The Reluctant Fundamentalist

At an outdoor table at a café in Lahore, a bearded Pakistani man begins a conversation with an American stranger who may or may not be armed. The narrative begins with a simple enough question, put by the narrator to the stranger: “Excuse me, sir, may I be of assistance?” (p.1). The stranger appears to be searching for something, and so the narrator, whose name is revealed to be Changez, a native of Lahore, offers the man his assistance. The stranger is taken aback by the offer. Changez assumes that the stranger’s uneasiness is due to his appearance, and so tries to clear the air. “Do not be frightened by my beard,” he says, “I am a lover of America” (p.1). He then mentions that he knows the man is American by his type and being.

As the two are in a district known for its tea, Changez assumes that the stranger’s sole purpose for being in this district is for a good cup of tea. He shows the stranger the best café and the two sit down for conversation and tea. While seated at the café table, Changez comments on the fact that the American prefers to sit with his back to a wall and insists on keeping his jacket on.