Here are some books that we’ve been reading on the subject of Human Trafficking. If you want to add some thoughts or a review of a relevant book then please get in touch at info@mayak.org.uk
Stolen Lives: Human Trafficking and Slavery in Britain Today
by Louise Hulland
published September 2020
Available in paperback from Amazon for £10.19 and also available in Kindle and Audible
I was looking for a book that would give me some insight into the extent of human trafficking in the UK and the support and rehabilitation of survivors . This book was both instructive and readable (despite being packed with statistics and anecdotal information). I felt that Louise Hulland was taking me with her in discovering the reality of the level of human trafficking in our everyday lives and how it affects all ages and levels of society. I didn’t feel that the writer was trying to dramatize or sensationalise the issues, but the accounts of real-life stories are heart-breaking.
I highly recommend this book, it is well researched and a worthwhile read.
Karen at Mayak
God in a Brothel: An Undercover Journey into Sex Trafficking and Rescue
by Daniel Walker
Published 2011 Available from Amazon £11.99
Reading the reviews on Amazon, a lot of people have rated this book highly so don’t let me put you off! The subject of Sex Trafficking is never going to be an easy read but after a few chapters I began to worry about the author.
The book starts with his early life story in New Zealand where he grew up dreaming of becoming a superhero/ rescuer and joined the police force to fulfil this ambition. He then became involved with an American organisation that recruited criminal investigators to work undercover in bars and clubs in America, Asia and the Caribbean to uncover trafficking networks and rescue ‘victims’. The theme of the superhero and victim continues through sensationalist stories which I felt distracted from the truly harrowing nightmare that the women and children were experiencing. There’s a lot of information in this book, it covers sex trafficking worldwide with background on the cultural and economic factors that allow if to happen.
If like me, you are a Christian, then you might find the title is a little misleading. I’m not sure what I was expecting but it’s more of a testimony book about him and his faith rather than an account of how God is showing up in dark places.
Karen at Mayak
THE SINGING MERMAID
By Julia Donaldson and Lydia Monks
Published 2018 Available from Amazon £5.54
A lovely book for ages 3-6 and great if you want to introduce children to the idea of trafficking.
It's about a mermaid who is tricked into joining the circus on promises of fame and fortune, but then kept in a fish tank and not allowed to leave. (She escapes at the end when a seagull takes the key from the circus boss and the acrobat teaches her to walk on her hands so she can get back to the sea).
Penny at Mayak