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75 pages 2 hours read

Sold

Fiction | Novel/Book in Verse | YA | Published in 2006

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Book Brief

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Patricia McCormick

Sold

Fiction | Novel/Book in Verse | YA | Published in 2006
Book Details
Pages

263

Format

Novel/Book in Verse • Fiction

Setting

Nepal • Contemporary

Publication Year

2006

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

Lexile Level

820L

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Super Short Summary

In Sold by Patricia McCormick, Lakshmi, a 13-year-old girl from a remote Nepali village, is trafficked to an Indian brothel called "Happiness House" under false pretenses. She chronicles her harrowing experiences and interactions with other inhabitants through short vignettes, ultimately detailing her clever scheme to secure her own rescue. The novel includes references to physical abuse and suicide.

Dark

Emotional

Challenging

Contemplative

Melancholic

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Sold by Patricia McCormick Sold by Patricia McCormick has been widely praised for its powerful and heartbreaking portrayal of human trafficking. Reviewers commend McCormick's sensitive and poignant storytelling, well-researched depiction of a critical issue, and the development of a strong and relatable protagonist. Some criticisms include the book's stark and graphic content, which, while impactful, may be distressing for some readers. Overall, Sold is lauded for raising awareness and evoking strong emotional responses.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Sold?

Readers who would enjoy Patricia McCormick's Sold typically appreciate gripping, emotional narratives about resilience and human rights. Fans of books like Khaled Hosseini's A Thousand Splendid Suns or Mitali Perkins' Bamboo People will find a compelling and enlightening story in McCormick's work.

Character List

Lakshmi

A young girl from a remote village in Nepal, known for her intelligence and hard work, who travels to the city under the promise of a job but faces unexpected challenges.

Lakshmi’s devoted mother, who is resourceful and hopeful, often making sacrifices to support her family despite the hardships they face.

A flawed man whose actions significantly impact Lakshmi's life; he struggles with addiction and irresponsibility, contributing to the family's financial difficulties.

The operator of a brothel where Lakshmi ends up; a figure of authority who is characterized by her indulgence in wealth and power.

A kind girl Lakshmi meets who provides practical advice and companionship within the challenging environment of the brothel.

An adult working at the brothel who also serves as a spy for Mumtaz; she has a complex backstory linked to her life choices.

A woman working at the brothel out of necessity to support her children, whose health becomes a critical issue during her time there.

Pushpa's young son, who lives at the brothel and attends school, forming a significant friendship with Lakshmi and helping her learn new languages.

A hard-working girl or young woman at the brothel who initially seems distant but reveals depth through her motivations to help her family.

A friend Lakshmi makes who is initially guarded and wary, largely due to past experiences of violence and disappointment.

A young vendor who visits the brothel regularly and aids Lakshmi by offering her a means of communication with the outside world through his kindness.

Book Details
Pages

263

Format

Novel/Book in Verse • Fiction

Setting

Nepal • Contemporary

Publication Year

2006

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

Lexile Level

820L

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