McCormick writes a powerful novel that incorporates history and fiction and tells a heart wrenching story that leaves readers feeling guilty for the life Lakshmi, the main character, underwent. I think one of the most striking aspects of this novel is the fact that it is based on real events and happenings. McCormick writes an authors note at the end of her novel that states "each year, nearly 12,000 Nepali girls are sold by their families...into a life of sexual slavery in the brothels of India." Throughout the entire novel readers like myself are disgusted by the events happening and cannot even begin to imagine what a life that seems so horrendous would be like, and then at the end of the piece we as readers discover that this fiction piece is some little girls reality out in the world. I think it's so powerful and informing to write a fiction novel based on a truth, in order to inform the world of problems one fails to acknowledge. McCormick did this powerfully with her use of researched material to write a well thought out piece. Additionally, McCormick adds in just enough details and restrains from going into brutal descriptions of the rapes. "Then he is on top of me, and something hot and insistent is between my legs. He grunts and struggles, trying to fit himself inside me" (pg 120) is enough to inform readers that Lakshmi is being raped but does not go into graphic detail which may be too much for readers. The author continues this with the remaining sexual assaults by briefly stating that a girl has left to a room with a guy, and the reader is well aware that the girl is being raped for money. The author knows how to get her point across, without being to brutal to readers with horrific details. Effectively used technique throughout the piece. Lastly, McCormick uses really brief and short titles for each "chapter" within her novel. Each title is no more than a handful of words, sometime's even one, but they still fit each piece effectively and give the reader somewhat of an intriguing first view at each new chapter. For example, in a piece where Lakshmi first witnesses the use of a TV, McCormick uses the title "TV" (pg 98). It is a preview of what's to come, but never gives away too much. Always keeping the reader curious. I think these titles were effective and nicely fit the format of this novel. Overall, McCormick uses several writing techniques to write a strong novel about a horrifying reality. Definitely recommend.
I think one of the most striking aspects of this novel is the fact that it is based on real events and happenings. McCormick writes an authors note at the end of her novel that states "each year, nearly 12,000 Nepali girls are sold by their families...into a life of sexual slavery in the brothels of India." Throughout the entire novel readers like myself are disgusted by the events happening and cannot even begin to imagine what a life that seems so horrendous would be like, and then at the end of the piece we as readers discover that this fiction piece is some little girls reality out in the world. I think it's so powerful and informing to write a fiction novel based on a truth, in order to inform the world of problems one fails to acknowledge. McCormick did this powerfully with her use of researched material to write a well thought out piece.
Additionally, McCormick adds in just enough details and restrains from going into brutal descriptions of the rapes. "Then he is on top of me, and something hot and insistent is between my legs. He grunts and struggles, trying to fit himself inside me" (pg 120) is enough to inform readers that Lakshmi is being raped but does not go into graphic detail which may be too much for readers. The author continues this with the remaining sexual assaults by briefly stating that a girl has left to a room with a guy, and the reader is well aware that the girl is being raped for money. The author knows how to get her point across, without being to brutal to readers with horrific details. Effectively used technique throughout the piece.
Lastly, McCormick uses really brief and short titles for each "chapter" within her novel. Each title is no more than a handful of words, sometime's even one, but they still fit each piece effectively and give the reader somewhat of an intriguing first view at each new chapter. For example, in a piece where Lakshmi first witnesses the use of a TV, McCormick uses the title "TV" (pg 98). It is a preview of what's to come, but never gives away too much. Always keeping the reader curious. I think these titles were effective and nicely fit the format of this novel.
Overall, McCormick uses several writing techniques to write a strong novel about a horrifying reality. Definitely recommend.