Namesake (03) by Lahiri, Jhumpa [Paperback (2006)]

perfect condition, very lightly used

An emotional rollercoaster of a read. From the first page, to the last, the emotions flow effortlessly from the words Parlato writes. The Namesake takes on some very dark and powerful subjects, and does so skillfully. As readers divulge into the story, they are compelled to follow Evan’s search for “why”. His partner in crime Alexis, and her own masked struggles helping him along the way, bringing insight and encouragement on his journey towards the devastating truth behind his fathers suicide. Through humor, sarcasm, and pain, Parlato portrays the lingering effects of sexual abuse, loss, and pure evilness through the character of Evan Galloway. Despite the strong emotional response the book elicits, it is also a cathartic read. If you know, you know, and if you don’t, this book gives you a little bit of an insight to how horrible the aftermath of sexual abuse is. It is a complicated, and potentially triggering read, on topics left unspoken by most, but should however be spoken of more. Parlato took on the task of bringing dark topics into the light and does so both beautifully and successfully. Through Evan, his father’s story is shared, and though it is tragic, it is also eye opening. A reminder that some things cannot be understood fully, No matter how hard you try, unless you have gone through it. An insight to how sometimes the pain of everything can sometimes be just too much to bare. How sometimes it takes reaching the end, to find A reason for a new beginning. The Namesake is a brilliant representation of the layers behind every human, reminding us that we only see what people allow us to see, and we only know, what we are allowed by others to know. I can honestly say, for me personally this book has helped make new realizations, Self realizations, and brought much healing.