M. Smith Post 2

I believe that one of the most comprehensive looks at what it means to be human comes from an in-depth look at what humans as a species have accomplished. This look comes with a look at both the high and low points in history. Sure, we are the first species to build a civilization, colonize the world, and develop technology, but we have also wreaked havoc on the ecosystem to a point in which it may never be at stable levels again. But one of the human race's most atavistic and disgusting compulsions is the instinct to enslave other beings to do work for us. Many times this goes to the point of human slavery. And this is the main concept of SOLD.

In the Patricia McCormick's SOLD, Lakshmi is a Nepalese girl who is unwittingly sold into prostitution in India under the guise that she will serve as a maid in the city. When she gets there, and finds out what's really going on, she initially refuses to take part. But she is starved and beaten until she gives in. I can't help but draw the parallels in the brutal nature of treatment between Lakshmi and many African American slaves in the U.S. over 100 years ago. In fact, looking through history, the pattern of enslavement weaves back thousands of years. I'm not saying any of the brothels in India are close to right, but they certainly aren't original.