Book Review: The Road to Lost Innocence

Don't read the first 75 pages of this book while eating. That being said, you need to read this book. In The Road to Lost Innocence, Somaly Mam recounts the horrific experience of being sold into prostitution in Cambodia during the 70s and 80s. The stories will make you cringe and tear your heart. You'll get a glimpse not only into Cambodian culture, but also into the often-hushed but ever-so-prevalent sex industry. Somaly doesn't just share her story--she also tells of the other girls and sisters she knows whose lives have also been ruined by the sale of their bodies. The book will turn your stomach, but that's what it's supposed to do. For millions of girls each year, what you'll read isn't just a book, it's their life.

The story doesn't end there, though. Somaly mercifully was able to escape and now helps other girls (of devastatingly young ages) out of the evil that is prostitution. Even though she's not a Christian (but rather a Bhuddist), you can see the mercy of God in her meeting certain people at certain times, Him providing a way of escape, etc. One thing I really appreciated was the description of how they are educating the men to value women. It's not enough to just make prostitution illegal--the root of the problem needs to be delt with. Men need to learn to honor women and not see them as purely physical objects.

I think Christians especially need to be aware of what's happening in this area, as we not only have physical freedom from prostitution, we know the One who offers spiritual freedom as well.

Here's a link where you can buy Somaly's book; the local library system as it as well and I'm willing to loan out my copy. Read it, and let God move your heart for the girls who are lost in this sickening world.

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