Hi,
I just finished reading THE NAMESAKE. At first I was not sure that I would like it. But I was surprised that as I read it, I was swept along by the story and the writing. The characters are well drawn and the reader can readily identify with all the characters' feelings.
I did enjoy the story. I found it hard to put down.
I think it does a very good job of describing the cultural impact on immigrants to this country. It gave me a new appreciation of what it must be like. I realized as I read the book that although I have known immigrants both from India and other countries, I don't think that I ever really appreciated how hard that experience can be. I also think that it parallels or perhaps mirrors the problems of religious and cultural differences for couples.
I look forward to reading other readers' comments.
Diana

I thought this book was well written. It held my interest--and was a fast read. I'm also a first generation American, but my parents came from Europe.They, too, tried to have me retain their old customs to a degree, but we weren't totally kept to the old ways by only staying with our own people.