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A review by rorikae
Leave the World Behind by Rumaan Alam
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
'Leave the World Behind' by Rumaan Alam is a character study that delves into how people react when an unknown disaster strikes.
The story centers on a white family that takes a weekend away to the countryside from their lives in New York City. They are relaxing into the calm of life in the countryside when the Black family that owns the house they are renting shows up on their doorstep. There has been a mysterious disaster, the power has gone out, and Ruth and G.H. are seeking comfort in their home outside of the city. As the two families spend time together in the house and the realization that something big has happened in the city, tensions mount between all involved.
Alam does a really great job of slowly cranking up the tension. We never fully know what has happened but he gives just enough hints for it to be clear that something big is at hand. He utilizes small details to explore the tension between the different characters and how they interact with each other. His writing is overwrought at times but it fits with the characters and how they see themselves and their situation. I was itching to know more about what was happening and to hear other people's experiences with this cataclysmic event though I do understand that that isn't the point of this story. It was a little bit too lit fic for me but that's a personal preference and I am sure that many people will love this story. It does thoughtfully accomplishes what it sets out to do, leaving you haunted as you consider the breakdown of society and the minutiae of what happens when the world falls apart.
The story centers on a white family that takes a weekend away to the countryside from their lives in New York City. They are relaxing into the calm of life in the countryside when the Black family that owns the house they are renting shows up on their doorstep. There has been a mysterious disaster, the power has gone out, and Ruth and G.H. are seeking comfort in their home outside of the city. As the two families spend time together in the house and the realization that something big has happened in the city, tensions mount between all involved.
Alam does a really great job of slowly cranking up the tension. We never fully know what has happened but he gives just enough hints for it to be clear that something big is at hand. He utilizes small details to explore the tension between the different characters and how they interact with each other. His writing is overwrought at times but it fits with the characters and how they see themselves and their situation. I was itching to know more about what was happening and to hear other people's experiences with this cataclysmic event though I do understand that that isn't the point of this story. It was a little bit too lit fic for me but that's a personal preference and I am sure that many people will love this story. It does thoughtfully accomplishes what it sets out to do, leaving you haunted as you consider the breakdown of society and the minutiae of what happens when the world falls apart.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood and Vomit
Moderate: Racism