The Sin - Teuta Metra
The Sin by Teuta Metra is a gripping, heart-wrenching story that
paints a vivid picture of how a poverty-stricken culture becomes overrun by
crime, drugs, and money.
The story begins with Vera confessing to her neighbor the
sin she committed when she unknowingly sells her daughter as a sex slave. Of
course, one could ask how could a mother do that, and how could she not know. But
as the story unfolds, we’re reminded things aren’t always as simple as they
seem, and the feelings of anger and hate transform into compassion and sorrow.
Elma is smitten with Jeton, supporting his music career and
planning their life together, even if it means leaving Albania and moving
across the ocean to America. Meanwhile, Vera is busy making other plans for
her. Jeton’s in a different social class, which is frowned upon in their
culture, and Vera wants one thing for her daughter – financial security. Little
does she know she’s about to make the biggest mistake of her life when she
promises Elma’s hand to Tani, who’s already made an overwhelming impression,
letting his money do most of the talking.
After decades of self-grieving, it’s clear Vera has not
forgiven herself. Maybe this confession to Fata is her last and only chance to
find some redemption, even if it’s too late to apologize to Elma.
The book is full of characters who are good, strong people
who are trying to do better for themselves and their culture as a whole. While this
is a work of fiction, Metra took a chance with The Sin as her debut novel by revealing
the harsh reality of the Albanian culture at this time, and she nailed it.
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