Summary
"The Road of Lost Innocence" is the harrowing autobiography of Somaly Mam, a Cambodian woman who survived unimaginable horrors and dedicated her life to fighting sexual slavery. The book recounts Somaly’s early childhood in the forests of northeastern Cambodia with her maternal grandmother. Her parents disappeared during the Cambodian conflict. After her grandmother also vanishes, Somaly is left to fend for herself in a small village, eventually being sold to a man claiming to be her grandfather.
This man takes her away from the only life she knew, introducing her to a world of exploitation and abuse. Sold into servitude, Somaly is forced to work grueling jobs and faces constant mistreatment. This leads to her ultimate betrayal and sale into prostitution, marking the beginning of years of unimaginable suffering. The autobiography chronicles the graphic details of her life in brothels, detailing the physical and emotional abuse she endures, the constant fear, and the dehumanizing conditions she is subjected to. Mam recounts the violence and degradation with unflinching honesty, painting a stark picture of the brutal reality faced by countless women and children in Southeast Asia.
Amidst the darkness, Somaly finds glimmers of hope and resilience. Encounters with compassionate individuals, like the elderly woman who gives her a pair of shoes and the adoptive parents who offer her kindness and education, provide moments of respite and fuel her determination to survive. It is through education and exposure to the world outside the brothels that Somaly begins to envision a different future for herself. After an abusive arranged marriage, Somaly eventually finds a way to escape, and with the help of humanitarian workers, begins to rebuild her life.
Inspired by her own experiences, Somaly dedicates her life to rescuing other women and children from sexual slavery. She establishes AFESIP (Acting for Women in Distressing Situations), an organization dedicated to providing shelter, education, and rehabilitation to victims of trafficking. The book details the challenges and triumphs of her work, from rescuing girls from brothels to fighting corruption within the legal system. Somaly faces constant threats and dangers as she confronts powerful and ruthless traffickers, but her unwavering commitment to her cause keeps her going.
"The Road of Lost Innocence" is not only a story of personal survival but also a powerful indictment of the global sex trade. Somaly Mam exposes the brutal reality of sexual slavery and the devastating impact it has on individuals and communities. She challenges readers to confront the uncomfortable truths about exploitation and to take action to end this horrific practice. Through her work with AFESIP, Somaly Mam has become a beacon of hope for countless victims, offering them a path towards healing, empowerment, and a chance at a new life. The book ends with a call to action, urging readers to join the fight against sexual slavery and to create a world where all women and children can live free from exploitation.