12.30.08
The Namesake
“For now, he starts to read.”
This is doubtlessly among the best last lines I have ever encountered. It embodies an entire world of meaning; so does Jhumpa Lahiri’s book from which this last line is carved out.
Pulitzer-winning author Jhumpa Lahiri is an extraordinary writer who, in The Namesake, centers on the Ganguli family and their son Gogol. Lahiri exceptionally interlaces Bengal culture, American culture, Russian literature, and the nostalgic tale of how Nikolai Gogol’s The Overcoat saved the life of Gogol Ganguli’s father who in turn gave him his weighty name. In the melange of contrasting cultures, meticulous details, and stirring events, the story transcends the namesake itself and becomes an inquiry into one’s identity.
Named best book of the year in 2003 by many literary establishments, I think it is also a great book to end my year. It is not exactly pleasant, but it leads me to serious rumination, not just introspectively but also extrospectively – which is what any book worth reading, should induce.
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Additional Trivia:
Similarly, my name was bequeathed to me a week after I was born. This is a fact that worried a multitude of relatives. Honestly, I wouldn’t have minded waiting longer just to end up having “Miracle” for a name. ;-)
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I was subsequently left to ponder on our namesake, our namesakes as “Christians”, the name from which we receive grace and apostleship, and how it is abused today.
Scott Hoezee writes:
“If anything there are at least some in our society who think that the more we can parade God and Jesus into classrooms, courtrooms, political debates, and laboratories the better. But the third commandment remains firmly in place as a reminder and a warning: God is not our mascot. He did not lend us his name to do with what we please but to do with it what pleases God. And what pleases God is an honest proclamation of his covenant faithfulness which climaxes in the death and resurrection of Jesus his Son. That is the message we need to proclaim first and foremost, for his Name’s sake.”
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“We all came out of Gogol’s overcoat,” Gogol Ganguli’s father said, quoting Dostoevsky. Thus, *Miracle draws out Nikolai Gogol’s The Overcoat from the shelf and puts her chores on hold. For now, she starts to read.*
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Karlo said,
December 30, 2008 at 2:31 pm
That Lahiri book sounds interesting - naming a character after Gogol. The Overcoat is one of my favorite comic stories. I remember reading about a film of the same name months back. It must be based on that Lahiri book.
The saying “We all came out of Gogol’s overcoat” is often attributed to Dostoevsky. However, scholars say this is wrong. Jeffrey Meyers of the Royal Society of Literature attribute the metaphor to the French literary historian Melchior de Vogue.
Have fun with The Overcoat. Happy New Year! :)
Miracle ♪♫ said,
December 30, 2008 at 2:43 pm
Karlo, where do you dig this knowledge about quotations’ origins? You seem to have an entire storeroom of these! Thanks for the information.
Yes, the movie is based on Lahiri’s book… but we are aware of how movies distort the essence of most books. I hope this one’s a good adaptation though. Speaking of namesakes, MIRA Nair directed the movie. =P
Thanks, I’ll see if my puny comprehension can handle wearing this big overcoat. Happy new year to you, too! =D
Jonathan said,
December 31, 2008 at 1:24 am
The namesake reflects the spirit within, no? And if so, during these times (deemed end times by Christians), when miracles seem to be but tales of times gone by, when we can read (and have faith in) miracles that once were commonplace, it is no wonder that in this time, there is a Miracle, perhaps many - who we can embrace in the now and say, Miracles are here in the now, and we can embrace them - even those without faith, or hope.
I think it is a magically wonderful name that you are graced with, and no matter how long it took to attach to you, it would have reflected you anyway.
Miracle ♪♫ said,
December 31, 2008 at 7:24 am
It does reflect, Jonathan, and despite your shortened name on my blog, I am aware that hawk continues to follow closely. ;-)
With good and big-hearted friends like you who are blessings in my life, it is truly impossible not to believe in miracles!