My Revolutions: A Novel by Hari Kunzru

Warning! If you have read this author and loved him you may be disappointed because this is nothing like his other work (Well, his use of language is still superb but the plot, etc...is very different.)

Hari Kunzru explores the question of what happens to revolutionary characters after the revolution. In this page turning novel, college student Chris Carver joins the revolution in London which quickly turns terrorist causing him to leave behind his identity and create a new life for himself. Every page infuses fresh life into the often told story of 1960’s idealism and Chris’ need to change the world that abruptly erupts into violence and terrorism.

Terrorist by John Updike

I am not always fond of Updike's work but have always admired his skill. The Terrorist is one of those books that inspires a "wow, can that boy write?" response. This is one of his best and considering that he has won every major book award for past work that is saying something.

Ahmad, a biracial American teenager, has connected deeply with his religion and has found a militant Imam to guide him in developing his spirituality. Because of this he becomes deeply disillusioned by America and all it has to offer. Eventually he hooks up with a fanatic who introduces him to a terrorist cell who plans to blow up the Holland tunnel.

I was skeptical that Updike could maintain the voices needed to carry it off. Having said that, a few of his characters are stereotypical in many ways but, since he is exploring the hysteria surrounding 9/11 and its aftermath, it worked for me.