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.