Entitlement : A Novel – Rumaan Alam

Entitlement: A Novel by Rumaan Alam dives deep into the complexities of wealth, morality, and human desire. The story follows Brooke, a young woman who finds herself working for an octogenarian billionaire as he attempts to give away his vast fortune. What starts as a chance to make a difference in the world quickly becomes a transformative journey that challenges her sense of purpose, identity, and ambition. As Brooke navigates the seductive distortions created by extreme wealth, she begins to question what truly matters—money, relationships, or self-worth. The novel explores how proximity to privilege can warp even the best intentions, offering readers a thought-provoking look at the American imagination.

Rumaan Alam’s writing is sharp and observant, capturing the nuances of contemporary upper-middle-class life with precision. Through Brooke’s experiences, the book delves into themes of race, class, and privilege, exposing the cracks beneath the polished surface of affluence. Alam masterfully balances satire and suspense, creating a narrative that moves as swiftly as a thriller while maintaining the depth of literary fiction. His characters are flawed yet relatable, their struggles reflecting broader societal issues about need versus want and the corrosive allure of money. Readers will find themselves both fascinated and unsettled by the moral dilemmas presented throughout the story.

One of the standout features of Entitlement is its exploration of personal relationships and how they shift under the weight of wealth and ambition. Brooke’s interactions with her family, friends, and employer reveal layers of tension and vulnerability, painting a vivid picture of modern life. Her evolving dynamic with Asher, the billionaire, serves as a central thread, highlighting the delicate balance between mentorship and manipulation. As Brooke becomes more entangled in this world, her actions force readers to confront uncomfortable truths about aspiration and entitlement.

Alam’s prose is both stylish and accessible, making the novel a compelling read for fans of psychological thrillers and social commentary alike. Critics have praised the book for its ability to blend commercial appeal with literary sophistication, likening it to episodes of Succession for its biting critique of affluent liberalism. The novel has been lauded as one of the best books of 2024, earning accolades from NPR, The New Yorker , and The Washington Post . With its timely themes and unforgettable characters, Entitlement cements Alam’s status as one of today’s most insightful social novelists.

Ultimately, Entitlement is a story about the things we chase and the costs of those pursuits. It invites readers to reflect on their own desires and values, asking difficult questions without offering easy answers. Whether you’re drawn to tales of psychological intrigue or incisive explorations of modern society, this novel delivers on every front. Its unsettling beauty lies in its ability to hold up a mirror to our collective aspirations, leaving us to grapple with the reflections we see.