Jack Manley’s Reviews > The Reluctant Fundamentalist > Status Update

I noticed how displeased Changez was when he returned home to Pakistan. It seemed as though he felt his family was struggling without him. I think that as Changez succeeds in America and climbs up the world hierarchy, and his family's status drops, that his need to be home and supporting will only become more important to him. I predict Changez will start to live in Pakistan more then America to support his family.

On page 105, when Changez asked Erica to pretend he was Chris, I felt empathy for Chris. Although it seemed like a thoughtful action, I know this must have hurt him mentally knowing Erica is still more attracted to Chris then him. If this carries on, I predict that Changez will start to lose feeling for Erica, because he spends his time like a therapist trying to help her move on from her relationship with Chris.

The love scene between Erica and Changez made me think about Changez in America. Knowing Changez has lived in America for over four years, he enjoys living in New York, but he struggles be accepted because of 9/11. I see this in his relationship with Erica because she likes him, but struggles to move forward with Changez because of Chris. The more Erica and him move forward, the harder it will be to live in New York.

Living in America after the 9/11 attacks as a Muslim must have been extremely difficult. Changez troubles returning to New York show that many Americans blamed all middle eastern people for the death of loved ones. It's sad to hear about this because the stereotype that all Muslims are terrorist is unfair. I assume Changez will struggle with the aggression towards him because he is sensitive about his real home.

Jim, a successful businessman, will undoubtedly be one of the most influential people in this book. I believe that he will be a mentor for Changez because it seems they come from similar backgrounds, he wants to help Changez out like others probable did for him. The author uses a character like Jim to show a protagonist what life could be like if they keep working towards their goals of success.

I was interested in how Changez, the main character, went out drinking with his work associates when his home culture prohibits alcohol consumption. I think the author included this in his writing to show people don't stick to their morals in order to fit in. Although Changez previously mentioned he drinks at home, I still think this resembles a real world problem where people feel they need to be the same as others.

The author had me hooked at the interview. I was interested in why the protagonist, Changez, was nervous for this interview over any other one. I didn't understand why this one was special, after all it pays $80,000 not a million. I learned how Changez comes from a poor family, where income is important. I think the author started the book this way to show Changez takes pride in his family and works hard for them.