Leave the World Behind

About “Leave the World Behind”

Amanda and Clay take their teenage children to a remote part of Long Island for a vacation, seeking a break from city life in a luxurious rental home. A late-night visit from Ruth and G. H., the home's elderly Black owners, disrupts their peace. The couple arrives in distress, saying a blackout has hit New York City. With no electricity, internet, or cell service, the group struggles to understand the situation. Trust between the families is uncertain. They wonder if the home is safe and if they can rely on each other. The isolation raises questions about survival and relationships. The story explores tension and uncertainty in a crisis. It is a 2020 novel by Rumaan Alam.