Roan Wilson’s Reviews > The Reluctant Fundamentalist > Status Update

on page 76 of the book Changez is talking in the present time to the man in the restaurant. Changez is realizing that the man knows something as he says "or perhaps... But enough of these speculations!" Changez knows that he has not met the man but the man seems to know something about him. With the word mission being italicized on the first page of the book, I believe the man was sent to Pakistan to meet Changiz.

Erica and Changez have reunited in NYC and it seems like they grow closer every time they meet. However, I feel that they are almost at their end because Changez is so obviously in love with Erica but Erica can not let go the feelings of her last relationship with Chris. I believe Erica is aware of the fact that she is not ready to move on so she uses Changez's overly polite character and likes to keep him close.

On page 40 I learn a little bit more about Wainwright. Though the author has not specified his race, I believe that Wainwright is Pakistani or from a similar part of the world. I think this because Changiz feels comfortable bringing him into the local Punjab deli where the workers know Changiz despite the fact that during the interview at Underwood & Sampson it reveals that Changiz prefers to hide his home life.

After reading the first 40 pages of the book I have become confused as to why the main character left America after saying he loves it so mush. Being from Pakistan, It could be from getting pushed out of the country due to the after math of 9/11. Or simply because of homesickness. I believe it is because of the former. His job at Underwood Sampson is right in the hart of NYC and this could make him an easy target.