The Illegal

"Are you aware that if you open the dictionary, you can locate any word in twenty seconds? Amazing, isn't it?" ~ 2%

Keita is a fast man in a strange land. Running means respect and wealth back home in Zantoroland, a fictionalized country that breeds the fastest marathoners on earth. But when his father is killed for outspoken political views, Keita has to flee home to Freedom State. Now his presence is illegal. He only comes out of hiding to win cash prizes by running local marathons. The story takes place in years 2004-2018. 

Lawrence Hill is the author of Someone Knows My Name (made into the TV mini-series Book of Negroes). The main character of his new novel is a refugee—like the many in today's headlines. For these reasons, I wanted to like The Illegal. I really did. And I can appreciate a descriptive writer. But Lawrence Hill took pages upon pages to describe scenes and places. It took chapters to tell backstory that wasn't all relevant. By the time I reached the climax of the story, I'd lost interest.

The Illegal was published on January 25, 2016. It may or may not be to your liking.

Disclaimer: This book was received directly from the publisher for review purposes only. In no way does it influence my review. The opinions I have expressed are honestly my own and would be the same if I spent my hard-earned coins.

Title: The Illegal
Author: Lawrence Hill
Published: January 2016
Pages: 321
Edition: Galley
Challenge: Popsugar Book About a Culture I'm Unfamiliar With
Rating: ♥♥