Carlos Xie’s Reviews > The Reluctant Fundamentalist > Status Update

I am stunned by Changez’s encounter with racism. Not only is he called a "fucking Arab," but he is also detained at an airport and subjected to extra scrutiny by a biased officer. Being targeted forces him to confront hostility he never anticipated. Shocked and furious, he admits he cannot recall details, revealing both external aggression and internal doubt. I predict that racism will compel him to leave the U.S.

I noticed a gradual but significant shift in Changez and Erica's feelings as the novel progresses. After 9/11, American patriotism surges, making Changez feel alienated and scrutinized as a Pakistani in the U.S. since he once enjoyed N.Y.C.'s unique culture. Meanwhile, the disaster intensifies Erica's fixation on Chris, leaving her lonelier and more obsessed with the past. I wonder if she will ever move forward.

I found it interesting how often the author implies comparisons between Pakistan and the U.S. Bats and other flying creatures hovering above the sky during Changez's time in Manila seem to mirror immigrants in the U.S. The image of large animals flying around tall buildings, on the verge of crashing, foreshadows the terrifying 9/11 attack. I wonder what will be the deciding factor for Changez's return to Pakistan.

I have noticed a growing “crack” in Erica, which is affecting her thoughts and feelings. She shared many treasured mementos and unforgettable experiences with Chris, her best friend, who died of cancer. While dating Changez, memories of Chris as a child and teenager preoccupy her mind with grief and the lingering pain of loss. I wonder what will happen to Changez and Erica as their relationship deepens.

It is striking how frequently tea appears in the story. As a healthy, culturally significant drink, it symbolizes hospitality in many non-U.S. cultures, such as Pakistan, where it is almost beloved by everyone. However, this contrasts with typical American habits. The repeated references to tea foreshadow the story's underlying tension and ambiguity. I wonder what Changez’s transition back to Pakistan will be like.

I really like the start of the story because it resonates with my current condition. Like Changez, who must excel as an international student from Pakistan to stand out in the US and get into a top company, I also have to work much harder because of my nationality to reach my dream schools. I felt happy when he got into Underwood Samson, and I hope to follow a similar path by realizing my dreams, goals, and wishes.