El Buen Nombre

For Ashoke and Ashima Ganguli, a new life in America begins after their arranged marriage in Calcutta. Settling in Massachusetts in the 1960s, they navigate the unfamiliar customs of a new world while trying to hold on to the traditions they left behind. When their son is born, a misplaced letter from India forces them to give him an unusual name with a secret significance: Gogol. Growing up, Gogol finds himself burdened by this peculiar name, a constant reminder of a heritage that feels alien to his American life.

This novel chronicles the Ganguli family over three decades, exploring the intricate ties between generations and the profound, often painful, process of defining oneself. It is a story about the immigrant experience, the clash of cultures, and the search for identity in a world where you are caught between conflicting loyalties. The journey of Gogol Ganguli is a deeply moving exploration of the names we are given and the names we choose for ourselves, and how we slowly learn to reconcile the two.