Ribbons of the Sun

Harriet Hamilton
Brown Barn Books (2006)
ISBN 0976812622
Reviewed by Kelli Glesige for Reader Views (1/07)

“Ribbons of the Sun” is the story of twelve year old Rosa who lives with her family near Santa Maria del Sol.  Her father earns a living by working the fields and selling flowers in the village.  Even though her abuelita, or grandmother, tells her the village is not the place for a young girl, Rosa always dreams of going to the village with her father to sell flowers.  One day Papa tells Rosa it is now time for her to go to the city with him.

Rosa is so excited and can hardly contain herself, for a trip to the village has been her lifelong dream.  Excitement turns to sheer terror when Rosa finally realizes why Papa has brought Rosa along.  Money is tight for the family, and Papa sells twelve year old Rosa to a cruel patron who mentally and physically abuses the innocent child.  She is assaulted and humiliated time and again and then blamed for her actions, and her spiritual strength abandons her.  Sadly enough, Rosa has no idea what is actually happening to her, as she is just beginning to grow into womanhood and has never had anything explained to her.  Now with child, Rosa is thrown out of the house and must find a way to stay alive, living on the unsafe streets.  No one needs or wants a worker with a baby in tow.

“Ribbons of the Sun” is a story meant to open our eyes to the problem of child exploitation that exists throughout the world.  Author Harriet Hamilton spent fifteen years in Mexico and considered herself as a messenger to bring this problem to the attention of as many people as possible.  “Ribbons of the Sun” delivers her message.

“Ribbons of the Sun” is an eye opener.  It is about a problem I do not enjoy talking about or thinking about.  It is sad and cruel.  However, Harriet Hamilton has done a good job of getting her message across so others might be able to help the innocent children.  This book is for older teens and adults only.  “Ribbons of the Sun” was published posthumously. 

Make comment on weblog