Oskars Apsitis’s Reviews > The Reluctant Fundamentalist > Status Update

When Erica takes Changez to her roof terrace, I think this shows that he has reached the top of New York society. Standing high above the city makes him feel powerful and successful, like he finally belongs. It is a private place that feels far away from his old life in Pakistan. But, being so high up also shows that he is losing touch with his roots. He is looking down on the world and forgetting where he came from.

I was interested in how Changez, the main character, went out drinking with his work associates. I think this is because he's is just trying to fit in, and be ''cool'' even if it's not morally right and against his culture. This social mimicry of americans acts like a passport for him to fit in the firm of Underwood Samson. This desire of fitting in comes at a cost of betraying his home country's beliefs and culture.

The author had me hooked at the interview. I was interested in why Changez, was anxious for this interview more than any other. I didn't understand why this one was special. I think it's because of how Changez comes from a poor family, where income is important. I think Changez also wants to actually be wealthy not just act and look like it, until now nobody has cared what's on the inside, only outside.