Do I remind you of that night? Not at all, his father says eventually, one hand going to his ribs, a habitual gesture that has baffled Gogol until now. You remind me of everything that followed.
In Jhumpa Lahiri's novel "The Namesake," a powerful moment occurs when Gogol's father reflects on the past, revealing the complicated nature of memory and identity. When asked if Gogol reminds him of a significant night, his father's response indicates a deeper connection to subsequent events rather than that specific memory. This highlights how relationships and personal histories intertwine, affecting perceptions of the present.
Gogol has long been confused by his father's...