impacted by being born into a cultured family. Jesminder is very persistent and takes risks in order to achieve her goal, and ultimatel