Rumaan Alam’s novel Leave the World Behind is a captivating and thought-provoking exploration of the human condition in the face of impending crisis. The story follows two families, strangers to each other, who are forced to confront their fears and prejudices when they find themselves trapped in a secluded vacation home on Long Island.

The story is driven by the shifting perspectives of the characters, offering a unique insight into their individual psyches and the complex dynamics that arise from their unexpected encounter. Alam skillfully weaves a tapestry of suspense and introspection, gradually unveiling the unfolding chaos across America through an omniscient narrator.

One of the novel’s strengths lies in its ability to capture the zeitgeist of 2020, blending themes of panic, inequality, and societal fractures. The author deftly navigates the complexities of parenthood, race, and class, challenging readers to confront their own thresholds for panic and adaptation in the face of an ever-evolving catastrophe. Alam’s narrative departs from traditional disaster fiction by eschewing dramatic cataclysms for a subtle sense of unease. 

The characters, engrossed in mundane activities, grapple with an impending crisis while clinging to a semblance of normalcy through domestic rituals. This juxtaposition underscores the fragility of modern American existence and the characters’ struggle to reconcile their comfortable lives with the harsh realities of an uncertain world.

The story juxtaposes the perspectives of Amanda and Clay, an affluent white couple, with Ruth and GH, a wealthy black couple. Alam skillfully examines how preconceived notions of race and class shape the characters’ perceptions and interactions with one another. Initially, Amanda and Clay’s mistrust of Ruth and GH is rooted in harmful stereotypes and their assumption that a black couple could not possibly own such a luxurious home. This reveals the ingrained prejudices that even well-meaning individuals can harbour.

However, as the crisis unfolds and the families are forced to confront their shared vulnerability, the lines between them begin to blur. Alam demonstrates how the need for unity in times of adversity can allow our common humanity to transcend societal divisions.

Through the characters’ evolving relationships, the novel explores the fragility of the social order and the thin veneer of civility that can crumble in the face of uncertainty. Alam’s keen observations on the subtle power dynamics between the families add depth and nuance to the narrative.

While some readers may find the ending unsatisfying due to its lack of resolution, Leave the World Behind ultimately challenges the conventional trajectory of disaster fiction. The novel’s ability to provoke introspection on the nature of safety and security in an ever-changing world is a showcase of Alam’s masterful storytelling.

In conclusion, Leave the World Behind is a compelling and thought-provoking novel that skillfully navigates complex themes with a touch of surrealism. Alam’s work encapsulates the collective experience of a tumultuous year, offering a poignant reflection on the uncertainties and fears that define an era.

reviewed by: Swapna Peri