Summary
The Illegal by Lawrence Hill is a political thriller exploring themes of immigration, nationality, and racial identity. Set in the year 2018 in two fictional countries, the story follows Keita Ali, a marathon runner from the economically depressed Zantoroland, who seeks asylum in the wealthy Freedom State. Reflecting the challenges of dealing with undocumented immigrants faced by Western societies, Hill's narrative explores the concept of belonging and examines how systemic structures impact individuals based on legal status and race.
Plot
Set in the near future, The Illegal centers on the interconnected destinies of the fictional nations Zantoroland and Freedom State. The story follows Keita Ali, a marathon runner from Zantoroland, whose life takes a dramatic turn when he becomes a refugee in Freedom State. Political turmoil plagues Zantoroland, and after the regime murders his father, Keita flees and becomes an undocumented immigrant in a hostile new land.
In Freedom State, Keita faces both systemic and personal challenges. Anti-immigrant policies push him to society's margins, and he finds refuge in the hidden enclave of AfricTown. There, he uses his running skills in races to raise money for the release of his kidnapped sister, Charity. Living under the alias "Roger Bannister," Keita distances himself from a dishonest sports agent and eludes persistent immigration authorities.
His journey is supported by a diverse group, including Ivernia Beech, an elderly ally, and journalist Viola Hill. They form a covert support network. Viola uncovers corruption between the governments of Freedom State and Zantoroland, complicating Keita’s situation.
The plot intensifies when Viola’s investigation leads to her captivity along with Charity in Zantoroland. Their escape and return mark a crucial turning point, driving the story to its conclusion. As government conspiracies are exposed, Keita’s pursuit of justice turns into a battle for legal recognition and redemption in the face of significant obstacles.
Themes
The Illegal addresses global issues such as race, immigration, and oppression through the story of Keita Ali, a refugee from Zantoroland. Keita seeks refuge in the affluent Freedom State, where he struggles with dignity and identity in a society that labels him "illegal." This theme reflects the challenges many refugees and undocumented immigrants face today.
The theme of resilience is evident in Keita’s determination to protect his family and survive under oppressive regimes. His resourcefulness as a runner demonstrates the capacity of the human spirit to overcome adversity and shape our own destiny.
In the novel, Lawrence Hill examines the law versus justice by questioning the morality of legislation that oppresses marginalized individuals. Characters like Ivernia Beech defy legal constraints by empowering refugees, highlighting the tension between ethical actions and legal systems.
The novel also critiques the politics of belonging by contrasting the sociopolitical realities of Zantoroland and Freedom State. This theme highlights wealth disparities and identity struggles in both affluent and marginalized communities.
Characters
Keita Ali: A marathon runner from Zantoroland, Keita seeks freedom and safety for his family. He is central to the story as he navigates numerous challenges.
Viola Hill: A journalist in Freedom State and a paraplegic, Viola becomes Keita’s ally, focusing on pursuing the truth and challenging injustice through her reporting.
John Falconer: A mixed-race teenager, John documents life in AfricTown. His work to uncover governmental corruption impacts Keita's quest for citizenship.
Ivernia Beech: A wealthy resident of Freedom State, Ivernia offers Keita shelter. Her support of marginalized groups reflects her commitment to social justice.
Lula DiStefano: Known as the "Queen of AfricTown," Lula both protects and manipulates members within the community. Her influence adds a complex layer to the narrative.
Candace Freixa: A police officer, Candace plays a key role in protecting Keita. Her relationship with him adds depth to her professional duties.
Rocco Calder: Initially an immigration hardliner, Rocco shifts to support Keita's cause, reflecting themes of change and reform.
Quick facts
The Illegal addresses contemporary global issues including immigration, racism, economic inequality, and anti-immigrant bias.
Set in fictional countries of Zantoroland and Freedom State, the novel mirrors real-world political and social issues.
Lawrence Hill devoted five years to writing The Illegal, inspired by his passion for running and family background in activism and civil rights.
The protagonist, Keita Ali, is a talented marathon runner fleeing his home country due to his father's anti-government views and subsequent death.
Keita Ali participates in local races to earn money to survive while hiding from authorities in the fictional Freedom State.
A political thriller, The Illegal also uses elements of satire to explore and critique complex social and political injustices.
The Illegal won the 2016 edition of Canada Reads, making Hill the first author to win this competition twice.
Despite its serious themes, the novel includes comic relief, romance, and diverse characters like Viola Hill and Ivernia Beech, which add depth to the story.
The Illegal has been optioned for film by the same team that adapted Hill's previous novel The Book of Negroes into a critically acclaimed CBC-TV miniseries.
A Canadian author, Hill consistently explores racial identity and social justice themes in his novels, influenced by his biracial heritage.
Setting
The Illegal contrasts the fictional settings of Zantoroland and Freedom State. Zantoroland operates under a strict regime, where state violence suppresses dissent and corruption is widespread. Despite its oppressive nature, the country is known for producing marathon runners, which suggests both escape and resilience under pressure.
In contrast, Freedom State appears affluent and progressive but harbors biases and economic inequality. The country thrives on exploiting a marginalized underclass, giving a false sense of prosperity. AfricTown, a large settlement within Freedom State, welcomes undocumented individuals who sustain a precarious existence. This community supports an underground economy that challenges the idea of democratic equality.
Adaptation
The Illegal has been optioned for film by a Toronto-based production company, Conquering Lion Pictures.
About the author
Lawrence Hill (1957-) is a Canadian author who writes on race, identity, and immigration. His bibliography includes 11 books, both fiction and nonfiction. His notable novels include The Book of Negroes (2007), which won the Commonwealth Writers' Prize and was adapted into a critically acclaimed CBC-TV miniseries, and The Illegal (2015). His nonfiction book Blood: The Stuff of Life (2013) inspired Canada's Massey Lectures.
Hill’s writing is influenced by his biracial heritage and his family’s social and political activism. His Black father was a sociologist and human rights advocate, and his white mother was a community leader who shared her husband’s commitment to civil rights. As a creative writing professor at the University of Guelph, Hill contributes to discussions on racial identity and continues to impact Canadian literature.
