A review by manuelte
Leave the World Behind by Rumaan Alam

dark emotional tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This feels like a very divisive book, with a 3 star average. I loved it, however I can totally see why it may not land with others as it may well depend on your mood when you read it. Spoilers ahead:
The book is wholly centered on the internal monologues and feelings of each character, shedding light as to how each reacts to not knowing what is actually happening but feeling dread the whole time. There is no resolution, no happy ending, no clear explanation as to what is happening beyond glimpses provided by an omniscient narrator that is not bound to the linear story the characters are in.
Bottom line: come to this book expecting insight into "the human condition", not a plot-driven story.
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