The Illegal

Lawrence Hill's novel about a refugee runner won Canada Reads in 2016.

Lawrence Hill

CBC Books Posted: Feb 07, 2017 3:33 PM EST | Last Updated: July 22, 2021

Lawrence Hill'sThe Illegalis a compelling story that examines the plight of refugees who risk everything to start over in a country that doesn't want them. After his father is killed by a dictator's thugs, runner Keita Ali flees his homeland and goes into hiding in a country known as Freedom State, where his presence is illegal and he must go underground to save his own life.

The Illegal wonCanada Reads 2016. The book wasdefended by Olympian Clara Hughes.

Lawrence Hill is the author of several books, including the novelThe Book of Negroes.The Book of NegroeswonCanada Readsin 2009 and was adapted into a six-part miniseries for CBC. He is also the author ofBlack Berry, Sweet JuiceandBlood. He lives in Hamilton, Ont.

From the book

Keita found it odd that here, in one of the richest nations of the world, bad grammar seemed acceptable in music. Still, the words and music were catchy, and he hummed along until a woman across the aisle gave him a nasty look. He stopped and unplugged the iPod. He had to be careful. One did not hum or sing in public in Freedom State neither while walking around the street nor while sitting on a bus. People in this country took it as a sign of mental imbalance. To Keita, that itself was insanity.

From The Illegal by Lawrence Hill 2015. Published by HarperCollins Canada.

Interviews with Lawrence Hill

The Next Chapter15:28Lawrence Hill on "The Illegal"

Lawrence Hill talks about his new novel, which is in the running for Canada Reads 2016.

Q18:47Lawrence Hill's a two-time Canada Reads winner with The Illegal

Lawrence Hill and his book's defender, Olympic medalist Clara Hughes, join Shad to talk about winning the 15th edition of CBC's annual battle of the books.

Day 610:20Lawrence Hill on "The Illegal" and Canada's refugee response

Hill talks about his new book "The Illegal" and shares his thoughts on Canada's response to the ongoing refugee crisis.

Lawrence Hill on his new novel The Illegal

9 years ago

2:39

The bestselling author discusses the impetus for his new refugee-centred story The Illegal and its main character, Keita.

More about The Illegal

Canada Reads: Clara Hughes and Lawrence Hill

8 years ago

4:34

The Illegal's celebrity champion and its author talk to CBC's Deana Sumanac about the 2016 Canada Reads winner.

Other books by Lawrence Hill

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