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Stolen Lives: Human Trafficking and Slavery in Britain Today
136,000 people in the UK are in some form of slavery. This is big business, generating more than £1.2 billion annually for criminal organisations across the world.
Stolen Lives examines trafficking and slavery in Britain, hearing from those on the front line. Powerful and moving testimony from survivors reveals the individual stories behind the headlines and charts one young woman’s terrifying and ultimately inspiring journey to freedom and independence. Finally, it shows us what we can do to make a difference.
Stolen Lives examines trafficking and slavery in Britain, hearing from those on the front line. Powerful and moving testimony from survivors reveals the individual stories behind the headlines and charts one young woman’s terrifying and ultimately inspiring journey to freedom and independence. Finally, it shows us what we can do to make a difference.
288 pages, Paperback
First published September 3, 2020
9 people are currently reading
141 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
January 12, 2021
If I'm honest, I knew very little about modern day slavery in the UK, despite their being a case in my home town just 8 years ago!
But this is why I like to read non fiction. To learn about something you probably should know more about. And Stolen Lives is a fantastic book to start your learning about modern slavery.
The book is jam packed with information, facts and figures, legislation, interviews with many people who work to fight against slavery and there are also a few accounts from survivers which I found particularly interesting and heartbreaking. The main story running through the book is Elena's story. Elena bravely shares her story, the trauma she faced and her long road to recovery. It was a sad story.
When I read a book like this I get all fired up, wanting to change the world. Stolen Lives gives you some ways you can help get rid of slavery from apps you can use to report suspicious behaviour or someone you think is in trouble, to checking that the businesses you support within the UK have an informative Modern Slavery Statement on the front page of their website.
I recommend this book to everyone. The information is easily accessible and clear to understand. It's well written and you can tell this is a topic Hulland is passionate about. It feels like a lot of work went into this book and when you read it you will be left wondering how you never realised Modern Slavery is all around us, hidden in plain site.
Thank you to Sandstone for the gifted copy via netgalley. All views are my own.
But this is why I like to read non fiction. To learn about something you probably should know more about. And Stolen Lives is a fantastic book to start your learning about modern slavery.
The book is jam packed with information, facts and figures, legislation, interviews with many people who work to fight against slavery and there are also a few accounts from survivers which I found particularly interesting and heartbreaking. The main story running through the book is Elena's story. Elena bravely shares her story, the trauma she faced and her long road to recovery. It was a sad story.
When I read a book like this I get all fired up, wanting to change the world. Stolen Lives gives you some ways you can help get rid of slavery from apps you can use to report suspicious behaviour or someone you think is in trouble, to checking that the businesses you support within the UK have an informative Modern Slavery Statement on the front page of their website.
I recommend this book to everyone. The information is easily accessible and clear to understand. It's well written and you can tell this is a topic Hulland is passionate about. It feels like a lot of work went into this book and when you read it you will be left wondering how you never realised Modern Slavery is all around us, hidden in plain site.
Thank you to Sandstone for the gifted copy via netgalley. All views are my own.
August 29, 2020
This is not easy subject matter, but don’t look away.
A fully developed picture of modern slavery in the UK – people working off a ‘debt’ in farms and factories, hotels and restaurants, nail bars and carwashes, locked in cannabis farms and pop-up brothels - is long overdue, and Hulland provides an unflinching, cogent account: from the framework of legislation, through the laborious detail of execution, woven with the stories of human pain.
It’s a complex picture, and there is a lot to learn. As the foreword by Moira Forsyth explains: most victims in Britain are UK citizens trafficked by other UK citizens; the majority are not in locked rooms but in plain sight and this is big business.
I read the book over 2 evenings – it flows so well – and learned a lot: from the difficulty of ensuring that the clothes and electronics we buy did not involve slave labour - a multidimensional supply net rather than a linear supply chain; the role of Frank Field, Fiona Hill and Theresa May in bringing in ground-breaking UK legislation; the work of the Salvation Army, Hesta, Unseen with the police; the dichotomy of a government department charged with protecting and resettling victims of trafficking being the same organisation tasked with creating a hostile environment for immigrants. The legal process - glacially slow and impersonal, inefficient to the point of cruelty is moderated with extraordinary compassion by brave champions of dignity.
Since when did justice depend on who you have in your corner? Wasn’t it meant to be blind? fair for all?
Any truth about modern slavery is likely to be harrowing, but what Louise Hullard does, through interviews and testimony, rigorous definitions and shocking statistics, is to give us a glimmer of hope.
Where co-ordinated, principled action is taken, the lives of the most vulnerable can, and do, improve. Education, compassion and kindness can combat ignorance, greed and cruelty.
If you want to know more, do more, this book is a great place to start.
A fully developed picture of modern slavery in the UK – people working off a ‘debt’ in farms and factories, hotels and restaurants, nail bars and carwashes, locked in cannabis farms and pop-up brothels - is long overdue, and Hulland provides an unflinching, cogent account: from the framework of legislation, through the laborious detail of execution, woven with the stories of human pain.
It’s a complex picture, and there is a lot to learn. As the foreword by Moira Forsyth explains: most victims in Britain are UK citizens trafficked by other UK citizens; the majority are not in locked rooms but in plain sight and this is big business.
I read the book over 2 evenings – it flows so well – and learned a lot: from the difficulty of ensuring that the clothes and electronics we buy did not involve slave labour - a multidimensional supply net rather than a linear supply chain; the role of Frank Field, Fiona Hill and Theresa May in bringing in ground-breaking UK legislation; the work of the Salvation Army, Hesta, Unseen with the police; the dichotomy of a government department charged with protecting and resettling victims of trafficking being the same organisation tasked with creating a hostile environment for immigrants. The legal process - glacially slow and impersonal, inefficient to the point of cruelty is moderated with extraordinary compassion by brave champions of dignity.
Since when did justice depend on who you have in your corner? Wasn’t it meant to be blind? fair for all?
Any truth about modern slavery is likely to be harrowing, but what Louise Hullard does, through interviews and testimony, rigorous definitions and shocking statistics, is to give us a glimmer of hope.
Where co-ordinated, principled action is taken, the lives of the most vulnerable can, and do, improve. Education, compassion and kindness can combat ignorance, greed and cruelty.
If you want to know more, do more, this book is a great place to start.
August 30, 2020
A harrowing, eye opening and informative look at Modern Slavery in Britain!
I’m going to be honest, non-fiction, especially politics based non fiction, isn’t normally something I would pick up and read but this caught my eye and I decided it was time to branch out a little. I am so glad I did!
When I think of slavery my immediate thoughts take me back to years ago and what I learnt in history lessons and whilst I was aware that slavery was still happening today, the book really showed me just how it can vary and be happening right in front of you without you even noticing. That nail bar or car wash that people frequently use, I would never have said the people working there were “slaves” (obviously not all of them are) but you’ll be surprised just how many are actually being exploited.
I was worried the book was going to be heavily loaded with too much political language but it wasn’t. Louise did a fantastic job of storytelling all whilst providing the essential facts. We learn of ‘Elena’, an Albanian girl and the horrific way in which she was trafficked and the many hoops she had to go through after escaping. We are given details on government legislation, interviews with police officers and the amazing work that these charity organisations do for the victims.
It made me angry in parts at the way these victims have to suffer, not just at being trafficked, but afterwards, and the struggle they go through to get the correct support. It shines a light on the absolutely amazing work that charities do, especially the Salvation Army. Again I wasn’t aware of just how much they did until I read this book!
Overall this book will open your eyes to modern slavery, will start those all important conversations that are needed to raise awareness and like me now, will have you looking at every car wash and nail bar wondering if the employees are being treated correctly.
This is such an important subject, with a story that needs to be told and a book that needs to be read!
I’m going to be honest, non-fiction, especially politics based non fiction, isn’t normally something I would pick up and read but this caught my eye and I decided it was time to branch out a little. I am so glad I did!
When I think of slavery my immediate thoughts take me back to years ago and what I learnt in history lessons and whilst I was aware that slavery was still happening today, the book really showed me just how it can vary and be happening right in front of you without you even noticing. That nail bar or car wash that people frequently use, I would never have said the people working there were “slaves” (obviously not all of them are) but you’ll be surprised just how many are actually being exploited.
I was worried the book was going to be heavily loaded with too much political language but it wasn’t. Louise did a fantastic job of storytelling all whilst providing the essential facts. We learn of ‘Elena’, an Albanian girl and the horrific way in which she was trafficked and the many hoops she had to go through after escaping. We are given details on government legislation, interviews with police officers and the amazing work that these charity organisations do for the victims.
It made me angry in parts at the way these victims have to suffer, not just at being trafficked, but afterwards, and the struggle they go through to get the correct support. It shines a light on the absolutely amazing work that charities do, especially the Salvation Army. Again I wasn’t aware of just how much they did until I read this book!
Overall this book will open your eyes to modern slavery, will start those all important conversations that are needed to raise awareness and like me now, will have you looking at every car wash and nail bar wondering if the employees are being treated correctly.
This is such an important subject, with a story that needs to be told and a book that needs to be read!
September 23, 2022
I came across this book accidentally when I was looking for some more information about human trafficking. We discuss this topic in university, and I need to write a paper on human trafficking. I read some paper examples on https://paperap.com/free-papers/human... and had some ideas about what to write, but I decided to read a book to be more competent in that question. And I'm so glad I chose this book. I was very emotional during the reading because human trafficking is a horrible thing. After reading it, for me, it's still hard to understand how in 21 century, there are still things like that. Human trafficking is a horrible crime, and it breaks people's lives. I don't want to write some details because it's better to read the book and find everything yourself.
August 19, 2020
There were a staggering 136,000 people living in modern slavery in the UK in 2016.
Louise Hulland has written a piece of detailed research looking at every aspect of slavery. Surprisingly the largest proportion of slaves are British, followed by Albanians and Vietnamese people.
Hulland follows the case of Elena, a young Albanian woman trying to stay in the UK with her young child after being exploited and forced into prostitution. Her story really brings home the reality of a system stacked against the victim.
This is an impressive overview of the politics of trying to outlaw slavery and the organisations trying to make a difference - from the Co-op to the Salvation Army.
It will really make you think about your role in it too - do you use a nail bar or a car wash and think about the employees? Do you look at anti-slavery policies of big companies and whether they are signed up to do their bit or paying lip service?
Recommended - especially if you are interested in reading about the whole system and why slavery is big business.
Louise Hulland has written a piece of detailed research looking at every aspect of slavery. Surprisingly the largest proportion of slaves are British, followed by Albanians and Vietnamese people.
Hulland follows the case of Elena, a young Albanian woman trying to stay in the UK with her young child after being exploited and forced into prostitution. Her story really brings home the reality of a system stacked against the victim.
This is an impressive overview of the politics of trying to outlaw slavery and the organisations trying to make a difference - from the Co-op to the Salvation Army.
It will really make you think about your role in it too - do you use a nail bar or a car wash and think about the employees? Do you look at anti-slavery policies of big companies and whether they are signed up to do their bit or paying lip service?
Recommended - especially if you are interested in reading about the whole system and why slavery is big business.
July 25, 2020
This book will change lives. It's an undeniably tough read, dealing with cruelty, violence and incompetence it's more comfortable to avoid thinking about. However, Louise Hulland also shines a light on the strength of survivors, and the kindness and tenacity of those fighting to bring an end to trafficking and modern slavery.
October 18, 2020
Maurice Benson review of Stolen Lives
An amazing insight into the crime of Modern Slavery. The story of Elena running through the book. Although her outcome wasn't perfect, she has massive hope and I wish her well for the future.
The work put in researching and gathering the information for this book must have been extremely time consuming and Louise must have experienced a rollercoaster of emotions. I cannot imagine how difficult doing some of the interviews must have been. This must be to Louise's credit.
A brilliant book which a would recommend everyone to read.
Maurice Benson
An amazing insight into the crime of Modern Slavery. The story of Elena running through the book. Although her outcome wasn't perfect, she has massive hope and I wish her well for the future.
The work put in researching and gathering the information for this book must have been extremely time consuming and Louise must have experienced a rollercoaster of emotions. I cannot imagine how difficult doing some of the interviews must have been. This must be to Louise's credit.
A brilliant book which a would recommend everyone to read.
Maurice Benson
June 23, 2020
Stolen Lives is a very powerful and thought-provoking look at modern slavery and the effect it has. It's a highly relevant and topical read.
September 14, 2020
I always hesitate to describe something as “important” as that tends to put some people off, but it’s an entirely appropriate word to use here, and for all of the right reasons.
Modern Slavery is a blight on the world, and particularly on Western Societies. This book not only shines a light on stories that so often go untold but it does so in the most compassionate, caring and sensitive way, without shying away from the detail that we all need to be aware of.
We all need to know more about this issue, we all need to care more about it, we all need to start doing more. Through intelligent, informative journalism such as this we will hopefully raise the profile of modern slavery and people trafficking as issues, and get those with the power to do most about to take it more seriously.
I don’t just ask you all to read this book, I implore you. It will open your mind to things that you almost certainly haven’t thought about enough.
A must read.
Modern Slavery is a blight on the world, and particularly on Western Societies. This book not only shines a light on stories that so often go untold but it does so in the most compassionate, caring and sensitive way, without shying away from the detail that we all need to be aware of.
We all need to know more about this issue, we all need to care more about it, we all need to start doing more. Through intelligent, informative journalism such as this we will hopefully raise the profile of modern slavery and people trafficking as issues, and get those with the power to do most about to take it more seriously.
I don’t just ask you all to read this book, I implore you. It will open your mind to things that you almost certainly haven’t thought about enough.
A must read.
September 7, 2020
Please read this book.
Have just finished Stolen Lives by Louise Hulland, which is about modern slavery IN THE UK. Yes, that is correct.
On your high street,
in your home town
now
there ARE slaves.
Not just statues, or concert halls but existing, breathing, feeling, hurting people who have no freedom in their lives and who are awfully exploited and abused. Please read this book.
She finishes with a quote from Robert Kennedy:
“Each time a man stands up for an ideal,
or acts to improve the lot of others,
or strikes out against injustice
he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope.
And crossing each other from a million
different centres of energy and daring
those ripples build a current
which can sweep down the mightiest walls
of oppression and resistance”
Please read this book. It is important.
Have just finished Stolen Lives by Louise Hulland, which is about modern slavery IN THE UK. Yes, that is correct.
On your high street,
in your home town
now
there ARE slaves.
Not just statues, or concert halls but existing, breathing, feeling, hurting people who have no freedom in their lives and who are awfully exploited and abused. Please read this book.
She finishes with a quote from Robert Kennedy:
“Each time a man stands up for an ideal,
or acts to improve the lot of others,
or strikes out against injustice
he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope.
And crossing each other from a million
different centres of energy and daring
those ripples build a current
which can sweep down the mightiest walls
of oppression and resistance”
Please read this book. It is important.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews