Leave the World Behind

by Rumaan Alam
Leave the World Behind cover
Good Books rating 4.36
Psychological Thriller, Mystery, Crime
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Paperback • £9.99
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Technical
  • ID: 1156
  • Added: 2025-09-27
  • Updated: 2026-03-10
  • ISBN: 9781526633095
  • Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
  • Published: 2020-01-01
  • Formats: 17
  • Reviews: 4

Amanda and Clay, along with their teenage children, rent a luxurious home in a remote corner of Long Island for a holiday away from the hustle and bustle of New York City. Their peaceful retreat is abruptly interrupted when an older couple, Ruth and G. H., claim to own the home and seek shelter due to a city-wide power outage. With no means of communication or information, the two families are left to question the strangers' intentions and the true nature of the crisis back in the city. As tensions rise and suspicions grow, the families must navigate their differences and the uncertainties of their situation to ensure their safety. 'Leave the World Behind' explores themes of isolation, race, and class, set against the backdrop of a potential societal collapse. The novel delves into the complexities of human relationships and the fragility of trust when faced with the unknown. Praised for its gripping narrative and incisive social commentary, the book is a literary page-turner that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.

Reviews
BookMunch · BookMunch · 2023-11-07
excellent 4.75

The novel is very, very good, introducing readers to well-developed characters and a compelling narrative.

The reviewer praises the book for its excellent character development and engaging storyline. They highlight how the book effectively introduces readers to the characters and their journeys, making it a captivating read. The reviewer also notes the book's ability to keep readers invested in the story, making it a standout novel.

Quick quotes

    Leave the World Behind is certainly very, very good.

    We are introduced to Amanda, Clay, Archie and Rose as they make their way to a rented holiday home outside.

    The book effectively introduces readers to the characters and their journeys.

Bookish Brews · 2021-08-04
creepy 4.00

The book is simple, creepy, and incredibly well-written, making it a perfect binge read. It's a quick and engaging story that hits the spot.

This reviewer found the book to be a quick and engaging read, perfect for a binge session. They appreciate the simplicity and creepiness of the story, which keeps readers hooked from start to finish. The reviewer also highlights the excellent writing, which enhances the overall reading experience. They enjoyed the book's ability to maintain a sense of suspense and intrigue, making it a standout in their reading list.

Quick quotes

    This book hit the spot. It's simple, creepy, and incredibly written.

    The best part is that it's a quick read, so it's the perfect binge read.

    It's a suspenseful and provocative novel that keeps you engaged throughout.

Madeleine Reads · 2021-02-04
pramatic 4.20

The novel takes the dystopian genre to a new, pragmatic level, exploring what we would do in a crisis. It's a potently written story that delves into complex themes.

This reviewer appreciates the novel's pragmatic approach to the dystopian genre, exploring what people would actually do in a crisis. They find the writing to be potent and thought-provoking, delving into complex themes that resonate with readers. The reviewer also notes the book's ability to keep readers engaged with its intense and engaging narrative. They believe the novel offers a unique perspective on the dystopian genre, making it a standout read.

Quick quotes

    A potently written novel that takes the dystopian genre to a new, pragmatic level.

    It answers the question of what we really would do when faced with a crisis.

    The novel is intense and engaging, keeping readers on the edge of their seats.

The Guardian · 2020-11-09
prescient 4.50

The novel captures the panic of 2020 with echoes of Jordan Peele's Get Out and Cormac McCarthy's The Road. It's a superb end-of-the-world narrative that resonates deeply with current anxieties.

This reviewer found the novel to be a gripping and timely exploration of societal fears, drawing compelling parallels with other works like Get Out and The Road. They highlight the book's ability to tap into the collective panic of 2020, making it a standout in the dystopian genre. The reviewer appreciates how the story unfolds, keeping readers on the edge of their seats while delving into themes of panic and uncertainty. They also note the book's relevance to contemporary issues, making it a thought-provoking read.

Quick quotes

    With echoes of Jordan Peele's Get Out and Cormac McCarthy's The Road, this superb end-of-the-world novel captures the generalised panic of 2020.

    It's a breathtaking and prescient novel that resonates deeply with the current times.

    The novel explores the agonies of indecision and stasis in the face of unfolding catastrophe.

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