The Illegal

By: Lawrence Hill

Narrated by: Gideon Emery

Keita Ali has nothing: no bank account, no papers, no legal identity. A runner, he has fled home - a brutal dictatorship that produces the world's fastest marathoners - to live as an illegal refugee in a wealthy Western nation, surviving on winnings from local races. But the government is cracking down on illegal immigrants, so Keita - who will be executed if he is deported to his homeland - goes underground.

Now a series of crises call for him to earn quick money: an unscrupulous businessman targets him, a serious health problem erupts, and, most troublingly, officials in Keita's native country kidnap his sister, threatening to execute her unless he pays a ransom. As Keita struggles to resolve these problems, he discovers a troubling political connection between his native and his adoptive countries.

The Illegal is a rich, riveting novel that weaves a complex moral and psychological web.

©2015 Lawrence Hill Creative Services, Inc. (P)2016 Recorded Books

Different -good different

I liked that this is different than most books you'll listen to. It's not just another novel to pass the time. You'll get a glimpse into lives you'll never experience and develop empathy for people you probably don't even think about. The characters are real - flawed, emotional, gullible, complex. And so, so likable. You'll find yourself routing for the underdog.

Besides, there's a paraplegic, black, lesbian character. Kudos to the author for going there.

Very good read

The narrator was captivating. I loved the way he could switch character and you knew who was talking. Job well done.

The Illegal

The was just wonderful to read. Tender. Warm. Sad. Hope. So many characters, and the reader did a wonderful job of bringing them and the words to life. I highly recommend this book.

enjoyable read

the narrator was every engaging. the story was very well written. the style of writing from different perspective is very refreshing. it was a enjoyable read. thank you!

The Illegal

Loved the book. Fast pace, great characters, topical and enjoyable. Run, don't walk, to get your copy of this riveting read!

Entertaining But Predictable

An entertaining story but a little predictable and the ending was too nicely wrapped up. I appreciated the timely social commentary, however. The narrator did a decent job but a few of the character voices were downright creepy.

Outstanding Performance of a great Book.

I rarely use the above terms in a review but this author deserves recognition in all three categories. Mr. Emery 's ability to alter his voice for different characters is remarkable. I could imagine the faces of many of the lead people.
Listen to this book. It is the BEST I have heard all of 2015-16!
L

Needs a good edit to be great

The story here is fine, strong characters, and in a broad way-of-the-world sort of mode. But as with The Book of the Negro, there's a sense of slackness around the narrative drive at points, and a sense that a strong story-edit would help.

OMG: SUPERB COMMENTARY

If you are interested in current political and social concerns this book is for you. the author addresses allegorically all the problems facing society in the United States and the Western world - especially as it concerns race relations, immigration status and refugee status. Once I started I could not put it down. Great job by Lawrence Hill.

Really enjoyed the book.

loved the story through to the end. Special recognition to the narrator for an impressive job.