Sold by Patricia McCormick

 

GoodReads Summary:

Lakshmi is a thirteen-year-old girl who lives with her family in a small hut on a mountain in Nepal. Though she is desperately poor, her life is full of simple pleasures, like playing hopscotch with her best friend from school, and having her mother brush her hair by the light of an oil lamp. But when the harsh Himalayan monsoons wash away all that remains of the family’s crops, Lakshmi’s stepfather says she must leave home and take a job to support her family.

He introduces her to a glamorous stranger who tells her she will find her a job as a maid in the city. Glad to be able to help, Lakshmi journeys to India and arrives at “Happiness House” full of hope. But she soon learns the unthinkable truth: she has been sold into prostitution....

Review:

 This book is a complete stunner and truthfully I have nothing bad to say. This means my review will be short and sweet, because if it wasn't I would rave on and on about how absolutely amazing this story is.

Lakshmi's character is wise beyond her years and sees life as a beautiful tapestry spread out before her. When she is sold into prostitution the tapestry is stained and torn and burned; there is no beauty left in life. As a 13 and 14 year old she comes to grips with things ages old cannot fathom. She finds small outlets of hope even in the most godforsaken situation: she learns wonderful English words, finds solace in the company of the other girls of the brothel, and refuses to have her light put out.

The writing is, without question, breathtaking. The whole story being told in poetry only emphasizes Lakshmi's point of view and allows the plot to be laid out in a way that isn't overwhelming. There is no end to how much I loved reading this; in fact, I started it and completed it in the same day. There is so much beautiful description and phraseology, but at the same time, the text keeps its dignity by explaining life simply.

Over all, I would recommend this novel to anyone and everyone. If you want something completely mesmerizing and enthralling then snatch this off the shelf. And although it may seem like it will be depressing, a total downer, there is a content ending. It's not a fairy-tale ending, of course, but you will feel happy for Lakshmi all the same.