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48 pages 1 hour read

Left Behind: A Novel of the Earth's Last Days

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1995

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Book Brief

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Jerry B. Jenkins, Tim LaHaye

Left Behind

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1995
Book Details
Pages

468

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Global • Contemporary

Publication Year

1995

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

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Super Short Summary

Left Behind by Jerry B. Jenkins and Tim LaHaye opens with airline pilot Rayford Steele on a flight to London when passengers mysteriously vanish, presumed taken by the biblical “Rapture.” As society descends into chaos, Steele, journalist Buck Williams, and others navigate the fallout, uncovering a plot involving Nicolae Carpathia, a charismatic leader rising to global power. The book contains descriptions of violence and murder, and brief mentions of death by suicide.

Suspenseful

Mysterious

Dark

Challenging

Emotional

Reviews & Readership

3.9

237,054 ratings

67%

Loved it

18%

Mixed feelings

15%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Left Behind by Jerry B. Jenkins and Tim LaHaye presents a gripping narrative that attracts readers with its suspenseful depiction of the apocalypse. Positive feedback often highlights its compelling and fast-paced storyline. However, criticism includes accusations of shallow character development and a perceived lack of subtlety in its religious messaging.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Left Behind?

Readers who would enjoy Left Behind by Jerry B. Jenkins and Tim LaHaye are typically fans of Christian fiction, apocalyptic narratives, and fast-paced thrillers. They might also appreciate The Shack by William P. Young and The Last Jihad by Joel C. Rosenberg, which offer similar faith-based themes and suspense.

3.9

237,054 ratings

67%

Loved it

18%

Mixed feelings

15%

Not a fan

Character List

Rayford Steele

A respected airline pilot who is confident and sees himself as handsome, intelligent, and successful, with a unique first name and a strong surname. He struggles with conflicting emotions regarding his relationships and faith throughout the novel.

A fair-haired, 30-year-old reporter for the Global Weekly with a reputation for challenging authority, who is highly successful in his career. His journey in the novel is marked by his investigative prowess and significant personal growth.

A student at Stanford and the daughter of Rayford, known for her skeptical and critical thinking nature. Her journey involves navigating significant personal changes and developing a close relational dynamic with her father.

A senior flight attendant who works alongside Rayford, described as exceptionally beautiful. Her interactions with other characters highlight her charm and the complexity of her relationships.

A politician and businessman from Romania who ascends to prominent political positions. He is portrayed as an influential and charismatic individual with impressive physical and leadership qualities.

The visitation pastor of New Hope Village Church and one of the few church members left behind. He is depicted as earnest and determined, taking on an important leadership role within the narrative.

An Israeli chemical engineer and inventor of a groundbreaking synthetic fertilizer. He is a pivotal figure within the novel’s events, noted for his brilliance and amiable nature.

Buck’s boss and the executive editor of the Weekly, plays a significant role in advancing the plot. His interactions with Buck provide insight into unfolding world events and character dynamics.

Book Details
Pages

468

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Global • Contemporary

Publication Year

1995

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

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