TL;DR
"Sold" by Patricia McCormick follows 13-year-old Lakshmi, who is sold into prostitution after her family faces dire poverty. It explores her harrowing journey and resilience in a cruel world.
What is Sold about
"Sold" is a poignant novel that shines a light on the tragedy of human trafficking through the eyes of Lakshmi, a thirteen-year-old girl from rural Nepal. Living in poverty, her family is devastated when a monsoon destroys their crops, leading her stepfather to force Lakshmi to seek work to support them. She is deceived by a glamorous stranger and sold to a brothel in Kolkata, known as "Happiness House." There, she confronts the brutal reality of her situation and the manipulative control of the brothel's owner, Mumtaz. Despite her suffering, Lakshmi embodies a spirit of resilience, drawing strength from the support of her fellow captives and her mother's wise words. The novel is structured in vivid vignettes that capture both the beauty of Lakshmi's early life and the stark horror of her new existence, ultimately conveying a powerful message about survival and hope amidst despair.
Sold 7 Key Takeaways
Introduction to Lakshmi's life in Nepal.
Lakshmi lives in a small mountain hut with her family, finding joy in simple pleasures despite their poverty and struggles.
The family's financial crisis.
A devastating monsoon washes away their crops, and her stepfather insists that Lakshmi must leave home to find work.
Deception and journey to Happiness House.
Lakshmi is led to believe she will work as a maid in the city, but instead finds herself sold into a brothel.
Life in the brothel.
At Happiness House, Lakshmi faces the harsh realities of exploitation and abuse under the rule of Mumtaz.
Formation of friendships.
Lakshmi builds bonds with other girls in the brothel, who provide emotional support amidst their shared suffering.
The struggle for survival.
Despite the hardships, Lakshmi remembers her mother's words and clings to the hope of freedom.
The decision to reclaim her life.
Faced with the choice to risk everything, Lakshmi must decide whether to fight for her freedom.
Top Sold Quotes
- "Simply to endure is to triumph."
- "In this world, there are many kinds of courage."
- "Hope is the thing that can set you free."
Who should read Sold?
"Sold" is ideal for young adults and anyone interested in social justice issues. It offers valuable insights into human trafficking, resilience, and the fight for empowerment, encouraging readers to empathize with those who suffer such fates and inspiring advocacy for change.
Sold Best Reviews
- "A heart-wrenching narrative that captivates and educates, shedding light on the dark realities of human trafficking." - BookPage
- "McCormick's spare prose is both haunting and beautiful, making Lakshmi's story resonate deeply with readers." - Publishers Weekly
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Sold FAQs
Is the book Sold based on a true story?
Yes, "Sold" is inspired by real stories of young girls who are victims of human trafficking, reflecting the struggles faced by many in similar situations.
Why was the book Sold banned?
"Sold" has faced bans due to its explicit language and themes surrounding sexual slavery, which some consider inappropriate for younger readers.
What is the message of the book Sold?
The book highlights the harsh realities of human trafficking while showcasing the resilience of the human spirit, emphasizing hope and the possibility of reclaiming one's life.