food in namesake

Food is definitely a theme in this novel. From the beginning of the novel, food becomes an important part of the characters and plot. Ashima tries to alleviate her homesickness by re-creating an Indian snack. She can't quite get it right which makes her even more homesick. There is also Gogol's first taste of solid food on his sixth month birthday. Then there is Ashima cooking croquettes and nostalgically remembering her childhood. Food links both culture, history, and people together.