Introduction

Leave the World Behind by Rumaan Alam is a compelling blend of fiction, dystopian storytelling, and social commentary. Set in a remote vacation home in Long Island, the story follows a family's peaceful retreat disrupted by a mysterious and unsettling event. As tensions escalate and communication with the outside world falters, the characters grapple with fear, uncertainty, and vulnerability.

The novel was published in 2020, landing during a very unsettled period, and reflected the worries and uncertainties many experienced during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Through the novel, Alam, a critically acclaimed author known for his insightful explorations of contemporary life, creates an engaging narrative that explores themes of race, class, familial dynamics, and societal breakdown.

Plot Summary

Amanda and Clay, a middle-class married couple from Brooklyn, take their 15-year-old son Archie and 13-year-old daughter Rose to a luxurious Airbnb in Long Island for a vacation. After arriving, they go grocery shopping and spend the day having fun at the beach and by the pool.

That evening, another married couple, George (G.H.) and Ruth Washington, unexpectedly arrive at the Airbnb. They claim to own the house and explain that they have to stay there due to a blackout affecting Manhattan and the entire East Coast.

Amanda initially doubts their story, partly due to her biases, as the Washingtons are Black and she struggles to accept that they could own such a luxurious vacation home. However, her doubts slowly fade. G.H. and Ruth suggest staying in the basement, and eventually, Amanda becomes more comfortable with their presence.

The two couples become friends. Meanwhile, Archie and Rose venture out and explore the area and surrounding woods. Rose spots a few deer but does not think much of it. What she does not realize is that there are actually multiple herds of hundreds of deer running in fear.

Meanwhile, Clay gets lost while trying to determine what is happening in town. Scared and confused, he lights up a cigarette and notices a woman just as panicked as he is. They cannot understand each other because she speaks Spanish, so Clay leaves her without offering any help.

Back at the house, Amanda frets over Clay's prolonged absence. Suddenly, a deafening noise shatters the peace, breaking windows and terrifying everyone. Nobody can comprehend what caused it. Clay hears it as well, so he rushes back to the Airbnb. Upon arrival, too embarrassed to admit he got lost, he stays silent about the strange encounter with the woman.

Feeling uneasy about what is happening, everyone heads back to the house to ensure everything is okay. They fill the tubs with water just in case the water stops working. Archie does not feel well and has a fever, so Clay and Amanda decide to take him to the hospital first thing in the morning before heading home.

That evening, the adults try to relax in the hot tub while the kids are asleep. By the pool, they notice a few flamingos and do not understand why they are there. Suddenly, they hear another strange noise, similar to before, so they all rush inside. It is revealed to the readers that the sounds are coming from planes and jets and that bats and birds are falling from the skies.

When they wake up, Rose is missing, and Archie notices that several of his teeth have fallen out. Clay and G.H. rush him to the nearest hospital, while Amanda and Ruth stay behind to look for Rose. In the car, Clay tells G.H. about his encounter with the woman, prompting G.H. to stop by Danny, his contractor.