1. The characters in this novel are immigrants and their American-born children. How do the two generations belong and not belong in American society?
   

2. What does Gogol’s name represent to the characters in the novel?
   

3. Why does Gogol hate his name? Why does he think that by changing his name he can remake himself?
   

4. Gogol does not consider himself an ABCD (“American-born confused deshi”, p. 118). How does he see himself?
   

5. Why does Ashoke hold back from telling Gogol the complete story of the origin of his name?
   

6. What draws Gogol to the women in his life? What qualities in him attract them?
   

7. Is Gogol comfortable when he is with Maxine’s family and their friends? Is he in love with Maxine or with her family’s way of life?
   

8. How is Gogol changed when he loses his father? Why does his relationship with Maxine fall apart after Ashoke’s death?
   

9. Moushumi and Gogol are both ABCDs. How are they alike and yet not alike? What passages and incidents in the book point up the similarities and differences in their personalities?
   

10. Look for passages in the novel that show when and how Gogol begins to understand his parents.
    

11. Lahiri’s novel has been described as “subtle in style and pacing.” How are the events of the novel simultaneously dramatic and commonplace?
    

12. The story is told from various characters’ (Gogol, Ashima, Moushumi) points of view. Do the shifting viewpoints help to explain the characters’ motivations, or are they confusing?
    

13. What details make the characters seem real to you?
    

Questions compiled by Suzanne Fisher (fishers@uhls.lib.ny.us)
November 2004