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.

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.

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.

Mysterious / Unnerving / Suspenseful / Dark / Contemplative

Rumaan Alam

Adult

Novel

Fiction

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Leave the World Behind Summary and Study Guide

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-6

Leave the World Behind Chapters 1-6 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 7-12

Leave the World Behind Chapters 7-12 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 13-19

Leave the World Behind Chapters 13-19 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 20-25

Leave the World Behind Chapters 20-25 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 26-32

Leave the World Behind Chapters 26-32 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 33-40

Leave the World Behind Chapters 33-40 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

Leave the World Behind Character Analysis

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Themes

Leave the World Behind Themes

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Leave the World Behind

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