Lawrence Hill is one of Canada’s most celebrated and internationally acclaimed authors. Best known for his groundbreaking novel The Book of Negroes (published as Someone Knows My Name in the U.S.), Hill writes powerful historical fiction and non-fiction that explore identity, race, slavery, freedom, and the Black experience across centuries and continents.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or discovering his work for the first time, reading Lawrence Hill’s books in publication order gives you a fascinating glimpse into how his themes and storytelling have evolved. Below is the definitive list of Lawrence Hill books in order (fiction and non-fiction), with quick insights to help you decide where to start or what to read next.
List of All Lawrence Hill Books in Order
Lawrence Hill’s works are all standalone novels, memoirs, and non-fiction books—no multi-book series exist in his bibliography. Below is the complete list of all his books in publication order, presented in table format for easy reference. This includes both fiction and non-fiction, based on verified sources as of December 2025. I’ve noted alternative titles where applicable (e.g., U.S. editions) and brief genre/type for context.
| # | Publication Year | Title | Type/Genre | Notes/Alternative Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1992 | Some Great Thing | Fiction (Novel) | Standalone satirical novel on journalism and multiculturalism. |
| 2 | 1993 | Trials and Triumphs: The Story of African-Canadians | Non-Fiction (History) | Standalone historical account. |
| 3 | 1996 | Women of Vision: The Story of the Canadian Negro Women’s Association | Non-Fiction (Biography/History) | Standalone organizational history. |
| 4 | 1997 | Any Known Blood | Fiction (Novel) | Standalone multi-generational family saga. |
| 5 | 2001 | Black Berry, Sweet Juice: On Being Black and White in Canada | Non-Fiction (Memoir) | Personal exploration of mixed-race identity. |
| 6 | 2007 | The Book of Negroes | Fiction (Historical Novel) | Winner of multiple awards; adapted into miniseries. U.S./Australia: Someone Knows My Name |
| 7 | 2007 | The Deserter’s Tale: The Story of an Ordinary Soldier Who Walked Away from the War in Iraq | Non-Fiction (Memoir) | Co-authored with Joshua Key. |
| 8 | 2013 | Dear Sir, I Intend to Burn Your Book: An Anatomy of a Book Burning | Non-Fiction (Essay) | Response to a real-life book burning incident. |
| 9 | 2013 | Blood: The Stuff of Life | Non-Fiction (Essays/Lectures) | Based on CBC Massey Lectures. |
| 10 | 2015 | The Illegal | Fiction (Thriller) | Standalone novel on immigration and refugees. |
| 11 | 2022 | Beatrice and Croc Harry | Fiction (Middle Grade/YA Novel) | Magical realism tale of identity and belonging. |
| 12 | 2023 | Ripples in the Night | Fiction (Novel) | Latest standalone novel exploring contemporary themes. |
Lawrence Hill Books in Publication Order
- Some Great Thing (1992) Hill’s debut novel. A sharp, satirical look at journalism, multiculturalism, and Winnipeg in the 1980s through the eyes of a Black journalist. Witty, fast-paced, and still surprisingly relevant.
- Any Known Blood (1997) A multi-generational saga that traces five generations of a Black Canadian-American family from the Underground Railroad to modern-day Toronto and Baltimore. Rich, layered, and deeply moving—many fans consider this a hidden gem.
- The Book of Negroes (2007) Also published as Someone Knows My Name in the U.S., Australia, and New Zealand The book that made Hill a global literary star. This sweeping historical epic follows Aminata Diallo, an African girl kidnapped into slavery, across three continents. Winner of the Commonwealth Writers’ Prize, the Rogers Writers’ Trust Fiction Prize, and CBC’s Canada Reads. Later adapted into a powerful BET miniseries. → This is the perfect starting point for new readers.
- The Illegal (2015) A heart-pounding modern thriller about Keita Ali, a marathon runner from a fictional impoverished island nation who becomes an undocumented refugee in a wealthy (and hostile) country. Timely, suspenseful, and impossible to put down. Shortlisted for the Governor General’s Literary Award.
- Beatrice and Croc Harry (2022) Hill’s first novel for younger readers (middle grade/YA crossover). A magical, allegorical tale of a Black girl named Beatrice who wakes up in the forest of Argilia with no memory of her past. A beautiful exploration of identity, belonging, and reconciliation—perfect for readers aged 10+ and adults who love thoughtful fantasy.
Non-Fiction Works by Lawrence Hill
Hill is also an award-winning memoirist and essayist:
- Black Berry, Sweet Juice: On Being Black and White in Canada (2001) A personal and provocative exploration of mixed-race identity in Canada.
- Dear Sir, I Intend to Burn Your Book: An Anatomy of a Book Burning (2013) A short, powerful essay about the 2011 attempt to burn The Book of Negroes in the Netherlands.
- Blood: The Stuff of Life (2013) The published version of Hill’s 2013 CBC Massey Lectures—an insightful look at how blood shapes identity, race, family, and belonging.
Suggested Reading Orders
- New to Lawrence Hill? Start with The Book of Negroes → The Illegal → Any Known Blood → Beatrice and Croc Harry.
- Chronological Publication Order (Recommended for the full journey) Some Great Thing → Any Known Blood → Black Berry, Sweet Juice → The Book of Negroes → The Illegal → Beatrice and Croc Harry.
- Thematic Journey Through Black History & Identity Any Known Blood → The Book of Negroes → Black Berry, Sweet Juice → The Illegal → Beatrice and Croc Harry.
Why Lawrence Hill’s Books Still Matter in 2025
In an era of ongoing conversations about race, migration, and belonging, Hill’s work feels more urgent than ever. His novels don’t just tell stories—they challenge readers to confront history and imagine a more just future. Plus, his prose is gorgeous, his characters unforgettable, and his plotting masterful.
Ready to dive in? Grab The Book of Negroes first—you won’t regret it.
Happy reading! 📚
Which Lawrence Hill book is your favorite? Drop it in the comments—I’d love to hear! And if you found this guide helpful, share it with a fellow book lover. ❤️
Last updated: December 2025 – includes all currently published works by Lawrence Hill.
