The Blue Notebook
By James Levine
Publisher: Spiegel & Grau
Pub. Date: July 2009
ISBN-13: 9780385528719
224pp
The blurb from Barnes and Noble:
Every now and then, we come across a novel that moves us like no other, that seems like a miracle of the imagination, and that haunts us long after the book is closed. James Levine’s The Blue Notebook is that kind of book. It is the story of Batuk, an Indian girl who is taken to Mumbai from the countryside and sold into prostitution by her father; the blue notebook is her diary, in which she recalls her early childhood, records her life on the Common Street, and makes up beautiful and fantastic tales about a silver-eyed leopard and a poor boy who fells a giant with a single gold coin.
The Short of It:
An unsettling story about a nine-year-old girl that is sold into prostitution by her own family. Deeply disturbing at times and extremely graphic. This one is hard to stomach.
My Thoughts:
What struck me about this novel was not the shocking content (surprisingly). What struck me, is that the story was so beautifully written. The content is dark and gritty yet the prose is so alluring that it pulled me through the story even when I didn’t want to read anymore. For this, I would recommend the book.
However, I did have some issues with where the story went. I won’t give anything away, but I felt that the story took an unrealistic turn. I believed the street scenes and her time in “the nest.” This felt genuine to me and I wanted to know more about the other boys and girls who lived with her, especially Puneet. I was also intrigued with the Orphanage and the characters within it, but I felt that her time there was short and then the novel seemed to shift abruptly for me.
I know that there is a hardening that takes place when a child is forced into prostitution. They either grow a tough shell, or they cave and fall apart. Batuk does not cave. She learns to play the game but towards the end of the novel I tired of her. I think I was sickened by her playing the game. Her manipulation at times was necessary for survival but it presented a different side to her, one that I didn’t care for.
A good example of what I am trying to convey is that Puneet had the same life. He had the same horrible things happen to him, yet he never lost his child-like demeanor. I suppose in a real life situation, a child would do whatever they needed to do in order to adapt, but it bothered me.
One important item to mention is that Levine is donating the U.S. proceeds of this novel to the International and National Centers for Missing and Exploited Children.
This book was kindly sent to me by Alyce over at At Home With Books.
Book Chatter 
Great review! I'm sure it would be inevitable to either have a hard shell or just fall apart in that sort of situation. I'm glad to hear that the writing was so good!
I'm looking forward to reading this book. I hope to get to it soon. Good review!
It's definitely a disturbing topic to read about but like you said I was captured by Batuk's writing and the personality that came through. I think she maintained her innocence for as long as she could given her choices, so the I wasn't disappointed with er in the end.
Great review! This one is on my shelf. Part of me is looking forward to reading it and part of me isn't because I know how hard of a read it will be.
–Anna
Diary of an Eccentric
This book has definitely caught my attention. Thanks for the review Ti.
I've heard that this is a disturbing book to read. I've got the book and although it seems hard to read I still want to.
Great review. I know this book will be difficult to read, but I'll be doing it soon.
What an interesting reaction. As for me, I couldn't pick up any book involving even sex for days after this book!
Did you happen to solve the mystery of how she got the blue notebook? Everyone remembers how she got the pencil, but nobody seems to know where the notebook came from!
I do agree with you. The novel took a surprising turn in the second half – I wasn't expecting what happened, not sure why.
At first i wanted to read it but the more reviews i read the more i don't think i could.
Great review!
Natalie :0)
Thanks for your honesty. It is a tough subject.
I have been seeing a number of reviews of this book recently. It's definitely one I want to try. Thank you for your wonderful review.
Great review. I might read this some day to experience it. But I think I will wimp out on it for now. 🙂 Loved hearing your thoughts.
Really looking forward to this one, even though I know it's going to be a tough one.
I'm not sure that I can read this one..these stories are rough for me to read. I had trouble with the Kiterunner so I'm not sure this one is for me.
I've seen this book everywhere and it keeps getting rave reviews.
I have this on my TBR but haven't picked it up yet. I think I'll bring it on vacation, when the day-to-day stresses/activities aren't wearing on me.
This would have to be beautifully written to carry the dark subject/plot.
I have this one now and want to get to it ASAP. So much to read, so little time to read it in!