The Booker judges are not as crazy as they might seem. This is one of their surprising choices for the longlist – but it’s only surprising if you haven’t read it. It’s a fantastic piece of work, superbly considered and controlled, with a lovely stillness and wisdom at its heart. Changez is an ambitious young Muslim who leaves Pakistan to get the very best American education. At first, it all goes brilliantly. Changez wins a prestigious Wall Street job and appears to be heading for the very top – but then 9/11 happens, and suddenly Changez’s background sets him apart. Hamid has been compared with Fitzgerald, and there are intriguing echoes of The Great Gatsby.

THE RELUCTANT FUNDAMENTALIST by Mohsin Hamid

Hamish Hamilton. £14.99

Buy the book here for the offer price of £13.49 (free p&p)

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