In a review of John Updike's book "Terrorist," William Pritchard states, "One of the book's epigraphs is from Gabriel García Márquez: 'Disbelief is more resistant than faith because it is sustained by the senses.' Accordingly, 'Terrorist' is packed with the sensuous testimony of details that impede and threaten [Ahmad Mulloy]'s quest. To a degree not seen since 'In the Beauty of the Lilies' (1996), with which it has other affinities, [John Updike]'s new novel is dense with these details. Ahmad's story unfolds in a wholly convincing representation of the worn out industrial landscape of northern New Jersey; or the imam's mosque at 278 1/2 W. Main St., above a nail salon and check-cashing facility; or the 'soot-stained ironstone' African-American church Ahmad once attends to hear, at her behest, his attractive classmate Joryleen sing in the choir, along with other Christian devils."