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A review by sporadicreader
Leave the World Behind by Rumaan Alam
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
This book was mostly atmosphere, writing, and philosophy. It's not really about the characters and it doesn't have a plot. This book is about the human condition, period. These characters don't develop or grow. Nothing is really supposed to "happen" as far as I can tell. It is a vehicle through which to examine humanity - it is a thought exercise - it is The Republic, Sophie's Choice, The Stranger, The Trial, etc. I think you have to go into this book thinking of it as such or you will be disappointed. Also, have a dictionary at the ready while reading this because the author likes his obscure, thesaurus words.
There are moments of terror here, namely, existential terror. There is an interesting concept brewing in this book of a world falling apart but the privileged (either by race or wealth or simply location) are saved and they have to constantly wrestle with that privilege or live in willful ignorance while lamenting how unblissful the ignorance is ("first world problems"). There also seems to be commentary on technology. How in certain circumstances we would like to be rid of it to relax fully but when it is taken from us we cannot relax fully. The writing at times is beautiful but it does meander quite a bit without much rhyme or reason. It is a bit overwrought. The perspective shifts are disorienting and it is hard to tell if this is purposeful or sloppy. If several characters are in the same room, perspectives will change with each paragraph. This made me crave characters in isolation or in pairs which does make me think it was an intentional decision. What is interesting too is once the characters were on their own or reduced to pairs, there was such foreboding created in the atmosphere of their isolation that I wanted them to quickly reunite. I think this book would be good to read in a book club setting because it is short and it could generate some great discussion.
I gave it 3 stars because ultimately I don't think it was executed well; rather, it is not transparent about what it is - a philosophy book. It sets up like it is a thriller and from what I've seen it was marketed as a thriller and in my opinion it is not a thriller in the slightest.
There are moments of terror here, namely, existential terror. There is an interesting concept brewing in this book of a world falling apart but the privileged (either by race or wealth or simply location) are saved and they have to constantly wrestle with that privilege or live in willful ignorance while lamenting how unblissful the ignorance is ("first world problems"). There also seems to be commentary on technology. How in certain circumstances we would like to be rid of it to relax fully but when it is taken from us we cannot relax fully. The writing at times is beautiful but it does meander quite a bit without much rhyme or reason. It is a bit overwrought. The perspective shifts are disorienting and it is hard to tell if this is purposeful or sloppy. If several characters are in the same room, perspectives will change with each paragraph. This made me crave characters in isolation or in pairs which does make me think it was an intentional decision. What is interesting too is once the characters were on their own or reduced to pairs, there was such foreboding created in the atmosphere of their isolation that I wanted them to quickly reunite. I think this book would be good to read in a book club setting because it is short and it could generate some great discussion.
I gave it 3 stars because ultimately I don't think it was executed well; rather, it is not transparent about what it is - a philosophy book. It sets up like it is a thriller and from what I've seen it was marketed as a thriller and in my opinion it is not a thriller in the slightest.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Vomit
Moderate: Body horror