Leave the World Behind

By Rumaan Alam

Article By SCOTT CLONAN

Leave the World Behind is very difficult to describe, but should not be missed. The author spins the tale of a white, city dwelling family who rents a vacation house at the end of Long Island where you can “leave the world behind.”

Amanda and her husband Clay take their two children to the rented house for their annual vacation. Shortly after they arrive, there is a black out in New York City and the black owners of the home decided that it is best for them to head for the country instead of trying to get to their high-rise apartment by walking up 14 flights of stairs. Amanda and her husband argue whether or not it is safe to let these strangers in the house. Since all arrangements have been done on-line, the two couples have never met.

We soon find out the blackout is the symptom of something larger. There is no TV, radio, nor phone service. The author drops tidbits about what is happening in the wider world. With each tidbit we have an increasing sense of impending doom.

This book has very little LGBTQ+ content but I loved how it is handled and the author is LGBTQ+. This book is about race, class, and the sense of dread that comes from not knowing. We have all become accustom to having information in the palm of our hands. How would we react when that comfort goes away? I could not put this book down and the sense of dread that author creates remains with you.