Everett Lo’s Reviews > The Reluctant Fundamentalist > Status Update
Everett Lo
is on page 41 of 228
One event at the start of the book is when Changez tells the stranger, "Do not be frightened by my beard; I am a lover of America." I think this shows the main conflict in the book, an identity crisis between modernisation(loving America and Princeton) or keeping with tradition(hence the beard). The title backs this up with the word "reluctant," suggesting a similar conflict, though with victory to the latter.
— Jan 15, 2026 04:37AM
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Everett’s Previous Updates
Everett Lo
is on page 81 of 228
During his Manila assignment we see that Changez is not only an outsider in America, but he also feels like an outsider in another third world country. He grew up in Pakistan which is a poor country and has been a key piece of his identidy. Yet, the moment where he stares out of the cab at the filipinos he realizes how this newfound wealth has also alienated him from his roots making him an outcast in both settings.
— 21 hours, 59 min ago
Everett Lo
is on page 61 of 228
I think Erica and the romance in the novel isreally an embodiment of America, not in a positive way, but in a flawed sense. While Erica is quite beautiful, we learn she seems to be missing part of herself, similar to how America has looks but no substance. We later learn that the missing part is Chris, who I think represents Old America. I think this reflects America post 9/11, which was longing for the "glory days."
— Jan 18, 2026 05:26PM
Everett Lo
is on page 51 of 228
The Underwood-Samson interview highlights one key piece of Changez: being an outsider. We learn that while his family has status, they lack money. This is opposite to America, with tons of "New Money" but no real status. I think the fact that he never told anyone at Princeton shows that he doesn't have anyone he trusts, suggesting he is a social outlier. I think Hamid uses this to foreshadow the future conflict.
— Jan 15, 2026 06:22PM
