An unforgettable, deeply affecting debut novel, tells the story of Batuk, a precocious fifteen-year-old girl from rural India who is sold into sexual slavery by her father. As she navigates the grim realities of Mumbai’s Common Street, Batuk manages to put pen to paper, recording her private thoughts and writing fantastic tales that help her transcend her daily existence. Beautifully crafted, … existence. Beautifully crafted, surprisingly hopeful, and filled with both tragedy and humor, The Blue Notebook shows how even in the most difficult situations, people use storytelling to make sense of and give meaning to their lives.
BONUS: This edition contains a The Blue Notebook discussion guide and an excerpt from James A. Levine’s Bingo’s Run.
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A poignant tale of a young girl forced into prostitution by her own family who dreams of finding her own voice amongst the savagery of her life. Haunting storytelling that keeps you engrossed in the narrative.
The most heartbreaking book I have ever read…….and I’ve read hundreds.
I couldn’t put this book down, and it haunted me long after I finished!
A wonderfully written book but haunting. It is about a child prostitute sold by her own father and her strong spirit. It will break your heart.
Interesting read but I felt at a loss when the book ended. Still worth reading.
the author seems to work too hard at original descriptions. Very informative regarding the sex trade of young children in India.
This book is about a little girl sold into sexual slavery by her parents. It is haunting. I find myself thinking of Batuck at random times. She is an awful situation with no control of her future or way out and yet she finds ways to make her life bearable. This book was an eye opener for me. I live my safe and comfortable life in a country where …
I know the realities of sex trafficking are real and horrific, but this was a little bit too graphic and had a very sad ending.
I was unable to finish this book. I have NEVER read such a horrifying story, I mean no dishonor to the author – he writes well and probably too well. The problem is that I know these horror stories of child trafficking are true – everyday in the news, particularly in India, there are nightmare recounts of young girls raped and set on fire. I …
Beautifully written about a daunting subject
Charming lead character. A well written story but the reality of human trafficking was abysmal and extremely violent. A true eye opener.
The author deals with a very difficult subject with sensitivity.
I was expecting something more after “The Kite Runner” s author endorsed it. But this was not such a powerful book.
Great fast read but tragic story.
Very sad that this is happening in the world. Would have given 5 stars but I didn’t like the ending. The author does give some good background information after the book.
The Indian culture is deplorable for the poor and weak just as our culture is the same for our poor and weak…except no one writes about it quite as honestly as the author of The Blue Notebook.
I felt that the author could have done a lot more with the material. More cultural/socia/psychologial l exploration would have added depth. As it was, the book feels very superficial.
You will remember this story long after you have read it.
Did not like it
The main character of this book, a child prostitute in India, is very interesting. While the story is tragic, she doesn’t speak of it as a tragedy, but just as a way of life. Her fantasies help her accept her reality.
This is a stunning insight into a lifestyle that few of us know anything about. Perhaps shining a light on it will somehow help …