I would call it a great second book. In most cases, the authors of Hamid’s kind make a lot of stir with their first novel and then for whatever reason they somehow slow down or just disappear from the literary scene!
I am yet to read moth smoke, I would love to read it now, especially after reading the reluctant fundamentalist. It seems very much like his own story as the author admits himself, but he certainly has a good story to tell, autobiographical or otherwise!
The book appeared interesting at first look; though I was not sure I was quite looking forward to the reading. On the face of it I had the impression that this could be yet another non fiction talking about the complicated and controversial Islamic fundamentalism. But it turned out to be a good story spoken in clear monologue and easy language, not neglecting in any way the seemingly difficult inner conflicts.
To start with I could (had to!) finish it in 4 hours flat. The book is a great combination of personal faith finding and political turmoil a Muslim immigrant in America might go thru both pre and post 9/11. Changez’s desire to fit in is very normal and understandable, he is a simple upper middle class guy from Lahore wanting to be a world citizen. And he is not wrong in believing it - what with the ‘all A’s’ Princeton degree and being the best of the lot at Underwood Samson.
But post 9/11, the setting in of the resentment and doubts are but expected. It actually is in some way the fundamentalism so much a part of what we all are made of when it comes to our attachment with our roots. The beard he grows is such a strong symbolic depiction. The way we feel responsible for our country, especially when we are away, is a kind of hypocrisy and that’s what bugs Changez as it would bug me probably. And if he decides to leave his otherwise secure life in New York its to deal with this inner conflict.
In any event, the story flows like water. With a title as heavy as this, I was pleasantly surprised to come across this beautifully observed love story of Changez. The emotions are very honest and apt in describing the deep feelings of a guy who has hardly had any exposure with women before. There is a certain depth and hope (always hope) to his narration when he is explaining his relationship with Erica.
I would call the end a bit disturbing –, it’s somewhat anti climatic. (If I am not being too pragmatic, I would say there might be a sequel to this book!) I can understand Hamid wanted it to be ambiguous. He gives us many open ends thereby inviting the readers to reflect and choose a fitted ending based on his own ideal/attitude. But the way the story keeps on building suspense, especially towards the end, you keep waiting for the last page to see what happens between him and the American stranger, and once done, the reader feels somewhat betrayed and empty handed sort of.
It’s the same in case of his love story. Erica vanishes and Changez is still waiting for her, even if the chances are bleak, he still hopes. May be a miracle will happen! But may be not! But it a good read by all means, beautifully observed and the same clichéd immigrant issues are dealt in a very masterful way. (I later I found out this book was written in 2000 and he had to rewrite after the 9/11 episode). One can understand his reasons for doing so. The history (and story) of America certainly changed after 9/11).