I watched “Leave The World Behind” before reading the book, and as a harsh critic of book-to-movie adaptations, watching the movie first definitely softened the impact for me. Despite its length, the book felt heavy with detail and left me with many unanswered questions. Nicholas Bayley, a film critic describes the film as “essentially a conspiracy theory come to life” which I entirely agree with.
The story follows Amanda and Clay, who head to a secluded part of Long Island for a vacation with their young and two teenage children, hoping to escape the hectic pace of New York City and enjoy the comfort of a luxurious rental home. However, their relaxing getaway is interrupted by a late-night knock at the door. Ruth and G. H., an older Black couple arrives, visibly distressed to the house. They reveal that they are the homeowners, and they bring troubling news. They inform them that a sudden blackout has struck the city. With no TV, internet, or cell phone service in the remote location, Amanda and Clay struggle to discern what’s true, leading them to question Ruth and G. H. ‘s intentions and whether they truly are who they say they are.
The book explores themes of race, class, and age, presenting them in a way that encourages readers to read between the lines. These themes are subtly written into the setting and events within the household and the surrounding neighborhood as the characters cope with their new reality. The book, like the movie, highlights the contrast between the adult characters and the younger ones, with the adults confronting their biases. Amanda and Clay, a middle-class family, find it hard to believe that Ruth and G. H. own such a luxurious home, reflecting harmful stereotypes and their own misguided assumptions.
The book’s vivid imagery and engaging writing style stood out to me. As I read, I was drawn into a narrative where the tension gradually escalates, compelling readers to engage in speculation and fill in the blanks. This approach mirrors the movie’s intense atmosphere, which does an excellent job of building suspense. The transition from book to film is often not met by many films, but this adaptation succeeds in capturing the original’s mood and style. My skepticism about movie adaptations might be softening. Emphasis on might.
I recommend this book to anyone but mostly to readers who enjoy stories that are thought provoking and leave them with more questions than answers. Be prepared for a narrative that encourages deep contemplation where every loose end is for you to tie, allowing for different interpretations and understanding.
In Nicholas’ film review he writes, “given what we all went through from March 2020 and beyond, I found Leave The World Behind’s story to be gut-wrenchingly real in a way. The characters’ lives were upended and tossed upside down due to unforeseen disaster; much like ours were four years ago.” This is more reason to read the book and immerse yourself in that setting. Watching the movie before reading the book helped me form some ideas about the story, but even so, many questions remained unanswered which can be intriguing or frustrating, depending on your perspective. If you enjoy dissecting stories and discussing them with others, this book offers plenty of opportunities for analysis and reflection.
Click this link to read the full film review by Nicholas Bayley
BOOKS WITH FAYE 
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