Leave the World Behind

Rumaan Alam’s Leave the World Behind (2020) is a work of apocalyptic fiction that examines the relationship between race and class during an unspecified disaster that cuts off all communication, forcing two families together. The book uses omniscient narration and interpersonal conflict to heighten the fear of disconnection in the Information Age, treating the apocalypse as an event that happens on a human scale. Published to great acclaim, it has been longlisted for the National Book Award.

Plot Summary

Leave the World Behind begins with the vacation of Clay, Amanda, and their teenage children Rose and Archie. The family is driving out from New York to a well-appointed house on Long Island that they have rented for the week, and they are eager to get away. While Clay drives, Amanda and the kids look at their phones, knowing that as they get to the house their connections will become spotty or not work at all.

The family spends the first night and day lounging by the pool and settling in, enjoying each other’s company. However, the feeling that someone’s watching her troubles Amanda, and on their second night, after the children are asleep, a knock at the door startles Amanda and Clay.