I also interviewed women in the red-light district, girls who had been rescued, and a man who had sold his girlfriend in exchange for a motorcycle.

Trained as an investigative reporter, I took notes and photos observing the sights, smells, foods, sounds, and the customs- details to give the book authenticity. I spent a month in India and Nepal tracing Lakshmi’s steps-going from a poor, isolated village in the foothills of the Himalayas all the way to the teeming red-light district of Calcutta. What did your travel to India and Nepal bring to your story? Here’s a link to a trailer for the film: SOLD, a film produced by Emma Thompson

To me, there is nothing more powerful- or permanent-than the impact of a book. I believe that young adults want to know what’s happening to their peers on the other side of the world, but that media accounts, by their very nature, cannot usually go beyond the surface. But eight years years ago, when I had a chance meeting with a photographer who was working undercover to document the presence of young girls in brothels overseas, I knew immediately that I wanted to do what no one else had done so far: tell this heartbreaking story from the point of view of one individual girl. In the past few years, the trafficking of children has gotten a good deal of media attention. Here are answers to some questions frequently asked about the book. To research SOLD, I traveled to India and Nepal, where I interviewed the women of Calcutta’s red-light district and girls who have been rescued from the sex trade. These challenges, however, only serve to heighten the impact of the powerful and important novel that sheds light on a global crisis.” “ SOLD is a demanding at at times painful book to read. “McCormick uses language both lyrical and spare to lead the reader into this deeply troubled and troubling world …this is a story of courage, which is precisely what it takes to plant one’s literary work in unfamiliar soil.”

This important book was written in their honor.” “Hearbreaking … McCormick’s research for this novel involved interviewing women in Nepal and India, and her depth of detail makes the characters believable and their misery palpable. “McCormick provides readers who live in safety and under protection of the law with a vivid window into a harsh and cruel world-one most would prefer to pretend doesn’t exist.” “The writing is breathtaking in both its simplicity and attention to detail … stunning … this novel is not to be missed.” “An unforgettable account of sexual slavery as it exists now.” The author beautifully balances the harshness of brothel life with the poignant relationships among its residents.”

Sold mccormick novel book review