Call number
Genres
Publication
Ace Books (1999), Reprint, Mass Market Paperback
Pages
304
Description
When a disabled spaceship enters Earth's atmosphere, seven members of the advanced Tosok race are welcomed by the world. Then a popular scientist is murdered, and all evidence points to one of the Tosoks. Now, an alien is tried in a court of law-and there may be far more at stake than accounting for one human life.
Awards
Seiun Award (Nominee — 2003)
Crime Writers of Canada Awards of Excellence (Shortlist — Novel — 1998)
Prix Aurora Award (Finalist — 1998)
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
1997
Physical description
304 p.; 6.7 inches
ISBN
0441005926 / 9780441005925
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User reviews
LibraryThing member jmourgos
I really liked “Illegal Alien.” It was written at the time of the O.J. Simpson murder trial and Sawyer cannot resist mentioning it throughout the book. This is fine, as it allows the author some flexibility of plot and pacing: an old lawyer who has won his share of cases, Mr. Dale Rice, a black
Plots: It is interesting how Sawyer uses the alien as a complete zero in looking at the American justice system. The author admits (on other forums) to have thoroughly researched our system of justice and in many ways it does come up wanting. The shifting of gears between defense and prosecution, the calling up of witnesses, jury selection, and so on is interesting.
Themes: Racism plays some part; also reliability, trust, deception and a stick-to it tiveness runs the gamet of the novel.
The only thing I did not like about the novel was its apparent criticism of those who love UFOs, Star Trek and other geek elements. Minor point.
Bottom Line: Creative, a bit dated, and fascinating look from a Canadian (alien?) perspective of our sometimes wild and crazy justice system. Recommended for lovers to To Kill a Mockingbird and whoever sat through the entire broadcast of the O.J. Simpson trials.
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man who knew Martin Luther King, Jr. and at 70 years young gets the chance of a century – to defend an alien accused of the murder of Calhoun, a PBS news/astronomer who was the first to step aboard an alien vessel, make friends with the creatures and introduce tehm to society. Plots: It is interesting how Sawyer uses the alien as a complete zero in looking at the American justice system. The author admits (on other forums) to have thoroughly researched our system of justice and in many ways it does come up wanting. The shifting of gears between defense and prosecution, the calling up of witnesses, jury selection, and so on is interesting.
Themes: Racism plays some part; also reliability, trust, deception and a stick-to it tiveness runs the gamet of the novel.
The only thing I did not like about the novel was its apparent criticism of those who love UFOs, Star Trek and other geek elements. Minor point.
Bottom Line: Creative, a bit dated, and fascinating look from a Canadian (alien?) perspective of our sometimes wild and crazy justice system. Recommended for lovers to To Kill a Mockingbird and whoever sat through the entire broadcast of the O.J. Simpson trials.
Show Less
LibraryThing member travelster
An excellent story beautifully read.
LibraryThing member Treebeard_404
Sawyer creates some of the best aliens, and this book is no exception. But what really sets this book apart is the premise: how would we handle the first time time an alien was suspected of murder? And how would the alien understand our mores and legal procedures? Sawyer builds a most enjoyable
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story around these questions. Show Less