The Reluctant Fundamentalist

As Changez and the stranger finish their meal, the stranger reclines, and Changez notices an object protruding from his side. “When you sit in that fashion, sir … a bulge manifests itself through the lightweight fabric of your suit, precisely at that point parallel to the sternum where undercover security agents … tend to favor wearing an armpit holster for their sidearm (p.139).” The stranger is alarmed that Changez has noticed this, but Changez quickly dismisses his own insinuation, suggesting instead that the bulge is probably just a travel wallet. He returns to his back-story, this time relating the events that took place on his trip to Chile.

To Changez, Valparaiso has the same nostalgic feel as Lahore, a once-mighty city now mostly left to ruin. Changez meets Juan-Bautista, the chief of the publishing company he’s valuing: “He reminded me of my maternal grandfather; I liked him at once” (p.141). Juan-Bautista displays an obvious dislike for the Underwood Samson team; their valuation will in all likelihood result in the acquisition of his business. When Jim leaves Changez is unable to focus on work because he’s consumed with thoughts of