Sold to Be a Wife

By: Maggie Hartley

Narrated by: Penelope McDonald

Fourteen-year-old Shazia has been taken into care after a conversation at school leads her teacher to suspect that the teenager's family are planning to send her to Pakistan for an arranged marriage.

To her family's fury, Shazia is sent to live with foster carer Maggie Hartley whilst social services investigate. But with Shazia denying everything and social services unable to find any evidence to support the teacher's fears, Shazia is allowed to return home.

But a few weeks later, Maggie is woken up in the middle of the night by a phone call from a terrified Shazia, who has managed to escape the family home through a window. Sobbing, she confesses to Maggie that her parents are planning to send her to Pakistan to be married in a few days, and have threatened to kill her if she speaks out again.

Returned to Maggie's care, Shazia is petrified that her parents will track her down and kill her, and Maggie must be on constant alert. But the worst is yet to come when it emerges that Shazia is the victim of FGM. Can Maggie help this damaged and traumatised young girl understand what has happened to her and to find a way to heal?

Read by Penny MacDonald

©2018 Maggie Hartley (P)2018 Orion Publishing Group

sold to be a wife

I loved this story. Maggie is such an amazing person. I love how she works with these kids.

Genuine Kindness

I thoroughly enjoyed this sad story, from the reading thereof to the content and actual social commentary. Made me think....I will definitely read all the books from Maggie Hartley!

Like sitting with a best friend!

Honestly between the writing and the narrator, I feel like I am sitting at the kitchen table having a coffee with a friend. Every story grips me from beginning to end, which always comes too soon. I have listened to all of her books, most of which in one day. Cannot get enough!

Truly beautiful

This was one of the saddest and most beautiful books I've ever listened to. I wish I was able to have an update about Shazia. The bravest girl in the world.

Awesome story brave young woman

Awesome story about a brave young girl. Thank you for the wonderful foster givers.
I would highly recommend this book for listeners