Compelling read - however not up to the standard of Hills' previous book ~ "The Book of Negroes" - aka "Someone Knows My Name".
This novel featured Keita Ali, a marathon runner, who went underground having escaped from Zantoroland - a land in turmoil - to Freedom State, which is cracking down on undocumented residents. With our current state of affairs this book has a very up to date ring.
Ali comes out of hiding to run marathon races trying to win money to ransom and bring his sister to safety. He becomes a very well known presence as he begins to win races.
I was not engrossed in this book like I was "Someone Knows My Name". It did not have the same feel of authenticity to it. There were parts of the book that I felt just did not belong and could easily have been eliminated. I did not connect with Ali or any of the other characters. Although not a complete waste of time reading this novel, it is not one that I would recommend. Hill has much better stuff out there.
This novel featured Keita Ali, a marathon runner, who went underground having escaped from Zantoroland - a land in turmoil - to Freedom State, which is cracking down on undocumented residents. With our current state of affairs this book has a very up to date ring.
Ali comes out of hiding to run marathon races trying to win money to ransom and bring his sister to safety. He becomes a very well known presence as he begins to win races.
I was not engrossed in this book like I was "Someone Knows My Name". It did not have the same feel of authenticity to it. There were parts of the book that I felt just did not belong and could easily have been eliminated. I did not connect with Ali or any of the other characters. Although not a complete waste of time reading this novel, it is not one that I would recommend. Hill has much better stuff out there.
