“THE RELUCTANT FUNDAMENTALIST” by Mohsin Hamid

I remember that, when I have read this book for the first time in 2008, I was amazed that I could “hear” the musicality of the English language spoken by a Pakistani. This being accomplished by the author, Mohsin Hamid, employing phrases and of the accents.

I believe that Mohsin Hamid was truly inspired when he wrote this painful story.

“Excuse me, sir, but may I be of assistance? Ah, I see I have alarmed you. Do not be frightened by my beard: I am a lover of America. I noticed that you were looking for something; more than looking, in fact you seemed to be on a mission, and since I am both a native of this city and a speaker of your language, I thought I might offer you my services.

How did I know that you are an American? No, not by the colour of your skin; we have a range of complexions in this country, and yours occurs often among the people of our northwest frontier. Instead, it was your bearing that allowed me to identify you, and I do not mean that as an insult, for I see your face has hardened, but merely as an observation.

Come, tell me what were you looking for? Surely, at this time of day, only one thing could have brought you to the district of Old Anarkali and that is the quest for the perfect cup of tea.

You prefer that seat, with your back so close to the wall? And will you not remove your jacket? So formal! Now that is not typical of Americans, at least not in my experience.

You seem worried. Do not be; this burly fellow is merely our waiter, and there is no need to reach under your jacket, I assume to grasp your wallet, as we will pay him later, when we are done.”

Published by Penguin books, 2008