Leave the World Behind, Rumaan Alam, author; Marin Ireland, narrator
This novel tells about an event that takes place at a time in the near future. In the span of about two days, life changes completely. Because it is in the realm of possibility, it is particularly relevant, especially today. We are in the middle of a pandemic, our country is suffering through a period of political upheaval with violence, there is an atmosphere of distrust everywhere, and nature seems to be running amok.
Ruth and George H. Washington, an affluent couple, are at a concert in New York City. On their way home to their apartment, they learn that there is a blackout in the Northeast. The Emergency Broadcast System sends Ruth’s phone a text, which is odd. Then, odder still, all communication stops. Fearful, of what is to come, they decide not to walk up the 14 flights to their apartment, and instead, they drive out to Long Island to their very isolated, vacation home. There is one complication, however. They have rented it out to a family for their vacation.
Amanda and Clay are there with their two children, Rose, 13, and Archie, 16. They have retired early and are unaware that the TV is no longer broadcasting. When George and Ruth knock on the door, it is quite late, and they rouse the couple from their bed, frightening them. They ask to stay in the in-law suite in the basement, built for Ruth’s mother, but the reaction from Amanda and Clay is mixed. Amanda is uncomfortable with the idea, as she wonders who these people really are and what their motive could be. Do they want to kill them, rob them? Clay is calmer, and he is enamored with the owner’s offer of money. He is more trusting. They soon become aware of the total communication shutdown.
The situation is complicated because the owners are black and the renters are white. They each bring their own personalities to the table. Racism does not loom large, but it is implied for the reader to think about, especially when Amanda suggests to Clay that they are more likely to be the maid and the caretaker, not the owners. Other things are implied as well, like their political preferences when Rachel Maddow is mentioned or the effects of environmental abuse are questioned or when it is implied that the Republicans are rich. In addition, the black couple is in a far better position regarding finances and education, than the couple they have rented to, so it is an obvious effort to portray the situation in a particular way for the reader to digest. They all do get along, and race does not become a problem, but money is often the motivator for certain reactions.
When it becomes clear that this is no ordinary blackout, as illness begins to affect some of them, and as animals begin to flee, fear begins to mount. No way of communicating returns, although the vacation home still has electric power for some reason. There is no information forthcoming to help them navigate the problem and to learn about what has happened. Will the two families stay together? Will one have to leave? Is it safe to leave? People begin to hunker down and to make plans to protect themselves. Do they need weapons? Will they embrace others and include them in their plans as survival becomes a major concern? What will happen if the electricity fails, if there is no water, if stores do not open and there is no food? Is there any medical facility functioning? Is it safe to venture out?
Because there is a loud noise that causes them discomfort, without any known reason, and because some fall ill or suffer consequences from the ear-splitting noise, it reminded me of the noise in Cuba that caused an unknown illness in some diplomats. Then one thinks, with the current COVID pandemic, could it be a plague or biological or chemical warfare? In addition, we are all familiar with the danger of blackouts when some begin to loot and riot after a summer of protests. Terrorism looms large, as well, domestic and foreign, as it is always on everyone’s mind, especially since 9/11. Has another country done this? Have our own discontented citizens executed this traumatic situation? When will it end? Is it an environmental cataclysmic event? No one knows anything, and the unknown makes it more fearful and dangerous with assumptions being made that may or may not be true. Will the fear be a great equalizer or divider?
When all communication stops, there is no way for civilization to interact. As personalities are exposed, it is obvious that we all feel similar emotions, regardless of background or race. We all love and will sacrifice for our family. We all fear for our personal safety and well being. We are all concerned for how others think of us. We are essentially, all the same, in the end. Basic needs supersede all other needs. Will we work together to survive or will it be every man for himself? Could this happen in our lifetime? One will wonder about all of these questions as they turn the last page. As a suggestion, I think the reader should pay attention, not only to the story, but to the implications of this story on our way of life.

The story is drawn out. How many chapters do we need to hear about one thing that in itself was pointless? Why is there no ending? The story just ends in the mid

I was dreading this book, but I’m still talking about it years later! Loved!!! So different!

Amanda and Clay leave the city for a weeklong vacation with their two teenagers. They have rented a vacation home in the country. All is well until the owners show up stating there has been a major blackout. This is where the story goes downhill.