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 allow