Stories that are set around the misfortunes of children are always difficult to read, never mind that I started reading Sold on a Monday by Kristina McMorris when I was nine months pregnant with my own baby who would shake up my universe. Set in the 1930's, selling children today is, of course, unheard of, but it's amazing how the simple discussion of the practice is able to invoke some serious and fiery emotions, and is more relatable than we'd like to acknowledge, especially as we deal with a world-wide pandemic and the resulting economic fallout.
Ellis Reed is an up-and-coming reporter by trade and avid photographer by hobby. When one of his impromptu photos is accidentally given to his Chief by Lily, coworker to Ellis and Secretary Extraordinaire to the Chief, his fledgling career suddenly skyrockets, but for all the wrong reasons. Spurred by guilt and his own personal conflicts surrounding his childhood, Ellis makes it his mission to rectify what could only be an unfortunate outcome with the help of Lily who finds the circumstances as a sort of absolution for her own. Elegantly crafted and inherently heartfelt, Sold on a Monday is a story no one wants to know, told within the confines of rounded edges.
Based on a true(ish) story that McMorris stumbled upon, she creates the story with drama and heart, led by a hefty dose of empathy. There is no real reason Ellis and Lily make the choices they do, but simply that they find it too difficult to not care, which is just such a story that we can all benefit from. And as explained in the Author's Note, McMorris utilizes the ever-popular practice of creating the ending you want in place of the ending you have. Her writing is clear and concise and offers some interesting twists and turns, making it almost impossible to not want to know how her story ends.
Certain aspects of the story are a bit contrived and unrealistic, though I - and most readers - might find it hard not to filter these aspects through our own present-day cynical filters. The book hits close to home for me, personally, which - in this case - is empowering. Lily is an every-woman and an every-mother and makes some very progressive decisions so that I find myself admiring her heart and fortitude and overall character. In his own right, Ellis is a relatable character who is constantly straddling the line between people-pleasing and his own gumption. Ultimately, the two weave an unforgettable story that is sad but also hopeful, which keeps the readers reading. ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 on goodreads.
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