07/03/2025

Before I begin this review, I want to give a content warning: please read at your own discretion, as this book discusses themes of abuse, sexual harassment, and neglect.

As a Nepali American, I’ve often been misidentified as Indian, Middle Eastern, or Hispanic. It made me realize how little representation Nepali people have in the United States—we’re a small community, but one of the most hardworking and down-to-earth groups I know. Sure aunties gossip, but at least they’re consistent at it. If you are a Nepali American teen like me, you would definitely understand. It’s disheartening that Nepal is so often overlooked, especially when it comes to issues like inequality, discrimination, politics, and poverty.

While walking through the aisles of Barnes & Noble, I came across Sold by Patricia McCormick, a novel about a young Nepali girl who is sold into prostitution to help pay off her family’s debt. I was both shocked and grateful to see a book highlighting a real and painful issue faced by many Nepali women. At times, I would hear stories of trafficking, women being neglected by families, sexual slavery, and exploitation yet hear this topic be often silenced or surrounded by stigma and taboo. At first, I was apprehensive, as I felt like this might be too uncomfortable for me to read, but my mom insisted I give it a try.

Lakshmi, a thirteen year old girl in Nepal has big dreams. But, she lives in poverty and severe debt. Her mom insists she continues her education, so she doesn’t have to worry about working. But when the debt becomes too high, she is given an opportunity to work as a servant for a rich family. When she crosses the border to India, she is welcomed into the Happiness House, where she meets all groups of diverse, unique and kind women until she realizes she has been sold into prostitution until she can pay all of her family’s debt. Mumtaz, is a cruel old woman who manipulates these women, and treats them with disrespect and cunningness. Lakshmi knows there is nothing she can do, but with the grit she was taught by her mother, and the support and kindness of the other girls, “Simply to endure is to triumph” as her mother would say.

She later on meets an American man, who tells her that what Mumtaz has done to her and the other women is morally wrong, and asks her to seek a venture and open doors into a new life for her and her family. 

Happy Reading!