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3.72 AVERAGE
3.72 AVERAGE
Very original and insightful in its subtle, gradual revelation of the hypocrisy of the American cultural and political behemoth, this book enlightened me as to the way outsiders from the middle east can justifiably view the US.
Understated in its anger, gently and naturally, almost politely, like its narrator, this small novel offers a substantial contribution to the understanding of both sides in this most fraught of relationships. A razor's edge of a balancing act is achieved by Hamid, in my opinion, offending nobody, but offering a vital perspective.
The novel is not heavy, but still is perhaps hard to read for its unhappy undeniability, as it throws an unwelcome light on the distortion and corruption of the true likeness of this self aggrandising nation, like the hidden portrait of Dorian Gray, brought to light involuntarily.
It is not an action packed read, and is entirely a monologue, and I don't really tolerate those well, but it is short enough, and important enough that it was well worth seeing through, as far as I was concerned.
Understated in its anger, gently and naturally, almost politely, like its narrator, this small novel offers a substantial contribution to the understanding of both sides in this most fraught of relationships. A razor's edge of a balancing act is achieved by Hamid, in my opinion, offending nobody, but offering a vital perspective.
The novel is not heavy, but still is perhaps hard to read for its unhappy undeniability, as it throws an unwelcome light on the distortion and corruption of the true likeness of this self aggrandising nation, like the hidden portrait of Dorian Gray, brought to light involuntarily.
It is not an action packed read, and is entirely a monologue, and I don't really tolerate those well, but it is short enough, and important enough that it was well worth seeing through, as far as I was concerned.
informative
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
the mc’s personality made for such an unenjoyable reading experience. usually, i like reading books that show different perspectives than mine, and i did enjoy reading of some of his thought processes and ideas on life but he was honestly pretty annoying. i didn’t appreciate his constant need to comment on every woman he came across as a sexual object. there was also an undertone of his seeking validation from white america. i stayed up all night to finish this - not because i enjoyed it, more so just to get it over with - so hopefully i’m being too critical due to sleep deprivation.
Set as a monologue given by Changez to a man he meets in Lahore – a man who may or may not be a spy – The Reluctant Fundamentalist is a book that not only examines a Pakistani man who is in America during 9-11 but also the question of the reliable or unreliable narrator.
Changez’s story details his, perhaps, buying into the American dream or idea, his love for a typical, cliched American beauty, and his reaction to the terrorist attack 9-11.
The question is whether or not he is telling the truth. There is his name, there is the reference to Sleepy Hollow – which we must never forget is a story about a prank.
It’s a tricky novella.
Changez’s story details his, perhaps, buying into the American dream or idea, his love for a typical, cliched American beauty, and his reaction to the terrorist attack 9-11.
The question is whether or not he is telling the truth. There is his name, there is the reference to Sleepy Hollow – which we must never forget is a story about a prank.
It’s a tricky novella.
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes