Illustrado begins with the death of the mentor of a Filipino expatriate Miguel Syjuco named Crispin Salvador. In the novel, Syjuco returns to the Philippines to write a biography about him. Throughout the novel, the reader is able to learn more about Crispin Salvador through interviews from the past, news articles, and online message boards. The novel presents a blend of fiction and non fiction with the main character having the same name as the author and the author making use of his own writings as Salvador’s. While mailing a philosophical notion, the author is able to mix in well placed humor throughout the novel.

 

The novel takes a close look at the culture and the effects of colonialism and dictatorship. The novel reflects on Philippine society but has more to it than one would expect. As the author himself said, “Most of the world perceives the Philippines as Imelda Marcos, dancers, prostitutes and maids. We're all of those things and proudly. But we're so much more.”