For My Sister

by Puja Shah

Amla and Asya are sixteen-year-old twins living with their family in a small village outside of Mumbai. While they look alike, they are very different. Asya is known for her quiet grace and understanding, whereas Amla questions authority and breaks rules.

Their lives change overnight when their mother becomes ill with cancer and their father succumbs to the massive financial strain of her care in Mumbai and eventually abandons his children. To the twins' dismay, their grandparents arrange their marriages to older men. When they form a plan and run away to join their mother in the hope for a new life, the girls discover that the world is not what they thought.

After trusting the wrong people, a long train ride brings them to the dark streets of India's largest red light district where they are sold to a ruthless woman. Their only security is each other . . . until they are separated. Though they each discover ways to cope through poetry, art, and romance, they long for the other half of themselves. Will their lives ever intertwine again?

Genres: Fiction

286 pages, Hardcover

Published October 18, 2022

Reviews

[Brown Girl Bookshelf]

Puja Shah effectively gives voice to the many lost girls in her debut novel, “For My Sister.” Equal parts tragic and beautiful, Shah uncovers the brutal reality of systemic failure to protect girls while concurrently emphasizing the forced resiliency of girls.

While the fate of sixteen-year-old twin sisters Amla and Asya was never certain, their unconditional love for each other, and unspoken promise to be together, was unwavering. When their grandmother informs the girls they are to marry two brothers twice their age, desperation strikes and the sisters escape to Mumbai. But, their escape route is a trap to Sonagachi, Asia’s largest red light district. For the first time, the girls are physically and emotionally torn apart.

The motif of duality stuck with me. When the brothel Madame throws acid in Asya’s face as a consequence for Amla’s escape during a raid, miles away and hours after her escape, Amla is awakened by an intense burning of her eyes and screams in agony until she is doused in water.

Also noticeable was how the theme of gendered oppression was not exclusive to Amla and Asya’s story. Rather, it extended to their mother who married under the false condition that she would be allowed to continue her education; to Sweta auntie who was hit by Guhan uncle when she questions his drinking; and to the many girls forced into sex slavery like Amira who was suffocated to death by one of her customers. Alongside this gender disparity also lies inter-group violence as women turn on each other in the face of adversity.

With the recent sensation of “Gangubai Kathiawadi,” we are seeing a deserved increase in stories on strong desi women defeating all odds. Shah’s novel is both touching and timely.

[Kenzie | kenzienoelle.reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

*This novel centers on twin sisters from a small Indian village. Both girls are beautiful and love their family but that’s where the similarities stop. Amla is independent, opinionated and feels her feelings strongly. Asya is quiet, academic and a poet. From the moment their mother is diagnosed with cancer, their lives are quite literally never the same as the sisters find themselves in places and making decisions they never expected.

*Well Tash nailed it because I loved this book. I adore a sibling story and this was filled with so many sibling dynamics, from the joys to the betrayals. This story is a journey and takes some devastating and heartbreaking turns.

*This book only has 75 ratings on Goodreads🤯 Y’all this book needs some hype behind it because it hasn’t found its audience yet!! I highly encourage you to pick it up (definitely check trigger warnings if necessary) but I need more readers picking this book up! Read Amla and Asya’s story and learn about and reflect upon the very real women they represent. Strong women who forge their own way despite so much hardship and pain and never give up on each other🩷

💕This is a book that Tash recommended to me. Then, Keeta so kindly gifted it to me for my birthday. This is my Keeta and Sita book and for that reason, it’s one of my most treasured💕

[Madison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Puja Shah for the gifted copy of your book!

It’s always tough picking up a book that you know will be a dark and difficult topic, but For My Sister is written in a way that allows for room to breathe. The passages of poetry provide an outlet through art, so there is a thread of hope woven throughout the story. I liked the balance between emotional scenes and matter-of-fact descriptions that felt powerful without being melodramatic. I enjoyed reading about the twins’ unconditional love for each other, with their skepticism and support and jealousy mixed in; their emotional journeys felt very real. Overall, this is a heartbreaking but beautiful read.

[Erin Prideaux · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is life changing on so many levels. From the very first word to the very last word, I could not put it down. Puja’s language is poetry and her writing allows the reader to be transported to India and see, smell and taste all that is described. The sisters are immediately in your heart. In the most beautiful and poetic way, this book really examines the dark underbelly of society and human trafficking. I hope it inspires all readers to take action and make conscious change in the world.

[MeMe · Rating 5 out of 5]

'For My Sister' depicts the relationship between sisters, human trafficking, and sibling bonds in an incredibly powerful way. There is a lot to learn from this story; it is insightful, inspiring, heartbreaking, and hopeful. We are inspired to empathize with and act on behalf of sex trafficking victims when Puja Shah humanizes their circumstances. Her debut novel transports readers to India and immerses them in these two characters' lives, making them feel compelled to oppose slavery in today's society.

[Tina Lentz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is dealing with a tough subject but one that needs discussion. This book was so great. Our whole club thought Puja did a great job explaining about tough choices that are made from generational poverty .. and there is where the story lies..

[Grishma Shah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read. Heavy, yet gentle and sensitive in addressing serious themes


Asya and Amla’s journey is heart-wrenching and will surely make you angry at the cruelty in the world, yet at the end,you begin to see the tiny sparkles of hope that make us believe there is always more good than bad. A heavy read, but well worth it! Puja handles important...

[Winona Howe · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I was totally engrossed by For My Sister, first because of the descriptions of Indian society and family life, but even more by the study of the connection between Amla and Asya. Each feels both love and jealousy for the other; we share their thoughts and understand their differing choices. Each sister is holding one end of the tie that used to bind them together—will one or both let it slip through their hands? I highly recommend For My Sister—the interplay of tension and emotion will keep you reading until the final page.”

[Rahdika K · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story revolves around twin sisters set in the backdrop of a village in India. The story takes a turn when their mother passes away.

What i liked about this book is that it deals with patriarchy, mental illness and relationship between sisters. As you are reading this book, there would be parts where you will be happy, some where you are angry, disappointed and frustrated. It’s a whirlwind of emotions. Phew!

I also liked the relationship between the sisters. They are able to feel what happens to each other despite being apart. That was beautifully depicted in this book.

I enjoyed reading the relationship between Vishnu and Asya; however, i felt it was a little short and superficial. I expected more though. 🙈

The part where the sisters got sent to brothel; it was so frustrating. Furthermore, it was done by someone the girls trusted. This goes on to show that in this world, trust is a valuable thing that can’t be bestowed onto anyone.

In conclusion, this is a fast paced novel. I just took my time reading this book. If you are into sisterhood, human rights and getting emotionally damaged 🙃, this is the book for you.

ARC provided by author.

[Carla Damron · Rating 4 out of 5]

For My Sister is an engrossing tale of twin sisters who become trapped in the dark, wretched world of human trafficking. When they are separated, the drive to reunite gives each the strength to persevere, to rise above victimhood and to find a better life—only to realize that true happiness can only happen when they are reunited. Their story will pull you in and not let go.

[Dianne C Braley · Rating 5 out of 5]

"For my Sister is a harrowing and eye-opening account of twin sisters who, through a series of tragic events, end up in the brothels of India, human trafficked by someone thought to be trusted, and ending up in the bowels of hell. While this book is heart-wrenching, one never gives up hope living in the spirits of these determined sisters. Their bond is as unbreakable as their determination and instinct for survival. A masterfully written book that awakens every emotion and a much-needed narrative reminding us of the suffering of women in many areas of the world. For My Sister is easily stacked with some of the best books I’ve read."

[Arielle Ford · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully told story of twin sisters that soars from the depth of despair and gut-wrenching cruelty to the miracle of resurrection and the healing power and poetry of love. For My Sister is a novel with a social conscience illuminating the epidemic of human trafficking. It will break your heart, open your soul, and ignite a fire within to become part of the solution. Share it far and wide with all of your sisters.

[Nikki Chokshi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Puja Shah threads the tapestry of a relationship between two sisters beautifully, revealing to us the power of her prose as it brings to light the dire global issue of sexual exploitation. With her ability to transport us to India and immerse us in these two characters lives, I have no doubt readers will be moved by her debut novel, and feel the urge to take action against this form of modern day slavery.

[Rashmi Bismark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Puja Shah’s exquisite debut novel, For My Sister, is a thoughtfully researched and captivating story that highlights injustices endured by young girls due to human trafficking. Beautiful storytelling weaves together haunting poetry and riveting prose while illuminating the unbreakable bonds of sisterhood.

[Sheela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, this was a crazy powerful journey that included some of the highest of highs and lowest of lows. The low was VERY low and tremendously heartbreaking. I’m not a huge fan of red light district books - I don’t like how a lot of authors sort of romanticize the whole thing - it’s just so much trauma porn and a lot of books focus on the awfulness and barely cover any education surrounding such an important topic. This story, while wholly unbelievable overall, was a good reminder to appreciate hope in the smallest of things, to embrace family however untraditional it may look like and to appreciate art and literature in the light it can bring in someone’s life. Parts of the story easily mirror an Indian girl’s life in a brothel but the general story of two sisters trying to find their way back together is improbable and too simplistic. Even the love stories were oversimplified. That doesn’t mean you cannot appreciate the beautiful aspects of the story, making one think about the larger themes of life - trust, pride, jealousy, grief, trauma. A lot of books like this have the tendency to make India look backwards (as if no other countries also have a sex trafficking issue…) but I felt that she did a great job in bridging the beauty of the country with the crudeness of the underground world and the misogyny many women face. And the saviors weren’t all white…what a shocker! (Truly, what a shocker because that also is not the norm in this genre).

The author’s note at the end about how she wanted to highlight the stories of young girls, taken while vulnerable and sold to cruel men seemed like a passion project of hers and I appreciated how she wanted to bring awareness to stories similar to Amla and Aysa. It made me feel like she didn’t include all the gruesome content to push a story for entertainment value, to accommodate Western masses, to get a movie deal, etc. - she truly wanted to shed light on a pressing topic and hope that as a reader, we can continue to spread awareness, hope and light.

[Tejal · Rating 5 out of 5]

“For My Sister is a gripping, and deeply moving story about the the bond of sisters and the realities of human trafficking. This page-turner is full of insight, inspiration, heartbreak and hope.

Puja Shah beautifully humanizes the victims of sex trafficking in a way we can look beyond ones circumstances, fully empathize with their story and inspire us to take action.”

[Christine Gibson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading For My Sister by Puja Shah was a deeply moving and, at times, harrowing experience. It took me longer than usual to finish this novel, not because of the writing, but because of the sheer emotional weight it carries. The horrors faced by the sisters, Amla and Asya, were so raw and vivid that I found myself pausing to process the events unfolding on the page. The story felt heartbreakingly real, and my heart broke a thousand times for the twins.

The novel shines a powerful light on issues like human trafficking, forced marriages, and sexual slavery—atrocities that, shockingly, still plague our modern world. Shah doesn’t shy away from portraying the brutal reality of these injustices, yet she weaves in threads of courage and resilience. Amla and Asya's determination to survive and reclaim their lives, even after being separated for years, is both inspiring and heart-wrenching.

The sisters’ eventual reunion, each now free and raising beautiful daughters of their own, brought a sense of closure that felt both uplifting and bittersweet. This is a story that leaves you feeling a complex mix of emotions: happiness, sadness, anger, fear, and hope. Most importantly, it forces the reader to confront the uncomfortable question: How do we, as a society, allow such atrocities to persist?

For My Sister isn’t just a story—it’s a call to action. It challenges us to think about how we can make the world a safer, fairer place not only for girls and women but for all those who are trapped in modern-day slavery. This novel is a reminder of the importance of awareness, advocacy, and change.

Puja Shah has crafted a narrative that stays with you long after the final page. It’s not an easy read, but it’s an important one—one that will open your eyes and stir your soul.

[Mili J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

For my sister is a deeply touching, heart wrenching and heart warming story highlighting the unshakable bond between sisters. Throughout the novel I found myself swept away to a different time and different place to follow the two sisters as they navigated the world. At times I forgot I was reading a story and would feel myself right next to them, in India, experiencing what they felt, saw, heard and smelled. I highly recommend reading this! I loved the book and look forward to reading more from the author.

[Surabhi Tewari · Rating 2 out of 5]

I respect Puja Shah so much for the courage and grace to write about such an important, gut wrenching, and humbling topic. As an Indian woman, my biggest shame is the way India treats its girls and women, and giving voice to these individuals is crucial. However, I have to separate my feelings about this topic from the writing. Overall, I felt the style to be bland, lacking movement, and an over simplification of complex feelings. Perhaps this is just not the style for me, but I did not enjoy my reading experience as it felt that each word was predictable and superficial.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is equal parts heartwarming and heartbreaking. The story of love between two sisters is so sweet. The way Puja Shah describes the various situations that cause people to be trafficked is heartbreaking, but so important for people to understand.

I would certainly recommend this book to anyone who is willing to learn more about human trafficking.

[Anuj Shah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible novel about the love of siblings! Very powerful and brilliant.

[Tricia Dimon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captivating

[Cavak · Rating 4 out of 5]

For My Sister turned out to be one of those reading experiences where I said, "I'll read fifty pages," and then devoured the entire story in one sitting. It's that addicting to me.

I'm also glad that I didn't read the book's promotional blurb before reading. It's like a film trailer that performs its task too thoroughly, in which you can almost predict the entire plot without having to see the film itself. When the inevitable does occur, it's painful. And Shah is honest and respectful as possible. We're thankfully not subjected to any sense of glorified violence.

Shah crafted a careful and delicate balance for that tricky social construct that dyes the whole narrative: cricked male entitlement. Especially if they were first born sons. Domestic abuse, ugly masculinity, and organized crime. How can they still exist? Shah presents multiple ways of expressing this question, all without dehumanizing any character and seamlessly connecting these plots to the sisters' own plights.

Between the two sisters, Alma's story appealed to me less than Asya's narrative. The second half of her love story felt somewhat superficial, which was surprising to me given what she goes through. I welcomed the contrast she has between Asya, one that felt hopeful and bright throughout. For Asya, I was captivated by her horrific struggles and her lovely poetry. Grasping to find any beauty in a demeaning situation.

For My Sister is a thoughtful narrative on many hard subjects. I enjoyed reading the author's note, as it sheds light on where her activism started. Makes me feel motivated to donating to a nonprofit now.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Book Reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

For My Sister by Puja Shah is a novel that follows two sisters’ Asya and Amla, and how a sequence of events impacted their lives, shaping who they become. The first major life event they remember was when their mother became ill, how the suddenness of this tragic situation cements a bond between the sisters and during later events in their lives.

This coming-of-age story shares the lives of two individuals who, despite their close relationship, are vastly different in many ways. The author narrates from a profoundly personal but unique perspective that captures the reader’s attention, so they want to learn more. The significance of the girls’ early years quickly sets the foundation for many other changes and events later in life, which is well emphasized and woven into the story.

For My Sister by Puja Shah is a beautifully written and intriguing tale that delves deep into the struggles of women from around the world. For this reason, I really enjoyed the appreciation of the theme of this book, which is enhanced by exceptional storytelling. I would highly recommend reading this book, and sharing it, as it provides an important message of resilience, with rich characters and their experiences.

[Asha · Rating 5 out of 5]

For my sister is Puja Shah's debut novel. With a background in poetry and becoming a voice for young girls Shah delivered a book that touches upon the dark side of humanity.
Desperate for money, and unable to raise his twin daughters after losing his wife to cancer, Asya and Amla's father abandons them. As their grandparents make plans for the twin's to be married to older men, they come up with a plan to run away to Mumbai where they are sold as commodities.
Finding ways to survive in the dark depths of the red light district, Asya and Amla become separated.
This story is equally touching and heartbreaking. Touching is their strength, their connection and their faith in each other, heartbreaking is the atrocities they had to endure.
This book has raised awareness for human trafficking and the sex trade and has won multiple awards.
A fantastic story but be aware of trigger warnings as some parts were difficult to read.

[Stacie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Found this one at one of my favorite little free libraries. It had been on my shelf almost a year before I picked it up. I don't know if I was quite prepared for it before - it's a heart wrenching read - but beautifully written about two sisters and their parallel lives. The two points of view were beautifully written with difficult subject matter. The perseverance and power of sisterhood are key elements. Trigger warning: themes of trafficking, rape, forced prostitution.

[Kanika K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I devoured this book in one plane ride. Even though it tackles difficult and emotional topics, the unexpected twists kept me hooked from start to finish. As a South Asian, I still walked away learning so much and deeply valuing the experience. I especially loved seeing the story through the lens of the two sisters and witnessing their beautiful bond.

[Shetal Shah · Rating 5 out of 5]

A poignant read from beginning to end!

[Nicole Beegee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great story about two sisters in India who survive many hardships. I enjoyed the story.