4.5 stars
The Blurb
“Ebo: Alone. His sister left months ago. Now his brother has disappeared too. And Ebo knows it can only be to make the hazardous journey to Europe. Ebo’s Epic Journey takes him across the Sahara Desert to the dangerous streets of Tripoli. And finally, out to the merciless sea. But with every step, he holds on to his hope for a new life.”
Overall review and recommendation
Illegal brought me to tears. This heartfelt story is a must-read for both children and adults. As we follow Ebo’s journey of hope across the Sahara Desert and the streets of Tripoli (Lybia), it’s impossible not to root for him.
Even if you don’t like graphic novels, you will probably enjoy this one – and Illegal‘s format is easy to follow.
You will find lots of sadness and tragedy on the pages, but there is much to learn from this book. It’s a powerful tale, one that has to be told and never forgotten.
Ebo’s ingenuity is questionable, but it seems to have a place in a children’s book. Maybe the story would be too dark otherwise. Of course, one should not expect to find all answers to the refugee crisis on Illegal. But this book is a remarkable conversation starter.
About the authors
Illegal was written by Eoin Colfer and Andrew Donkin. The first author is an Irish writer known for the bestselling Artemis Fowl series. His interest in immigration issues comes from the years he worked in Tunisia, Saudi Arabia, and Italy.
Andrew Donking has adapted five of Eoin Colfer’s books into graphic novels and has sold over eight million children’s books, graphic novels, and adult books. His portfolio includes DC Comics’ Batman comics.
He is the author of The Terminal Man, a bestselling book turned into a film starring Tom Hanks. It was this experience writing about a man living in an airport that got him interested in migrants and asylum seekers’ issues.
Illegal has received several awards, including the 2019 Excellence in Graphic Literature Award Winner and the New York Public Library Best Book of 2018.
My favourites
- I appreciate that the authors made an effort to do thorough research before writing this book. They interviewed people who had gone through a similar journey, talked to migrant and refugee organisations, and hired a research consultant. The storyline sounds more authentic thanks to those contributions.
- The book shows the “before the journey” in detail. We hear a lot in the news about the boats arriving on Europe’s shores and about what should or shouldn’t happen to the refugees. What we don’t hear much is about what they go through to get here. Illegal makes an important contribution in bringing light to it.
- The illustrations by Giovanni Rigano are stunning and support the story perfectly. And while this is a children’s book, it doesn’t shy away from showing the challenges faced by many migrants during their journeys to Europe. I actually believe that telling this story as a graphic novel made it much easier to visualise and relate to the obstacles faced by the characters.
- Ebo’s ingenuity trying to solve problems with songs. He is such a kind and pure soul. It would be impossible not to wish him the best.
What could have been better
- Nothing at all, I think it’s a brilliant story. One could say that it doesn’t touch the subject deeply enough. Or that it pictures only the good side of European people. But I understand the limitations imposed by the target audience (children from 11 years old).
Lessons learned
The role of the “middle men”, the people who make a living from others’ misery and ignorance. While I am not surprised by their existence, it was shocking to see their actions described so well on the pages. How little they care about people’s lives is truly upsetting, but it`s something to be aware of.
What I missed
I would like to have heard more about the journeys of other characters. It would give me a broader understanding of the different “whys” pushing people towards such a difficult challenge.
Be aware of
This book isn’t autobiographical nor a firsthand account of facts. The author based the storyline on real events, but they haven’t been themselves in a similar situation.
Illegal is marketed as a children’s book (11+), but I suggest that parents read it before giving it to their children. Some passages can be upsetting. They also might raise uncomfortable questions about human nature you might want to be prepared for.
Memorable quotes
“Then I realised they can hear us. They just don’t care.”
“What do you mean ‘if’…? If what? They must help us. We are people.”
