Sosuke Imaizumi’s Reviews > The Reluctant Fundamentalist > Status Update

While Changez may have given up on America, there's no denying that his time in US changed him extensively. He was blessed to have received a well-rounded education in Princeton University. He faced 9/11 and changed his life forever. And he will never be with Erica, he remains in love with Erica and recognizes the huge impact on his character. His decisions were not always best, but he was desperate to live in US.

I think Changez decided to return to Pakistan because he felt Erica was too caught up in his own life. The time he spent with Erica was both enjoyable and stressful for him. I think this stress was not only a burden on Changez but also on Erica. Changez's turbulent life was too busy to support Erica's mental, and I think Changez needed time off too. My heart aches for Changez, who never understood Erica's mystery.

I've felt something was off about Erica's behavior and attitude up until now. I understand that it's very sad to lose Chris she've been close to since childhood, and that it's impossible to forget. But if she can't forget Chris, and tears in front of Changez, I wonder why she doesn't stay away from Changez. If I were Changez, I think the burden would be too heavy and I think I can't bear Erica's emotion.

In Chapter 8, when Changez points out the chickens roasting on the grill, I thought there was some kind of message in it. I analyzed it as a hint of a threat to the stranger who appeared before. Changez's behavior reveals someone he perceived as suspicious and dangerous seemed unnatural. Because he suddenly points out the chickens roasting on the grill in Chapter 8, I thought he was trying to convey something.

In Chapter 6, when 9/11 happened, Changez heard rumors of violence against others Pakistanis in cities, but he thought they were exaggerated. But I think what Changez really thought was to escape from reality. At the time, Changez was probably extremely anxious about losing his job and fearing discrimination. Still, if he showed weakness, others would be even more suspicious, so I think he believed it was a lie.

In Chapter 3, I noticed a difference in confidence between Wainwright and Changez. Changez seems very good at his job, has a fulfilling life, and is confident. On the other hand, Wainwright seems less confident than Changez, who is a nice guy. I would say he is modest and calmer than others. While both are in the same environment, Wainwright is popular, but Changez is the one I can rely on to succeed professionally.

Changez's jealousy was revealed and I thought he had a competitive personality in Chap.2 . When Mike flirted with Erica, he felt angry, but when Erica talked to him nicely, he calmed down. I realized that Changez is a typical college student, wanting to spend time on romance away from the stress of usual studying life. It was revealed that made me feel his sense of responsibility to protect the people he cares about.

When Jim asked Changez about financial aid in interview, I think Jim had an empathy for Changez, because Jim was hiding that he also went Princeton with financial aid, Changez was little bit anxious because he thought it will affect to the result of interview to work. However I felt Jim was trying to give Changez some relief. I were Changez, I'll be relieved to finally have someone to share that I was worried about.