Leave the World Behind” by Rumaan Alam is a novel that defies conventional storytelling, weaving a narrative that is as unsettling as it is insightful. Set against the backdrop of an undefined catastrophe, the story explores the intricacies of human behavior under duress, societal norms, and the illusory nature of security. Alam’s third novel is a masterful blend of suspense, societal critique, and a deep dive into the psychology of its characters.
“Ruth had learned only one thing from the current reality, and it was that everything held together by tacit agreement that it would. All it took to unravel something was one party deciding to do just that. There was no real structure to prevent chaos. There was only a collective faith in order.”
― Leave the World Behind
The story unfolds with Amanda and Clay, along with their two children, heading to a remote Airbnb in Long Island for a vacation. The family’s expectation of a serene getaway is shattered when the owners of the house, an older black couple named G.H. and Ruth, arrive seeking refuge from a blackout that has hit New York City. This unexpected intrusion sets the stage for a narrative that is as much about the dynamics between these two families as it is about the external chaos that brought them together.
Alam’s portrayal of his characters is nuanced and multi-dimensional. Amanda and Clay are quintessential middle-class New Yorkers, comfortable in their bubble of privilege. Their reaction to the arrival of G.H. and Ruth, who are affluent and black, lays bare the complexities and inherent biases of their liberal outlook. The novel delves into the psyche of each character, revealing their fears, prejudices, and vulnerabilities in a manner that is both intimate and discomforting.
“People weren’t that connected to one another. Terrible things happened constantly and never prevented you from going out for ice cream or celebrating birthdays or going to the movies or paying your taxes or fucking your wife or worrying about the mortgage.”
― Leave the World Behind
One of the novel’s most striking features is its setting. The Airbnb, initially a symbol of escape and luxury, gradually morphs into a microcosm of the larger world, with its tensions and uncertainties. Alam expertly uses this setting to explore themes of isolation, the desire for connection, and the fragile nature of the societal constructs we rely on. The house becomes a sanctuary and a prison, a place of comfort that is simultaneously a reminder of the world’s unpredictability.
Alam’s narrative style is a dance of perspectives, providing a kaleidoscopic view of events through the eyes of each character. This approach adds depth to the story, allowing the reader to experience the unfolding events from multiple vantage points. The prose is rich and evocative, painting vivid images and emotions, from the idyllic setting of the Airbnb to the surreal scenes of a world tipping into chaos.
“There was no way to explain that the thing about dark is that it’s rare. There’s always some ambient light. There’s always that contrast that helps you understand: This is dark. The pricks of stars, the leak beneath the door, the glow of an appliance, something. Wasn’t its ability to assert itself, and at breakneck speed at that, light’s most remarkable quality?”
― Leave the World Behind
The novel excels in its subtle but piercing social commentary. Through the experiences and reactions of its characters, Alam delves into issues of race, class, and privilege. The characters’ reliance on technology and their disorientation when it fails is a poignant reflection of contemporary society. Alam’s critique is woven seamlessly into the narrative, compelling the reader to confront their assumptions and beliefs.
“Leave the World Behind” also stands out for what it doesn’t reveal. Alam refrains from providing clear answers or resolutions, leaving the reader in a state of limbo that mirrors the characters’ experiences. This ambiguity serves as both a source of intrigue and frustration, challenging the reader’s desire for closure and reflecting the uncertainties of the times we live in.
The exploration of family dynamics underpins the narrative. The forced proximity and shared uncertainty peel away the facades, revealing the intricate web of relationships, resentments, and love that bind the family and their unexpected guests. These dynamics evolve organically, painting a realistic portrait of people grappling with extraordinary circumstances.
“Leave the World Behind” is a novel that defies easy categorization. It is a psychological thriller, a social commentary, and a character study rolled into one. Alam’s writing is sharp, insightful, and unflinchingly honest. The book holds up a mirror to our society, reflecting our fears, biases, and vulnerabilities. It’s a compelling read that stays with you long after you turn the last page, a haunting reminder of the precariousness of our world and the illusion of control we cling to. In a literary landscape often crowded with formulaic narratives, “Leave the World Behind” stands out as a unique and thought-provoking masterpiece.
Alam’s ability to keep the reader engrossed in a story where the larger context of the disaster remains unknown is a testament to his skill as a storyteller. The focus remains tightly on the characters and their immediate surroundings, creating a sense of claustrophobia and intensity. The novel’s pace is masterful, with Alam controlling the ebb and flow of tension like a conductor. Moments of mundane domesticity are juxtaposed with spikes of anxiety, creating a rhythm that is disorienting yet mesmerizing.
“Home was just where you were, in the end. It was just the place where you found yourself.”
― Leave the World Behind
Furthermore, the novel’s psychological depth is noteworthy. Each character’s internal monologue provides insight into their thought processes and emotional responses to the unfolding events. This deep dive into the human psyche is what sets “Leave the World Behind” apart from other disaster narratives. It’s not just about the external chaos, but about how individuals react to it, both rationally and irrationally.
The theme of environmental and societal collapse is ever-present, though subtly woven into the narrative. Alam doesn’t use heavy-handed messaging but instead allows the reader to draw parallels to their reality. The sense of an impending ecological disaster serves as a haunting backdrop to the human drama unfolding in the house. The novel, in this way, speaks to the contemporary fears of climate change and societal instability without becoming a preachy or overtly environmental novel.
In its exploration of race and class dynamics, “Leave the World Behind” is particularly bold. The assumptions and misconceptions that Amanda and Clay have about G.H. and Ruth, and vice versa, are a commentary on the deep-seated prejudices that still exist in modern society. The novel forces the reader to confront uncomfortable truths about race relations and the disparities in how different people experience and navigate the world.
In summary, “Leave the World Behind” is a novel of our times, capturing the zeitgeist of an era marked by uncertainty, fear, and the search for connection. Rumaan Alam has crafted a story that is timely, timeless, and deeply resonant. With its compelling blend of suspense, societal critique, and psychological depth, this book is not just a novel; it’s a reflection of the complexities of contemporary life. It’s a must-read for anyone looking to understand the undercurrents of our times, portrayed through a story that is both gripping and thought-provoking.