The Namesake

Often, when I've really loved a book, I'm reluctant - or at least hesitant - to see the movie version. But I was glad I went to see The Namesake, now at the newly-renovated Clairidge with "rocking-chair" seats. The actors were all perfect, especially Tabu, a big name Bollywood star, as the mother. Mira Nair, the director (Salaam Bombay!, Mississippi Masala, Monsoon Wedding) , followed the book reasonably closely (you can never include it all - so, read the book). I noticed in the credits at the end that Jhumpa Lahiri herself (the author) played a small part. I wish I had known that ahead of time - I'd have looked for her. I had gone to hear her read at Barnard College (her alma mater) a few years ago. I particularly enjoyed the Calcutta scenes, and the glimpses of Bengali household lilfe, both in Calcutta and in America. Highly recommended - go see it.