Navigating Sold

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    Horrible, unspeakable things occur every single day. Horrible, unspeakable things are occurring as I take the time to write out this blog post. It is no secret that the world is full of topics that are so horrendous we do not even begin to know how to approach and navigate the topic with adolescents. Literature, such as Patricia McCormick's Sold, can be used as tools to provide young readers with a road map of how to approach complex topics that are real and relevant to the world in which they live. 

    One way that Patricia McCormick's novel, Sold, helps young readers navigate the complex topic of human trafficking by writing in prose. Writing the gruesome events that happen to Lakshmi and the other women of the brothel in easily and quickly read prose allows young readers to understand the horrors of what is happening without having to read long drawn out pages of grave detail. For example, Lakshmi states "I hurt. I am torn and bleeding where the men have been" (McCormick, 125). Young readers did not need to read an entire page or two describing what the hurt feels like or describing how much blood Lakshmi is experiencing to understand that the abuse Lakshmi receives from Mumtaz and these men are physically taking a toll on her body. McCormick in two simple sentences portrays to the reader the painful suffering Lakshmi experiences from being repeatedly raped. 

    Having such a complex and horrific topic written in prose also helps young readers navigate such a heavy topic by creating a juxtaposition. The prose is so beautiful that it draws attention to just how hideous the realities of sex slavery are. The prose of the novel is written so beautifully that it seems an odd way to discuss children being sold into slavery and repeatedly raped day in and day out. However, writing the novel in prose actually helps to make the unspeakable topic approachable. The prose cut right to the point and use simplistic language to create not only a physically appealing sound to the actual words but also creates an easily understood narrative for young readers. 

    McCormick's novel also helps young readers navigate the complex topic of human trafficking by examining details of human trafficking that young readers may not realize occur. For example, Lakshmi states "I don't understand what this condom is and why it must be kept so secret" (McCormick, 128). In American society, we preach that condoms are key to safe sex practices. Young readers may be surprised to find out that human traffickers devalue their victims' lives so much that they do not even encourage safe sex practices. Young readers may also be surprised to learn that victims of sex trafficking are charged expenses for being held against their wills. For example, Lakshmi explains "She [Mumtaz] gets out her own ledger book, with entries more copious than mine. 'The medicine I gave you,' she says, licking the tip of her pencil. 'Your clothes... The shoes on your feet... The electricity bill..." (McCormick, 225). Through Mumtaz charging Lakshmi for every little expense, young readers are able to see how the brothel owners have these young girls in a never ending money pit.

    Books like McCormick's are needed not just for young readers to understand the harsh realities of our world but older and adult readers as well. Complex topics need to be addresses and often times people do not know where to start. Sold, is definatly a good starting point to realizing the harsh realities of our world.   

Comments

  1. Aniya HallOctober 5, 2020 at 7:27 AM

    Olivia, you're right about McCormick's novel helping adolescent readers navigate and understand the topic of human sex trafficking. Prior to reading the novel, I didn't know much information about the topic. I was surprised when reading but it made me realize the horrible realities of the world within human trafficking.

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