The Reluctant Fundamentalist
by Mohsin Hamid
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Book Reviews of The Reluctant Fundamentalist
Book Review: Review of The Reluctant Fundamentalist
Summary: 4 Stars
A thought-provoking novel. The main character, Changez is a very human person, polite and well-spoken as he tells his story and someone that could easily be that person who lives next door, or that co-worker that has always been so polite.
His reaction to 9/11 was, I think, realistic, and the first real indication of who he actually is. Despite the fact that he was given opportunities galore (Free education, extraordinary job opportunities) he still resents the U.S. - and that seems...more A thought-provoking novel. The main character, Changez is a very human person, polite and well-spoken as he tells his story and someone that could easily be that person who lives next door, or that co-worker that has always been so polite.
His reaction to 9/11 was, I think, realistic, and the first real indication of who he actually is. Despite the fact that he was given opportunities galore (Free education, extraordinary job opportunities) he still resents the U.S. - and that seems tied to his resentment of how times in Pakistan grow worse throughout the years.
The love story with Erica was heart-breaking, and the ending was chilling.
Recommended for those who want a glimpse of how the "other side" not directly involved in the terrorist attacks might have felt and reacted.
Book Review: Simple story with an intricate plot
Summary: 5 Stars
Hamid has written some of the most beautiful prose that I have read in a long time. His story is simple: Changez, a Pakistani man, tells an American stranger in Lahore about his years in the USA. The book is a long monologue since the American never speaks and the entire monologue is over an evening's meal. It is very clearly written and the beauty is in its simplicity. Hamid creates suspense and urges the reader to continue reading to find out how a successful bright young man can be radicalized in the USA. In light of the recent attempt to blow up an airline on Christmas day by another young bright 23 year old, I was particularly curious to read this book.
I found Changez' journey to fundamentalism not very convincing which was a bit disappointing. Nevertheless the author brings up so many interesting issues for the reader to think about that I think makes the book worthy of 5 stars. The author used to work at McKinsey, a management consulting firm. It is clear that he has drawn on his experiences at McKinsey to tell Changez' work stories at Underwood Samson, a valuation firm. With writing this beautiful, Hamid is on his way to perhaps winning the Booker prize someday . The writing was reminiscent of Ishiguro's "Remains of the Day". Highly recommended.
Book Review: Expected more
Summary: 3 Stars
The title of this book is an eye-grabber. When I saw it on the table at my local bookstore, I knew I was eventually going to read it. When friends of mine raved about this book, and I saw it reduced on Amazon, I finally got it. All-in-all, a pretty so-so story.
On the plus side, The Reluctant Fundamentalist is an easy story to digest; there's a subtle, lightweight element of thriller to it which you see from the beginning, and comes to the fore in the last 30 pages; the characters don't play to stereotypes.
Unfortunately we never really get inside the narrator's head to understand what "fundamentalist" means for the main character. The narrator had every advantage America offers self-starters, yet he inexplicably delights in the 9/11 attacks, and develops hatred towards the country because of the attacks on Afghanistan. The rationale offered for his beliefs are vague and thin. I never see the issue from the narrator's point of view, nor do I recoil at his behavior.
The Reluctant Fundamentalist looked good on the shelf, but didn't deliver.
Book Review: A Conversation Starter
Summary: 5 Stars
In The Reluctant Fundamentalist, Mohsin Hamid delves into the attitudes and prejudices unleashed after September 11, 2001 and their results. As Changez, a Pakistani in Pakistan, tells his story of his time in America before and after September 11th to an uncomfortable American, his person experience demonstrates the changes life circumstances and tradegies can bring to one's life. It also demonstrates that the problems one faces don't disappear in the face of tragedy. As the reader sympathizes with Changez's job troubles, relationship issues, identity crisis, and longing for his home country questions arise about his intentions creating a sense of unease and doubt because Changez is truly likeable. Hamid weaves a tale that will draw the reader into the story, create uncomfortable moments of recognition, and garner a greater understanding that at the end of the day people have more in common than not. Through it all, The Reluctant Fundamentalist is written in a fashion that will leave the reader wanting to discuss it with someone who has also read it.
Book Review: A powerful and insightful book
Summary: 4 Stars
I have been following some of the reviews of this book and am not entirely surprised by a few of the negative comments about it. While the book may have a couple of drawbacks in style and structure it nevertheless delivers an extraordinary insight into the modern Muslim perspective and the dilemma or challenges posed by Western society. Many reviewing the book seemed to want the book to answer the 'problems' about Islam and Muslims rather that provide an analysis of the other side (i.e. the West)so when the the book took this new refreshing angle on the issue the response was to criticize and label the work as an attack on America and also somewhat sympathetic to the Islamic terrorist - a hypocrisy that the book excellently brings out making it uncomfortable reading for many. For those who want their preconceptions and prejudices challenged this is a wonderful read but those looking for the same stale good Muslim /bad Muslim dichotomy are likely to come out confused after reading this book.