Leave the World Behind

A Novel

By: Rumaan Alam

Narrated by: Marin Ireland

A Read with Jenna Today Show Book Club Pick!

Finalist for the 2020 National Book Award (Fiction)

A Best Book of the Year From: The Washington Post * Time * NPR * Elle * Esquire * Kirkus * Library Journal * The Chicago Public Library * The New York Public Library * BookPage * The Globe and Mail * EW.com * The LA Times * USA Today * InStyle * The New Yorker * AARP * Publisher's Lunch * LitHub * Book Marks * Electric Literature * Brooklyn Based * The Boston Globe

A magnetic novel about two families, strangers to each other, who are forced together on a long weekend gone terribly wrong.

From the bestselling author of Rich and Pretty comes a suspenseful and provocative novel keenly attuned to the complexities of parenthood, race, and class. Leave the World Behind explores how our closest bonds are reshaped—and unexpected new ones are forged—in moments of crisis.

Amanda and Clay head out to a remote corner of Long Island expecting a vacation: a quiet reprieve from life in New York City, quality time with their teenage son and daughter, and a taste of the good life in the luxurious home they’ve rented for the week. But a late-night knock on the door breaks the spell. Ruth and G. H. are an older couple—it’s their house, and they’ve arrived in a panic. They bring the news that a sudden blackout has swept the city. But in this rural area—with the TV and internet now down, and no cell phone service—it’s hard to know what to believe.

Should Amanda and Clay trust this couple—and vice versa? What happened back in New York? Is the vacation home, isolated from civilization, a truly safe place for their families? And are they safe from one other?

©2020 Rumaan Alam (P)2020 Harper Audio

Thoughtful exploration!

I was saddened to read so many negative reviews. I really didn't know what I was getting in to with this book, only that it seemed to be an unusual storyline. The writing is skillful and the dialogue is so well done! I think if you really take the time to think about this story and reflect on the many issues that are brought to the surface, you will find this book well worth your time. I asked myself over and over what I would do at a time like this.. and what I might expect from others. The narration was impeccable! Marin Ireland has an amazing ability to make you believe you are hearing a teenage boy, girl and adults of different background. I will certainly look for more books she has narrated. As well, I look forward to future works by Rumaan Alam!

Missing something

A moment in the lives of people in whom I wasn't very interested. It seemed writtento leave you considering afterward, but I'm not sure that I will.

End of time?

This book was interesting, but very tedious, in depth writing that never really said much. The narrator was excellent & was the only reason I finished the book.

horrible ending. don't bother to read the book.

struggle to finish
The writing is good but ended sucks
jjj hhhh huh
ggg
fff

slow and unfinished

The story held my interest but at times felt somewhat drawn out. The ending left a lot to be desired., as if the writer got tired of writing and wanted a quick ending... or maybe there will be a follow up book???

read - listen

Looking forward to the movie via Sam Esmail based on this tragically relevant... incredible book.

Words to think about!

Best book I ever read, but also the most disturbing. An amazing author. and story teller.

Perfect for our times

The end times as it were. Chock with the panic and uncertainty of now. Yet tolerable and even enjoyable, as at least for now, the times we’re in seem better than the times these characters inhabit.

what's on our minds?

excellent novel. intriguing, thrilling at time mind boggling. does not disappoint. no cliff hangers.

pretty good

beautifully frightening. a little too real for me and made me feel melancholy. loved the descriptive language