Rumaan Alam's 'Leave the World Behind' is a chilling and atmospheric novel that delves into themes of race, class, and the fragility of modern civilization. When two families, one white and one Black, find themselves sharing a vacation home on Long Island amidst a sudden, inexplicable blackout, their idyllic getaway quickly devolves into a tense psychological drama. As communication systems fail and the outside world crumbles, the characters grapple with suspicion, fear, and the haunting uncertainty of what truly lies beyond their isolated refuge. Alam masterfully builds suspense, forcing readers to confront their own anxieties about an increasingly unpredictable world and the collapse of societal norms.