What I Liked
There is a rich authenticity to The Namesake that reminded me of Khaled Husseini's novels. The characters are real and tender and likable. Jhumpa Lahiri is a lovely wordsmith. She has captured her culture and the immigrant experience in a way I have never understood until after reading her novel.

What I Didn't Like
The plot was a little weak. Not a lot happened in the novel. There was a deep sense of nostalgia and homesickness, but there was no real acceptance of identity or transformation of character by the end of the book. At times, the descriptions were long and overwhelming, while the plot building was slow and faltering. The Namesake was not captivating enough to leave a lasting, powerful impact or a permanent place on my bookshelf.