Sassy, streetwise Sammy is a teenage girl falling through the cracks. Neglected by an alcoholic mother, she endures problems at school and home that lead her into the hands of adults who don't have her best interests in mind. Failed by them at every turn, Sammy acts out, seeking attention from boys, then men, when what she wants most is protection.
Meanwhile, in a small village in Eastern Europe, preternaturally beautiful and naïve Nico is about to turn thirteen, and as her family falls upon desperate times, her father is approached to marry her off. Her family knows that the nice life this stranger seems to be offering Nico is too good to be true, but they and Nico hope for the best as she's shuttled across the border into Ireland, where she and Sammy find one another in their new home, a suburban brothel. As Nico and Sammy journey into this dark underbelly and out the other side, their friendship--and the unexpected acts of kindness they give and receive--form a potent bond.
What a heart-wrenching story. Between the characters and the knowledge of this very real problem, I couldn't put the book down. I hope this story raises awareness and inspires action against sex trafficking.
I wish everyone would read this book, but if you're not a good head space, maybe hold off until you handle it.
Thank you, Goodreads and HarperVia for a copy of this book.
Dates read: Apr 26, 2023 - Apr 27, 2023