Sisterhood and Survival: How “For My Sister” Sheds Light on Human Trafficking and the Power of Resilience
For My Sister by Puja Shah is a powerful and emotional story about twin sisters, Amla and Asya, who are forced to face some of the darkest challenges in life. The novel is set in India and follows the journey of these two girls after their family falls apart. When their mother becomes very sick and their father cannot support them, Amla and Asya end up in a dangerous situation. They are tricked and trafficked into Sonagachi, Asia’s largest red-light district, where their lives change forever.
What makes this story special is the strong bond between the sisters. Even when they are separated and surrounded by fear and uncertainty, Amla and Asya never give up hope. They remember the comfort they once found together, as Amla says, “In the village, Amla and I would find comfort in the stillness of night…”. This memory gives them strength to survive each day. The sisters use poetry, art, and the lessons from their past to hold on to their identities and keep their spirits alive, even when everything seems lost.
The book does not hide the harsh truth about human trafficking, gender violence, and poverty. Instead, it shows how these problems affect real people, especially young girls and women. Puja Shah was inspired to write this story after working with girls’ rights groups in India and Uganda. She wanted to give a voice to the girls she met and to make readers understand that these issues are not far away-they can happen to anyone.
But at its heart, For My Sister is also about hope and resilience. Even in the darkest moments, the bond of sisterhood helps Amla and Asya find light. They learn that when everything else is taken away, the love and connection they share can never be broken. Shah writes, “Torn oceans apart from their lives and each other, Amla and Asya turn to the beauty of poetry, mindfulness, and sisterhood for a chance at survival”. Their story inspires readers to believe in the power of love, courage, and never giving up, no matter how hard life gets.
By telling the story of Amla and Asya, Puja Shah not only raises awareness about human trafficking but also celebrates the strength that comes from family and sisterhood. The novel reminds us that even in the worst situations, hope and resilience can help us survive and find our way back to ourselves.
