Leave the World Behind

Got this book because of all the hype and have to admit that all the hype was 100% justified. It's been a long time since I'd neglected everything to this extent, ignored so many text messages and cancelled so many plans because I was so engrossed in a book and just wanted to find out what happened next.

I'd deliberately steered away from reading any news about this book so I can only imagine the bidding war for the film rights that surely must've happened by now. But it feels destined to be a Jordan Peele movie - the dread and slow-burning tension, the interracial suspicion and awkwardness, but most of all the uncanny microinteractions all made me think of the man.

Alam's writing is admirably confident. He goes for self-assured and unexpected turns of phrase of varying accuracy, and I admired his bravery at times. His narration is super smooth and moves from one pov to another and back to the (very present) narrator in a really pleasant way.