Book Review: Sold on a Monday

I recall being shown the iconic black-and-white photo of young children behind a sign "4 children for sale," taken in the 40s. A journalist had captured it and the image captivated readers as it spread across the United States.

The image haunted author Kristina McMorris. As she imagined circumstances behind it, she created the novel Sold on a Monday.

We experience the story through two main characters, journalist Ellis Reed and newsroom secretary Lily Palmer. Themes of family, loyalty, and responsibility are addressed.

Overall, the story is solid and is a pleasant enough read. I admit, however, that I was never fully pulled in. To borrow a phrase supplied by an iconic Supreme Court decision for my own purposes, I can't always say what it takes for a story to become literature, one that envelops me and makes me forget that I'm reading, but I know it when I see it. This wasn't quite there, but I can see some book clubs enjoying a discussion on this.

I appreciated the additional information at the close of the book, including the original photo and details on what happened to those children, a reading guide, and a conversation with the author.

(I received a digital ARC from NetGalley and Sourcebooks in exchange for my honest review. I've used Amazon Affiliate links here; should you purchase through these links, I receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you.)