Our Take

Entitlement showcases Rumaan Alam's exceptional talent for social observation and satirical wit, following his acclaimed Leave the World Behind with a novel that's both entertaining and incisive in its critique of contemporary American wealth culture. Alam's background and keen eye for class dynamics bring authenticity to his portrayal of how extreme wealth operates in practice, revealing the subtle and not-so-subtle ways that money shapes human relationships and moral choices. His exploration of philanthropy as both genuine altruism and sophisticated power exercise feels particularly relevant to contemporary discussions about billionaire activism and charitable giving. The novel's examination of how proximity to wealth can corrupt even well-intentioned people echoes the social criticism found in The Bonfire of the Vanities by Tom Wolfe and Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan, but with Alam's distinctive voice and more psychological focus. His prose combines literary sophistication with accessible humor, making complex themes about power and privilege both understandable and engaging. The character of Brooke is particularly well-developed, representing the millions of people who work adjacent to extreme wealth while struggling with their own financial insecurity and moral compromises. Perfect for readers who enjoy literary fiction with social commentary, satirical novels that illuminate contemporary culture, and stories that explore the moral complexities of ambition and success in modern America. This book confirms Alam's position as one of the most perceptive chroniclers of contemporary American society.