As an avid fan of horror and all things scary, I was fascinated by the concept of “Leave the World Behind.” Even now, I am hesitant to even describe this book as a horror novel, as it descends into something much more human, and much more haunting.

“Leave the World Behind” is author Rumaan Alam’s third novel and was a finalist for the 2020 National Book Award.

“Leave the World Behind” might be recognized by its long standing shelf life, boasting acclimations from critics and fans alike.

The cover is also shockingly recognizable; a modern depiction of an in-ground pool, shown in blocky black and blue, with the title and Rumaan Alam’s name framing the diving board. The top third of the book’s cover is swallowed by spindly, web-like trees and the brightest blues on the page are the pool water and the lettering.

The cover indicates major plot points and even two of the most vital settings of the novel’s action, and the simplicity compels readers to discover each detail.

Perhaps the most unique aspect of Rumaan Alam’s “Leave the World Behind” is the point of view he chose. Every chapter is told from an omnipotent third person, showing each character’s thoughts and feelings about the events that are unfolding around them.

The best way to describe how the novel’s action takes place is just that: everything unfolds around them.

Following a nuclear family, Amanda, Clay, Archie and Rose , taking a vacation in the middle of nowhere, they rent an Airbnb advertised as being a place where they can “leave the world behind.”

It’s quickly apparent that the seclusion they paid for will either be their downfall or their only saving grace.

When G.H. and Ruth, an elderly couple fleeing from the city, appear on their doorstep, the family is forced to deal with the horrific events that begin to unfold.

“Leave the World Behind” examines the relationships between humanity and nature, and the relationship that humanity has with itself.

While the novel leaves its audience with more questions than answers, it forces readers to try and come to terms with the fact that we don’t always have these important answers.

Intended for an adult audience, “Leave the World Behind” will leave readers grappling with their own sense of reality. The omnipotent perspective gives readers a deep dive into the mindset of a diverse cast of characters and lets readers come to know more than one “main character.”

Overall, through Rumaan Alam’s excellent storytelling and character development, “Leave the World Behind” is a wonderful examination of the isolation and fear that would come with being away from the world when it ends- and what happens when the end finds you.

I cannot recommend this book enough to fellow fans of horror and thriller. While I was hesitant to get into this novel and continuously found myself pushing it further and further back on my “to be read” list, it is seriously one of the best novels of 2020.

Content warnings abound in this book, so readers should be wary before picking this one up from Barnes and Noble, but I have to give it a solid 4.5/5.