Identity

Gogol grows up with an unusual name. Gogol is used to being the only Indian in a group of children, of standing out in a crowd. However, Gogol feels as though his name only makes this worse. No one else in the world has a name like Gogol. Even, the Russian writer, his namesake, does not have Gogol as his first name; it is his last. Gogol is not teased over his name and the only trouble he gets from other people is mispronunciations and the occasional question. However, Gogol feels that the strange name makes him stick out like sore thumb. Gogol decides to change his name when he turns eighteen, picking a name his father once picked for him in the tradition of Indian society. At first, Gogol is ecstatic at his change of name. However, when Gogol finally learns the truth as to why his...