Lorenzo DeStefano

This book was an amazing read. House Boy is a novel based on real life events, but it is also a horror story about human trafficking, modern day slavery, and the power of the human spirit to endure cruel abuse and unthinkable acts of violence perpetrated by truely despicable people. In this story of survival, Vijay Pallan, leaves his small village in India seeking work in the capital city, Chenai . Vijay has not been in the city for even a day when he unfortunately crosses paths with a man a little too willing to help. This overly kind stranger offers to find him employment overseas in the United Kingdom. Vijay is delighted to have been presented with such an opportunity to improve his family's circumstances and can hardly believe the blessed fortune the gods have shown him. Innocence and naivety prevent him from questioning why a man would be so willing to help; it all seems too good to be true, and unfortunately for Vijay, a harsh and predatory reality awaits him in England. Vijay thinks he has landed a position as a domestic; but tragically, he has been purchased by a cruel con-woman and her despicable son. The next year of Vijay’s life will be a living hell. Vijay’s prayers grow as desperate as his situation, but those inner words are the only place of beauty where he can escape. There he seeks the eternal and the immutable, entreating that which possesses the supernatural perseverance that he requires in order to survive. Given the subject matter it should come as no surprise that the book contains graphic descriptions of abuse; and although difficult to read, the author does a masterful job of providing insight into the mind and heart of Vijay. How memories of his loving family, as well as the humbly devoted prayers to his beloved Hindu gods comfort him and bring him strength while he endures being made the sport of never ending pain and humiliation.Vijay recites verses of the Hanuman Chalisa and finds solace, “The words cloak Vijay in a soothing canopy of faith.”
Are those prayers ever answered? Things don’t stay one sided forever, and one day his actions and choices find Vijay twisting once again,the plaything of circumstance, and changed forever. In time, Vijay finds comfort and a sense of freedom, he also finds friendship and love in very unexpected places.
This book took me on an unexpected journey. Though filled with descriptions of violent acts challenging to read, it is pleasantly counterpointed with beautiful prose. The world of pain is expressed in cramped style, while the sweet releases, the prayers and subtle defiances, are fortified with poetic turns and poignant recollection. I could not put this book down, reading it in two sittings. House Boy has forever left me altered the way all profoundly great books should.

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