in India when moving to America. Ashima compares living in America to being pregnant because they are both “a perpetual wait, a constant burden, a continuous feeling out of sorts… something that elicits the same curiosity from strangers, the same combination of pity and respect.” (Lahiri 49) Ashima feels alienated and alone without her family in America. She does not feel comfortable raising Gogol in a place she is not only unfamiliar with, but also a place where she has no relatives. When Ashima came to America, she left behind her family and tradition. Ashima had to compromise her happiness in order to conform to the American way. Ashima tries to incorporate her Indian traditions into her American life. “Ashima Ganguli stands in the kitchen of a Central Square apartment, combining Rice Krispies and Planters peanuts and chopped red onion in a bowl. She adds salt, lemon juice, thin slices of green chili pepper, wishing there were mustard oil to pour into the mix.” (1) American products will never fulfill Ashima’s desire for a taste from home. Another way in which Ashima strives to continue practicing Bengali tradition is by sending Gogol to Bengali language and culture lessons. Ashima sees the importance in familiarizing her children with Bengali culture because it is a large part of who she is. “For when Ashima and Ashoke close their eyes it never fails to unsettle them, that their children sound just like Americans, expertly conversing in a language that still at times confounds them, in accents they are accustomed not to trust.” (65) American culture will never be fully accepted by Ashima. She is uncomfortable living in American society because of the many unaccustomed ways. Gogol has the ability to disconnect himself from his Bengali life and indulge in American lifestyle. Ashima could never conform to American 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 n