Leave the World Behind by Rumaan Alam - 2.5/5

I appreciated the author’s keen attention to small details that breathe life into everyday moments, making the ordinary significant. The narrative fluidly shifts between characters, enhancing the reading experience. However, at times, the prose felt overly self-conscious and quirky, pulling me out of the story with descriptions that bordered on excessive. The ending was particularly disappointing; while it built suspense, it felt unresolved and lazy, as if it ended mid-thought. Additionally, while the author effectively captures the white psyche, the portrayal of female characters seemed exaggerated and patronising. For example, comparing a mother’s panic over losing her child to misplacing her clitoris felt awkward and disconnected. Ultimately, the book didn’t resonate with me, as the unique style failed to hit the mark.