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      This was, as I knew it would be a very heartbreaking and hard read for me. Children being subjected to such horrific situations are the worst things imaginable on this earth to me. I liked that the book was written almost in a journal like style. It gives you insight into Lakshmi’s thoughts and feelings, as well as her hopes, fears, and dreams. Even though the subject matter is brutal to read, it is beautifully written. I liked the closeness of her and her mother’s relationship. It is infuriating to see her and her mother work so hard while the step father is always out losing their money, but yet they are the ones to suffer and be denied any dignity or rights. Her time at the brothel was another brutal part to read. I was sitting reading this and just thinking right now in all parts of the world this is really taking place and I had to fight back tears (because I was at work)  and it is so gut wrenching because I feel so helpless and overwhelmed at the thought of this going on. It was endearing to see the friendships that were formed at the brothel. It must give these children and women some bit of humanity in such a cruel environment. It was easy to feel connections to the characters. Pushpa and her family are the ones I think I felt the most connected with. It is hard to think about children being raised in this environment. Harish, the son, is such a kind hearted boy and you can see how much he cares about his mother and sister. When Mumtaz makes an offer to Pushpa for her baby girl, I cringed and wanted to shout out “No!” and I was so relieved when she was not willing to do that. Her reaction and they way it was described was so painful to read, but as a mother, I know that is only the sound a mother can make in when such a horrific thought is presented to her in regards to her children. Lakshmi had such small things to keep her going, but they meant the world to her. She loved the American words she learned and the pencil Harish gave her. She also has the items she brings from home, that keep her going.  I love how on page 60, she speaks about what she is physically bringing with her as well as what she mentally and emotionally brings with her; “Inside my head I carry: my baby goat, my baby brother, my ama’s face, our family’s future. My bundle is light, my burden is heavy.”  

            Overall, this is a story of survival. Nobody, especially children should have to resort to such tactics because they should not ever be in such situations. It really speaks to the human spirit that people can endure such things. It is a bittersweet spark of hope because it is good to know people can find small comforts and moments, even if very brief, of peace, but the bitter part is that human beings are even in a situation where that is all they have.