Leave the World Behind

*Waterstones Fiction Book of the Month for June 2021 *Shortlisted for the Orwell Prize for Political Fiction 2021
*A THE TIMES #1 BESTSELLER*
*THE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER*
*A BARACK OBAMA SUMMER READING PICK 2021*

A magnetic novel about two families, strangers to each other, who are forced together on a long weekend gone terribly wrong.

Amanda and Clay head to a remote corner of Long Island expecting a holiday: a quiet reprieve from life in New York City, quality time with their teenage son and daughter and a taste of the good life in the luxurious home they've rented for the week. But with a late-night knock on the door, the spell is broken.

Ruth and G. H., an older couple who claim to own the home, have arrived there in a panic. These strangers say that a sudden power outage has swept the city, and - with nowhere else to turn - they have come to the country in search of shelter. But with the TV and internet down, and no phone service, the facts are unknowable. Should Amanda and Clay trust this couple - and vice versa? What has happened back in New York? Is the holiday home, isolated from civilisation, a truly safe place for their families? And are they safe from one another?

ABOUT FILM - by Brian Rector

"Leave the World Behind" is an exceptional cinematic masterpiece, meriting a resounding 5-star rating. Directed by the talented Sam Esmail, this film transcends the boundaries of the typical post-apocalyptic genre, offering a thrilling, thought-provoking experience that captivates from start to finish.

The film stars Julia Roberts and Ethan Hawke as Amanda and Clay Sandford, a couple who, along with their children, seek a peaceful weekend at a lavish Long Island mansion. Their serenity is abruptly disrupted by an unforeseen city-wide blackout and the unexpected arrival of the home's owner, G.H. Scott, brilliantly portrayed by Mahershala Ali, and his daughter. This sets the stage for a gripping narrative filled with suspense and intricate character dynamics.Roberts delivers one of her most compelling performances, embodying Amanda with a depth that ranges from intense suspicion to profound vulnerability.

Hawke, as Clay, complements her with a nuanced portrayal of a husband and father grappling with unforeseen chaos. The chemistry between the cast members is palpable, driving the story forward with emotional intensity and realism.

Director Sam Esmail's visionary approach is evident in every frame. He expertly uses dynamic camera movements, including long pans and crane shots, to create a visually stunning tapestry that captures the escalating tension and chaos. The cinematography is not just a backdrop but a character in itself, adding layers of depth to the narrative.

What sets "Leave the World Behind" apart is its ability to weave a complex tale that is as much about human relationships and societal breakdown as it is about the suspenseful plot. It challenges viewers to reflect on their perceptions and biases, making it not just a movie but a profound commentary on the human condition.In summary, "Leave the World Behind" is a rare gem in the realm of psychological thrillers. Its combination of stellar performances, innovative direction, and a compelling narrative makes it one of the best movies of its genre.

This film is a must-watch for anyone seeking a deeply engaging and thought-provoking cinematic experience, Brian Rector.

MEDIA REVIEWS about book

'Like Stephen King's 1980 novella The Mist, Leave the World Behind expertly illustrates the horror of the unknown, the almost painful humanity we feel when facing down the end and, of course, human nature under duress. During an era of plague, racism, hatred, and division, this tale of a vacation gone awry is terrifyingly prescient' - Rolling Stone

'Leave the World Behind is that rarest of things: a beautifully written, emotionally resonant page-turner. Alam explores complex ideas about privilege and fate with miraculous wit and grace' - Jenny Offill, author of Weather

'Perfectly paced, clever and haunting... This is one of those stories that inspires a hungry turn of pages, preceded by that desperate and lovely need to come up for air. So easily the best thing I've read all year' - Kiley Reid, author of Such a Fun Age

'Leave the World Behind is so many things--funny, sharp, insightful about modernity and race and parenthood and home--but at its core it's a story of our shared apocalypse; a steady look at humanity in the moment it tumbles from a great height. I have not been this profoundly unnerved by a science fiction novel since Ishiguro's Never Let Me Go.' - Carmen Maria Machado, author of Her Body and Other Parties

'Rarely have I encountered a book so cuttingly prescient about the current emotional atmosphere . . . Alam's deployment of creepy, inexplicable detail is masterful . . . This is a thrilling book - one that will speak to readers who have felt the terror of isolation in these recent, torturous months and one that will simultaneously, as great books do, lift them out of it' - Vogue