Sold

by Patricia McCormick

[Angie]

I don't think I can say that I liked Sold. But who would really enjoy a book about a thirteen year old girl being sold into prostitution? I do think it's an important book and a good one though. It's also a very quick and easy read, given the sparse writing. I'm a bit torn on how Lakshmi's story was written though. On one hand, I'm glad it was fast and lacked details, because what she goes through is awful enough without getting into every aspect of it. But then, I also felt a bit detached from her, so I wasn't as engaged as I could have been.

I did actually really like Sold in the beginning. It still wasn't sunshine and rainbows, but I like seeing Lakshmi's life at home. Her family is extremely poor, but they are a family. Lakshmi does notice that women aren't exactly treated well, but she does what she has to in order to survive, since pouting about injustices won't put food on the table. She also has a pet goat, who was super cute and follows her to school. I also liked how Lakshmi wanted to leave her small village, but not necessarily to escape and experience the world. She wanted to work as a maid in the city to send money to her mother. In fact, that's what she thinks is happening when her stepfather takes her to town and leaves her with "Auntie."

From there, Sold gets really dark. It takes a minute, but Lakshmi soon realizes what her real job is going to be. Of course, she hates it, but soon she's again doing what it takes to survive, even if that means taking more customers when all she wants to do is be left alone. It's a tough story to read, but this is really happening to young girls around the world. It's not something I ever really think about. I know it's happening, but I'm so far removed from it that I just had no idea of the reality. It's scary. Sold does end with hope though, and it's nice knowing that these girls do have a way out. If only they wouldn't be afraid to take it thanks to the lies their captors tell them.

Read more of my reviews at Pinkindle Reads & Reviews.