45 pages • 1 hour read
Leave the World Behind
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Book Brief
256
Novel • Fiction
Long Island • Contemporary
2020
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Leave the World Behind by Rumaan Alam follows Clay, Amanda, and their teenage children, who rent a Long Island house for a vacation. Their stay is interrupted by the arrival of G. H. and Ruth, the house's owners, reporting a city-wide blackout. As news alerts and a mysterious noise heighten tension, the two families struggle with distrust and uncertainty, seeking to comprehend an escalating disaster.
Mysterious
Unnerving
Suspenseful
Dark
Contemplative
Reviews & Readership
176,164 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Leave the World Behind by Rumaan Alam skillfully portrays a gripping apocalyptic scenario, enriched by sharp social commentary and a tense atmosphere. Critics praise its timely themes and Alam's evocative prose. However, some found the plot's ambiguity and pacing less compelling. Overall, it's a thought-provoking narrative that captures contemporary anxieties.
Who Should Read Leave the World Behind?
Fans of intense psychological thrillers like The Road by Cormac McCarthy and Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel will relish Leave the World Behind. Ideal for readers who appreciate suspenseful, thought-provoking narratives that delve into human dynamics amidst unforeseen crises.
176,164 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
256
Novel • Fiction
Long Island • Contemporary
2020
Adult
18+ years
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