YMMV / The Reluctant Fundamentalist

• Alternative Character Interpretation:
  • Due to the Ambiguous Situation of the novel, it's easy to do this with both Changez and The American. Is The American really a government operative sent to kill Changez, thus explaining his paranoia? Or has Changez been occupying the American, so that he and his associates can harm him?
  • There's also the matter of whether or not Changez is truly a sympathetic character damaged by personal tragedy, or a hypocrite who blames America for his own failings. (Of course, whether or not the novel is a criticism of America, or simply a perspective of it, is another discussion in and of itself.)
• Nightmare Fuel: Somewhat low-key, but Changez's smile at the report of the World Trade Center collapse, as a "symbol of America being brought to its knees", is a disconcerting moment for a number of reviewers, to say the least. Even Changez is disturbed by the way he reacted, in hindsight.
• Tear Jerker: Erica's situation in the novel is pretty grim. Although she grows close to Changez, she still thinks of and misses her deceased boyfriend Chris. This leaves her in states where her mind wanders and, as Changez sees it, willingly submerged herself in nostalgia. Her subsequent breakdown and disappearance and possible suicide only make it worse, for the impact it has on Changez.