My Never Ending List

Imagine you have been sold with your brother for a few hundred rupees? Your mother pleaded with your father that you could remain at home but the man promised your parents a better future. A better future, everyone wants that. The decision has to be made immediately, and the transaction transpires. The children are collected and set inside the three-wheeled car and driven 2 hours away to their new home. As Jasmina writes her story, encouraged by Asha, she hopes to share it with her brother Samir when she meets back up with him. I’m immediately impressed by how adamant and resourceful Jasmina becomes once she is outside her surroundings. There is a stereotype for women in India and for Jasmina being only ten years old, she is quite determined and strong for the situation that she has been placed in. Her brother Samir demeanor suddenly takes on an opposite affect and he becomes withdrawn. As the man takes them into his sweatshop to begin their new lives, their adventure is just beginning. The children dream about being reunited with their parents but the threats hang over their heads of the debt they owe him.   They find themselves working in a rock-quarry next when problems arise in the sweatshop. The siblings get separated and Jasmine is out on the street alone, this girl is relentless. She’s intrigued by some elegant women she observes on the streets which leads her to Asha. Asha speaks to her about love, understanding and goodness. Jasmine is confused about the god Asha speaks of and talks so highly of but she is impressed by the compassion and the dedication the women represent. Jasmine’s heart is hardened by what has transpired with her parents but as she speaks with Asha, her heart softens and she’s ready to search for their whereabouts.

As I read this story, Jasmine’s journey was a world-wind of activity. There was always some undertaking occurring or transpiring, always on the lookout for something to happen. As she starts to talk to Asha she starts to belong, she starts to be a part of something, something big and important. Her maternal family seems almost secondary, as she is finally standing tall.  It’s a Christian story dealing with human trafficking that goes beyond those involved.

I received a complimentary e-book from NetGalley and JourneyForth Books in exchange for my honest review.