In The Illegal, a young undocumented marathon runner named Keita Ali flees a dictatorship in Zantoroland to save his sister and himself by competing in races in Freedom State, where he is considered "illegal." The novel uses satire and multiple perspectives to question the nature of citizenship and explore complex political themes. Topics include state violence and human trafficking.

Lawrence Hill’s The Illegal has garnered acclaim for its gripping narrative and timely exploration of immigration and refugees. Reviewers praise its well-developed characters and immersive storytelling. However, some critique the pacing and predictability of certain plot elements. Overall, it is seen as a powerful, relevant read that compassionately tackles current social issues.

Readers who would enjoy The Illegal by Lawrence Hill are likely fans of thought-provoking, socially conscious fiction. They appreciate stories of resilience and endurance against systemic injustices. Comparable to books like The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini and Behold the Dreamers by Imbolo Mbue, such readers seek narratives that address immigration, identity, and human rights.

Suspenseful / Emotional / Heartwarming / Challenging / Inspirational

- The Illegal by Lawrence Hill won the 2016 Canada Reads competition, a prestigious annual "battle of the books" organized by CBC Radio.
- The author, Lawrence Hill, is also known for his work The Book of Negroes, which has been adapted into a successful mini-series.
- Hill has mentioned that his experience as a long-distance runner partly inspired the athletic elements in The Illegal.

**Keita Ali**  
Keita Ali is a young Black man from Zantoroland, a fictional postcolonial nation. He is a Christian, a devoted son, and a selfless runner who uses his talent to protect himself and save his sister’s life.

**Lula DiStefano**  
Lula is the madam of a brothel involved in human trafficking, using the poor and undocumented to grow her empire. She possesses a powerful secret that makes her vulnerable, as she is not a citizen of Freedom State.

**Viola Hill**  
Viola is a Black, gay, and disabled writer using her talents to expose corruption in Freedom State and Zantoroland. Her strength and bravery are exemplified by her research and encounters, showcasing the power of marginalized voices.

**Rocco Calder**  
Rocco Calder, the prime minister of immigration, is a former businessman who initially espouses racist ideas but eventually comes to understand and aid refugees like Keita.

**Candace Freixa**  
Candace Freixa, a Black female police officer from AfricTown, battles systemic racism with strength and competence. She is a protector and savior, aiding Keita in his struggles.

**John Falconer**  
John Falconer is a 15-year-old boy living in AfricTown, the first Black student at Clarkson Academy for the Gifted. Through his documentary, he exposes the wrongdoing of the Freedom State government.

**Ivernia Beech**  
Ivernia Beech is an elderly white woman and a liberal ally to undocumented immigrants. Despite her government treating her poorly, she fights injustice quietly and powerfully.

Lawrence Hill

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Novel

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Before You Read

Explore The Illegal reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read The Illegal | SuperSummary

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Overview

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The Illegal Summary and Study Guide

Background

The Illegal Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “Zantoroland, 2004-2018”

Prologue-Chapter 4

The Illegal Prologue-Chapter 4 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “Freedom State, 2018”

Chapters 5-11

The Illegal Chapters 5-11 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 12-17

The Illegal Chapters 12-17 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 18-23

The Illegal Chapters 18-23 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 24-30

The Illegal Chapters 24-30 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 31-37

The Illegal Chapters 31-37 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: "Freedom State, 2018" - Part 3: "Freedom State, 2019"

Chapters 38-42

The Illegal Chapters 38-42 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

The Illegal Character Analysis

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Themes

The Illegal Themes

Symbols & Motifs

The Illegal Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

The Illegal Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

The Illegal Essay Topics

The Illegal

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Reviews & Readership

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