In Sold sex is a violation of self, a physical representation of power with serious and long-lasting physical and psychological effects on its victims. Above all, sex is monetized. It—and the women in the novel—is bought and sold, and this brings a whole host of repercussions with it. The role sex plays in the novel affects how women view the act of sex, their own sexuality, themselves, their worth as humans, and—perhaps most heartbreakingly—how others see them.
The budding adolescence and tentative sexual hopes that Lakshmi experiences in Nepal are cruelly ripped from her at Happiness House. Sex becomes humiliating and shameful. The most intimate encounter Lakshmi has with a man involves simple human touch, not sex. In fact, she tries to desensitize herself to sex that she is helpless to prevent.
The whole point of the novel centering around sexual slavery seems to be twofold. It seeks to tell the stories of human trafficking victims in realistic ways, and it seeks to outrage us enough to act. Because this book isn't just a novel—it's a call to action.
Questions About Sex
- How does Lakshmi's view of sex change throughout the novel?
- Who is more to blame for the sexual violation of the girls in Happiness House—Mumtaz or the men who visit the house? What makes you say this?
- How do the other girls in Happiness House view the act of sex? Why do you think they think of sex this way or act the way they do?
- The second American has sex with Lakshmi. Why do you think McCormick made this choice?
Chew on This
Lakshmi will never associate the act of sex with anything positive in her life.
Lakshmi will eventually get over her negative sexual experiences and repeated rapes to find love and joy in the act of sex.