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3.72 AVERAGE
3.72 AVERAGE
Suggested by Jorden. Very short, riveting read of a young man from Pakistan telling his story in first person style to an American 'tourist'. He speaks of his time in the US and his increasing internal struggle with being a successful professional in America while feeling like he is betraying Pakistan. A very open ending that is filled in by the mind of the reader - it's not clear what ends up happening, and it seems that the author wanted it that way. Definitely a good discussion book.
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The book starts brilliantly, but fades to commonplace as it goes along - you realize that the author lives and works in London, and it shows!!
challenging
dark
informative
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Really enjoyed this one. What a generous narrative voice. Very different from Exit West
The Reluctant Fundamentalist is a lesson in civility. Its pacing is practiced and hospitable. There is ceremony and sublimation. Such is the story of Changez, a Pakistani Princeton graduate and one-time corporate star in NYC, told on a wonderful day in Lahore. His shadowy interlocutor is an American of unknown intentions. The novel offers a modest immigrant's tale. While it is clear there is extreme emotion just under the surface, the notion of any real threat remains uncertain. It is this menace which propels the narrative, enhances our suspicions, allows to err on the side of a hasty credible threat.
The novel is masterful as an illumination, as an idyll and as a pointing a finger at our own fears.
The novel is masterful as an illumination, as an idyll and as a pointing a finger at our own fears.
A wonderful explanation of love and reluctant action.
Rich in symbolism, Hamid’s novels are to be mulled over and discussed. The one-sided conversation as a form of narration, the doomed love affair, the uncertainty of intent - all bringing up questions which will linger long after reading the last page.