The Reluctant Fundamentalist
by Mohsin Hamid
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Book Reviews of The Reluctant Fundamentalist
Book Review: Wonderfully nuanced insight into Pakistan and the US
Summary: 5 Stars
I was hooked at the first page. I love the narrator's style: you are the listener and can just imagine sitting opposite Changez in Lahore's Old Anarkali: definitely those who have been, and I hope also those who have not. Since, I believe, this book gives a wonderfully nuanced insight into the beautiful hospitable country Pakistan is and how external events and categorisations trigger in people emotions that are often misunderstood and which trigger further events into a vicious circle.
It is not a pessimistic book, but a personal recount which could lead to breaking the vicious circle of mistrust by bringing better understanding through a beautiful piece of prosa!
Book Review: Very inciteful, makes you think
Summary: 5 Stars
I like many people thought religious fundamentalism when I picked up this book, but it was never once mentioned in the book. Not once was religion mentioned. The fundamentalism is based on the bottom line mentioned when Changez finally had enough. He was being instructed to overlook the people who he originally respected for their hard work and expertise and base his evaluations on the "bottom line". Money mattered, not people. He was attaracted to a woman he could and should not have, lived in a culture that could accept him -- only with limits. This book is a fast read because it is written conversationally written.Book Review: what a wonderfully written plot
Summary: 4 Stars
The pose is gentle and enticing and you are drawn in like a spider wants you to as you walk unaware into its web. That is how I felt as I was reading the book: tentative and wondering as the plot unfolded. I loved the ending: a journey of life's coincidences and sharp turning points that could so easily change our course forever; or is it forever. A touching love story or was it. very enticing and I am sure each reader will get something different from what I got out of the novel. A lot left to the imagination, but I like that a story teller allows the space for you to create your own scene.Book Review: Good premise and rendition, average outcome
Summary: 3 Stars
The premise for the book and the way the story has been written is quite interesting and keeps one hooked. The attempt to delve into the psychology of why a complete "westernised" professional would turn back to Islam is encouraging.
However, I found the overall outcome to be a bit average. The attempt to explain the reasons for the protagonist's change of heart (and viewpoint) is without depth. For someone who does a complete turnaround and gives up what he has worked to achieve for most of his adult life, the thought process for doing so should have been detailed out much better.
Book Review: bought the book after seeing that Dr Louise Richardson recommend it in a Wall Street Journal article
Summary: 3 Stars
I purchased the book for myself and my daughter who is in her first year of college. I read an article in the Wall Street Journal Magazine on Dr Louise Richardson, former Harvard Professor who is not president of St. Andrews in Scotland. She makes all of her students read the book.
I enjoyed the first few chapters but found it lacking in a story once the author focused on his relationship with a fellow student. I continued to read on and felt confused by the relationship. I did not like the book. It was an average read and very disappointing in the end.