The subject matter of this book is so abhorrent that I want to believe that Levine made it all up, that there are no little girls in this world that have to live the life of Batuk; that it is just the sick mind of an author. But, unfortunately, this could be a very real, very true story.

The book tells the story of Batuk a very feisty and real little girl that was sold into into prostitution at the age of nine. I'm still not sure if her father knew exactly what he was doing, but when you are poor in rural India, there are very few options. As Batuk grows into a young woman of 15, this is now her life is, the Common Street in Mumbai where children are kept in cages until there is a paying customer.

Having spent some time in a hospital with Tuberculosis, Batik has learned to read and write and therefore able to write her story when she can find paper and a pencil, and quite a story it is. An unbelievable tale of hope and heartache that leaves a character and a circumstance with you for a very long time.

Share/Like this Review?

I thought it was a wonderful story about a young girl sold into sexual slavery. The imagery of the stories the main character tells and the poems written are quite beautiful. It was very well written! The problem I had with this book though is that a lot of the time when she would be raped or beaten and such, they explained things in a romantic very graphic way that would probably be far too sensual considering the disgusting life she was put into. I don't think describing how she was being touched and when she liked it or whatever, is really necessary. I've read plenty of books on the subject that convey what goes on without such details that are excellent.

Share/Like this Review?

I won't go into all of the details that the other reviewers have already done as they've done a great job. What I will tell you is that this is one of those books that you don't easily forget. Once you sit down to read it, you can't stop until you finish and then you are left in a state of shock. I've seen documentaries and TV news reports about child sex slavery, but to read about it from the point of view of someone who is living it....well, it makes it real. This young girl was sold into sex slavery by her family and is forced to live in a cage on the streets of Mumbai. Trying to make sense of her existence, she writes this journal and this book is the result. Don't miss this one.

Share/Like this Review?