Reviews

Illegal by Eoin Colfer

deschatjes's review against another edition

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5.0

Well, if you're ready for a punch in the gut book this would be it. Story of two young refugee boys trying to reach Europe to find their sister. I will not spoil it, surfeit to say I'm holding back tears. Illustrations are very dark and atmospheric.
Could be disturbing to younger readers.

shoesmcdaid's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging emotional sad tense fast-paced

4.0

karenluvstoread's review against another edition

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5.0

I can only remember ever reading one novel similar in style to a graphic novel; but I don’t think I’ve ever read a true full graphic novel. And wow – this one was excellent! The pairing of the pictures with the words really added to the impact this novel has. I also liked how it switched back and forth from past to present, even though it took me a couple of chapters to catch on that that’s what it was doing. 😂 I literally read the whole book in a day, at times with tears in my eyes. 

It is such a powerful story of the fight of people to leave oppression and a terrible life to have freedom somewhere else. The desperation, the struggle, the hardness of the journey…it is all powerfully portrayed in this story. This one definitely gets 5 stars!

bridgettesbitchinbooks's review against another edition

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challenging sad tense

4.0

librarydancer's review against another edition

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5.0

Incredibly moving, powerful graphic novel about the journey a young man takes trying to go from Ghana to Europe.

Considered a children's book (best for older kids), but is a timely universal story that is highly recommended reading for adults as well.

akvolcano's review against another edition

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adventurous informative sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.75

ceena's review against another edition

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5.0

This is such a hard book to review. It really... I mean, it is fiction because the characters don't exist, but really this is so real, so true, and feels like such an accurate look at the journey many people endure in the hopes to one day be safe. 
It is raw, it is sad and hopeful at the same time, and at all times intense because their journey is one of life and death with death having the advantage. 
The chapters alternate between the 'now' when Ebo is on a boat in the sea on his way to Italy... they hope, and 'then' which starts from him realizing his brother, Kwame, left him behind to try making his way to Europe. While these chapters may seem like they would be less intense because we know they will make their way to the boat, they really are anything but. Their journey is brutal.

The story is gripping and you can't help but to root for these characters, hoping they will one day be safe. 

mollysmith1313's review against another edition

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5.0

Such a powerful story so spectacularly told in these illustrations. It tugs on your heart because it should. There are thousands around the world whose journey is partially told in this.

brendalovesbooks's review against another edition

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3.0

Beehive nominee for 2020/2021.

patjarcina's review against another edition

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3.0

Jujur buku grafis ini bikin sedih. Ikut ngerasain perjalanan yg capek dari Ghana ke Italy. Terlunta-lunta karena dianggap ilegal. Hfttttt tapi grafisnya bagus bangettttt