Alex Elkus’s Reviews > The Reluctant Fundamentalist > Status Update

Wow, I did not expect this book to end the way that it did. I could never have seen Erica killing herself. I was able to get a sense that Changez was going to quit Underwood Sampson after the incident he had experienced in Chile. I believe this helped Changez be who he wants to be, but unfortunately, the American Dream seems out of reach. Overall, I am happy for Changez as he will continue his life in his hometown.

It is surprising how fast Changez’s life falls apart. I can recall in class that we predicted how Erica might end her life, which seemed crazy. With her disappearance, that now seems true. I feel really sad for Changez because he cared deeply for Erica, and her disappearance left him completely empty. On top of all of that, Changez losing his job made things worse. I am curious to see how Changez rebuilds his life.

I noticed how Changez was unhappy when he returned to Pakistan. It seemed as if he thought his family was struggling in his absence. As Changez becomes more successful in America and rises within the global ranking while his family’s status declines, his desire to be present and provide support will be immense. I predict that Changez will begin to spend more time with his Family in Pakistan to ensure his Support.

On page 105, Changez asked Erica to pretend he was Chris. This seemed like a crazy move to me. Why would Changez want to be treated as Chris? Erica is still more attracted to Chris than she is to Changez. Maybe he did this to feel true love? I predict that Changez will start to lose feelings for Erica because he spends more time trying to help her move on from Chris than actually loving her himself.

As Changez returns to the United States, he notices that New York City has changed dramatically. The country seems united in sorrow and patriotism, hanging flags and singing songs. Im confused on how he does not feel more excluded. Although he keeps seeing Erica and she does not treat him differently, she remains unattracted and still attached to Chris. I predict Changez will encounter issues with 9'11 in the US.

Changez’s smile as the Twin Towers fell reflects not joy, but realization. In that moment, Changez understood that the attacks would forever change his life in America as a Muslim man. He smiled to cover up his crushed emotions deep inside, a mix of irony and awareness. I am interested to see where their book goes next. I feel that this attack will mess up his relationship with Erica and her family.

I was excited for Changez when he found success in his new job at Underwood Samson. I believe this opportunity has helped Changez find who he truly is and how he is going to contribute to society, as he stated on page 4. I still predict 911 or girlfriend problems with Erica will affect Changez experiance/life in America. Since this is centered around the time of 911 I believe this will affect Changez significantly.

I was shocked by how Changez went out drinking with his work colleagues when his home culture is against alcohol. I believe the author put this in his writing to show people the lesson that people don't stick to their own beliefs when breaking them means fitting in. Changez previously mentioned he has drunk at home, but I still believe that this resembles a real-world problem, a powerful lesson from a small action.