The Reluctant Fundamentalist by Mohsin Hamid

Thanks for the review! Its on my list. The title. `Reluctant Fundamentalist.` made me think, Can a person be reluctant and be a fundamentalist? I thought fundamentalism is all about removing reluctance. Its about being sure. Maybe he has dealt with this idea in the novel.

Despite his good writing, what I find lacking in Mohsin Hamid`s writing is the viewpoint of middle class or the masses.

Isnt that a good thing?

He will come by a couple of reviews by Joyce Carol Oats (the most boring story teller of current times) and sell his sophomoric bhang-bhosra like he sold his earlier one. But come on, this is fiction, and treat it as such (rather than view it through 9/11 paradigm). I would, however, read his novel, only because he is Desi. I enjoyed Moth Smoke, only because I am Desi. I could relate to magic realism of his work, but in terms of it’s literary merit, he is no way in the league of Rushdie, Sidwa, etc. He has miles to go. I hope he gets there some day.

Despite his good writing, what I find lacking in Mohsin Hamid`s writing is the viewpoint of middle class or the masses. Putting it other way his writings represents the certain upper class which was educated at these `elite` schools.

Good writeup though.

Thanku for this lovely writeup.