I think it’s important to be aware of these issues that exist in our world. It is just heartbreaking and horrible to image these poor lives being shattered so mercilessly. Human trafficking is a serious issues, and it happens every day. Lakshmi’s story isn’t one of a kind, and it isn’t just fiction. The most tragic thing about this book is the reality of it all. Lakshmi is a normal girl, with an endearing innocence and playfulness, and it is gut-wrenching to witness her essence being destroyed. There was so much told with so little words. Sometimes the shorter chapters left me gaping at the page, astounded. This book is written in poems, and it flows easily from page to page. Trying to forget, like trying to hold back the monsoon.” “Trying to remember, I have learned, is like trying to clutch a handful of fog. This is the story of a particular thirteen-year old girl, Lakshmi, from Nepal, who was taken to India and forced to sell herself to pay back the price she was sold for. It deals with real-life occurrences about young girls from poor countries who get sold into prostitution. We read and long to warn her, comfort her, save her.This was not an easy read. I feel a tiny sting on the backs of my legs, and I realize that Auntie has thrown a handful of gravel at my heels. I am too shy to tell her I won’t run off, too timid to tell her how proud I am to be the first person in my family to leave the mountain. Each short chapter reads like it’s part child’s diary and part poignant poetry.Īuntie says I must walk ahead of her even though I do not know the way. We understand her but wish she understood more. As a reader, we understand things Lakshmi does not. In Sold, Patricia McCormick uses Lakshmi’s voice and understanding to tell us her story. He takes her by train and finally by car into the slums of Calcutta. Here, finally, she discovers what her new life is to be. Then puts her in the care of a strange man, an “uncle” she must say is her “husband” if questioned. Her “new auntie” takes her through several villages on foot, then bus. Tell her I’ll be back for the next festival season.” Then she follows her “new auntie” out of the village thinking about returning with a cash dowery for her future husband. Her last words are a message for her mother. She imagines earning enough to pay for a new roof for their home. Patricia McCormick is a two-time National Book Award Finalist whose books include 'Cut,' 'SOLD,' 'Never Fall Down,' and the young readers edition of 'I am Malala.' SOLD, based on McCormicks research in the brothels of India, has been made into a feature film. Lakshmi is put under contract by her stepfather and indentured to a wealthy city woman as a house maid for 800 rupees. But not worth crying over when it’s time to make a stew.” Good as long as she gives you milk and butter. At home she helps her mother and cares for her beloved pet, a goat named Tali. She is aware of boys and steals looks at Krishna, a shy boy that she will marry some day. Lakshmi goes to school where she plays with her friends, likes her teacher, and is a good student. A 13 year old girl in Nepal isn’t that much different from any 13 year old girl anywhere.

Sold by patricia mccormick review