Monday, July 21, 2014
A Walk across the Sun, after Part 4
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As the novel concludes, hope and faith end up prevailing. Thomas and the CASE staff embark on a siege of Dietrich’s brothel. Sita and the rest of the girls are rescued. The court hearings take a few days to be completed, but Sita will be reunited with her sister before the holiday, Holi. As Thomas promised, he will bring her home. They do not meet at the church though. Instead, they meet in Vrindivan, the forests where Krishna plays. Krishna is often portrayed as a young boy playing the flute, symbolizing his giving of direction and guidance to those who need it. This person, in my opinion, was a big part of Ahalya and Sita’s journey because it gave them the hope to keep believing rather than giving up. They kept trying to escape in many different ways and talked to people such as Thomas and Sister Ruth to help them to eventually reunit. Well, now they. Priya, her family, and all the CASE workers have come to the forest to greet Sita and Thomas. The sister’s reunite and Sita gives Ahalya back her braclet, symbolizing their fulfilled hopes and dreams of eventually reuniting. Thomas and Priya also reunite. The true meaning of this novel is shown at the ending. Even though it may seem as if all has gone wrong, if you keep believing, you may get what you hoped for. These characters continued to believe no matter what country or situation they were in. Hope prevailed.
ReplyDelete-aven
I was relieved by the happy ending of Addison's work. Thomas finally gets a lead on Sita, thanks to an FBI agent named DeFoe. The heroic actions of the FBI throughout this section are incredibly important to consider in modern day, where government groups are frequently criticized for invading online privacy. It's important to note that there's always a positive and negative use of technology, especially to those who have power. In this case, the FBI was successfully able to track down Dietrich, leading to the freedom of Sita and the other girls held captive. However, this victory is not without the loss of DeFoe. I'm sure some will disagree with me on this, but I feel that this loss is greater than the victory gained. DeFoe was an extremely valuable agent of the FBI; he could have saved even more children in the future. While I was glad at the safety of Sita, many more children remain imprisoned; DeFoe's ability at tracking down pimps were second to none. As for Thomas, he resolves the struggle between him, Tera, and Priya. He sends a poem to Priya, representing how one gains new birth through their actions, or “shadows”. He wants to start over again with her, as his actions saving Sita have given him a new outlook on life. This theme is further represented through Ramayana's quote, “Let not your heart be burdened with what is past and gone”. Thomas, back together with Priya, names their new daughter after Sita.
ReplyDelete-CPar
I have to agree with you on the valid points you have made. The way the FBI took place and their efforts to find Sita were astronomical. Through the use of technology, they were able to locate her and secure the locations of various brothels well-known in the United States. I also agree that there are good and bad things about technology. It is about the power you have as well as the purpose of it. I also agree about what you said with DeFoe. If it was not for him, Sita might not have been discovered. He played the part of a regular buyer and in reality, he came in undercover to rescue Sita. If it was not for his loss, the result could have turned out differently. I was pleased that Thomas and Priya made things work between them. I was more than happy to read that Sita and Ahalya were reunited as well. I was glad to see that hope prevailed over the darkness that raged through the brothels and memories of Sita. Her happiness with her sister will outshine the horrors she experienced.
Delete- ACar
Andrew, you seem to have misunderstood Chris's point about Defoe. He is in no way undermining his value. If anything, he is suggesting that DeFoe is more valuable than Sita, but the reader is biased and more invested in Sita because of the story. Is one girl saved worth the loss of DeFoe's life? However, Sita was not the only one saved - better to ask if taking out one link in this chain worth the loss of DeFoe's life?
DeleteI agree with all your points accept for the loss of DeFoe. While his death was unfortunate, the FBI probably has plenty of other good men like DeFoe willing to risk their lives to save imprisoned men, women, and children. This was one small step to victory in the war on human trafficking, and in every war, there are casualties.
Delete-DBer
I could not believe that after months of accessing the mIRC (Internet Relay Chat) a real break came. The wheels of justice were in place for a raid to take down the leader Dietrich. I disagree with your post, as I thought the loss of agent DeFoe was enormously hard to comprehend. Why did he choose to free Sita and the other girls himself? He posed as a client with no gun, and only the SWAT team near by. What possessed him to take on this life or death raid? through the years, the psychologist kept passing DeFoe for unknown reasons, and he was driven to erase these sick perverts at any cost. Maybe was it because he was an orphan, and he knew the feeling of despair, abandonment, and loneliness that the girls felt? Yes, DeFoe was a valuable FBI agent and you feel the lose of his life is greater than the victory gained. DeFoe knew the risk, and he must have known that if (when) his death occurred, it would be a victory and a new beginning to the girls who would be freed. You can say that DeFoe was a first responder, who risk there lives for strangers without knowing the outcome. Just has first responders risk there lives, so did DeFoe.
Delete-VCal
I see Chris's point now and I do believe what DeFoe did was courageous. Because he was able to save not only Sita's life but the lives of others, I do think his death was necessary. Of course, I never wanted to see it happen that way, but in the end, he did managed to save many lives and bring relief to Thomas and Ahalya who were struggling to keep hope. Even though DeFoe lost his life from this, he was able to restore life into those who were imprisoned in the brothels.
Delete- ACar
I agree with you, Chris. I firmly believe that the government is doing things such as listening to our phone calls in order to protect us and other people in the United States and even across the world. If it wasn't for such advanced technology that was used in finding Sita, the right of the government to hack into other people's accounts and computers, and the brains of DeFoe Sita would still be in Dietrich's brothel. Defoe was an ambitious genius who used everything in his arsenal to exploit the pimps and brothel owners that held girls all around the world. His death was definitely very somber and despondent as I thought the mission was taking a nose dive. However, I couldn't help but wonder why DeFoe was the man to do the "dirty work" and pose as a customer. You would think he would be kept safe and away from all harm so that he would be useful later on in helping to find more girls across the U.S and the world who are being trafficked. Putting that aside, I was very happy to see Thomas and Priya getting back together. Thomas truly loved Priya and was willing to change for her. Though Thomas' apology for his adulterous acts at the beach weren't enough to win Priya's mercy and forgiveness, his poem that he wrote her and the e-mail attached reinforced to Priya Thomas' love for her and his sorrow for his acts.
Delete-AGir
I agree with Chris in respect to his position on how valuable Defoe really was to the FBI and in helping to track down Dietrich and Sita. I believe though there are in fact other FBI agents like Defoe, and even more talented than him in the use of technology to help the war against human trafficking in the United States. I think in a way it is necessary some times for a government to listen in on conversations if it is for business and for the idea to protect the citizens, in this case the United States. I believe that although many people feel it is invasion of privacy, which in a sense it is, I believe that it also brings protection to the people. In this case the use of technology to listen in on other people’s conversations has proven to be a tremendous help for Thomas to hunt down Sita and finally bring Dietrich to justice and to unite the Ghai sisters. Like Chris said was it really necessary for the loss of Defoe’s life to save a few? I believe it was in the end because like Andrew Carlo said Defoe is a soldier for the war against human trafficking and in any war lives are lost. In a sense the war against human trafficking is not to make sure any casualties are lost, the goal is to rescue as many people who are caught up in human trafficking. Of course, it would be nice if there were no casualties for the good side it would be idealistic to think that there would be none.
Delete-DVal
I was amazed by Corbal Addison's work of "A Walk Across the Sun." I felt he really made the characters come alive with emotions, experiences, and feeling which created such a dramatic story. Addison also put heavy Indian beliefs into his work, particularly the Hindu tale of “The Princess of Mithila” and her rescuers of Lord Rama and Hanuman. It’s almost like Addison made his novel to shadow this exact Hindu tale because it reflects the concept of never losing hope and chasing the ones you love. Similar, I understand he wanted to make people more aware of sex trafficking and the sickening underworld, but he did present a more meaningful message as well. That message may be that for our fate to prevail we must accept it and chase it, whether or not its clear. When Thomas left America, unsure of what actions he was taking, and went to India to work for CASE and try to get his wife back However, without realizing it he was putting on a new namesake of Lord Rama and Hanuman. He would have to grow large like Hanuman to step over the sea and doing everything in his power to get the princess, Sita, back from her perpetrator Ravana, or bad guys such as Dietrich and Navin. Likewise, Thomas must also become a guiltless man like Lord Rama to get back his beautiful and charming wife, Priya. In the end he succeeded in these tasks due to him chasing his fate and never giving up or losing hope. Addison really does an astonishing job at developing such a powerful point of believing in good fate and never losing hope.
ReplyDelete-KDra
I too was amazed with "A Walk Across The Sun". Addison kept drilling into the reader the concept of never losing hope through Sita. In the face of extreme adversity Sita never gives up. Addison shows a great immersion in the Indian culture through Thomas, who as you said put on the namesake of Hanuman. I think Thomas truly portrays Hanuman because he puts his whole life on hold while trying to find Sita, even at one point his marriage. He shows true character, leaving behind his law firm in the US where he made a ton of money, to stay in India to help fight human trafficking. His defining moment to me was the satisfaction he received from rescuing Sita from Candyland. In the end, all of the main characters grew from this experience. Thomas finally receives approval of Priyas judgmental father for his truly selfless actions.
DeleteAfter reading the last part of Addison's work, I was relieved that the ending was a happy one. Sita was discovered and brought home to Ahalya. The two sisters reunited and Sita had found out that her sister was pregnant. Thomas and Priya got together and found a way to make it work between them. Priya is pregnant and the unborn child will be named Sita. Thomas was given the opportunity to make things right with Tera. Sita, symbol of the lotus flower, prevailed. Justice was served and many brothels in the United States were under the government's supervision now. After reading the horrors Sita had been through alone on her journey throughout the world, it was relieving to read about the ending. The suspense and nightmares Sita experienced were over. Her faith had prevailed as well as her hope as shown through the blue lotus flower. After reading this novel, I was pleased of how Addison was able to capture my emotions through the lives of Ahalya and Sita.
ReplyDelete- ACar
To be honest, I was expecting the worst to happen at the end of part 3. By this I mean Thomas being alone and depressed for the rest of his life. Also, I was expecting Sita to be abused and eventually killed. Just like yourself, Andrew, I was ecstatic and overjoyed at the ending of this novel. The marriage of Thomas and Priya was reconciled. Also, the sisters reunited at last. The hope by these characters that the best will happen is symbolized by the Lotus flower, which grows and becomes beautiful near the time Sita was rescued, the Hanuman statue in Sita’s pocket, which stays with her throughout this horrible journey, just like her hope, and the braclet, which symbolizes Ahalya’s hope in Thomas that he will find her sister. These symbols are the driving force of hope. Hope is the theme that makes this novel a happy ending for all.
Delete-aven
Anthony I agree on you about expecting the worst to happen at the end. I really thought Dietrich was going to get away and take Sita with him to another country where they cannot be located. I must disagree with you on Thomas being alone and depressed as you thought. Thomas and Priya regained their love back on their second honeymoon. Priya should have realized that Thomas was going to do something with another woman especially with the amount of time she left him for. I don't think Priya would have left him again after Thomas gave her the speech about Tera. Although he lied to her about Tera, he was truthful in his speech to Priya about having someone there for him from the tragic events that occurred, especially the death of Mohini. I also did not think that Sita would be abused or eventually killed. Sita was the innocent angel of the whole story, and I wasn't expecting Addison to ruin a good ending.
DeleteThankfully the story seems to conclude on a note of hope, the sisters have been reunited and Ahlaya seems happy with her new child. However I would like to speculate on what may happen in the future. As I mentioned in part 3 what will happen to Sita after all of this? Will she ever want to marry a man after all that she's been through or is she scarred for life? Also what happen to Ahlaya? Will she be accepted in to her society again after this tragedy and exploitation? Again the future is open for speculation, but it depends where the sisters will settle down, but there is a small noting of professional support involved and we can hope as fictional as fictional characters can be that they can overcome this experience. I personally believe that they can because I do believe in the resilience of the human soul, which is flashed out in this novel in the sisters perspective where Ahlaya and Sita both believe they will eventually see each other and reunite once again and in the end it becomes true. Hope seems to be another theme that is very common in Corban Addison's work whether your looking at Thomas's perspective in which his life is falling apart looking to reconcile with his wife, Priya, or the sisters perspective which a coincidental tragedy set all the events in motion which lead to this conclusion. Ultimately all the main characters gain personal growth and once again it ends on a hopeful note.
ReplyDelete-GAnd
In gripping fictional stories like these I believe that the characters are alive in us and in each of us is a different ending for these girls. I too believe that if they survived the ordeal of brothels, labor, separation, and inhumane conditions: they can survive anything at this point. It is important to note that their survival of this ordeal will likely produce a bond that is stronger than anything. This bond is found in soldiers who survive battles together and prisoners who endure years of confinement together. However with A Walk Across the Sun’s happy ending, it can still go sour. What if the trauma was too much and the Indian government is no help in finding them a home and they get separated? What if Thomas and Priya’s relationship runs into more and more problems? All we can do is have faith in humanity and perhaps in our versions of the story they all end happily. Sita and Ahalya are resilient people and they have the support and friendship of Priya’s family. Therefor I can safely say in my mind that everything works out for those two.
Delete-JGen
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ReplyDeleteIt was nice to see that after an emotional roller coaster, we got a happy ending from "A Walk Across The Sun." Thomas has some divine force on his side, that he is able to track Sita through 3 countries all the way back to Georgia. Thanks to the FBI, especially Agent DeFoe, Sita's rescue and Dietrich's death no doubt crippled Kandyland and her further quesitoning probably yielded leads on other human traffickers on American soil. It gives me hope that if other law enforcement agencies work as hard as our own, the sale of humans can be countered and eradicated world wide. I also found it nice that the Blue Lotus symbol myself and other guys mentioned did turn out how we suspected. The lotus finally bloomed when Sita and Ahalya reunited, and around the same time Ahalya's baby was born. It was great to see Thomas' promise fulfilled, being able to give Sita the bracelet her sister made for her. This unexpected happy ending was a breath of fresh air in a book that had constant darkness surrounding it.
ReplyDelete-DBer
I agree, it's great to see and emotional heartfelt ending at the end of Addison's work, and I was thoroughly impressed and depressed during it all. After all the pain Sita, Ahlaya, and Thomas go through they turn out to be okay and on their way to a better future.Although I didn't really comment on the Blue Lotus throughout the novel I did keep note of it for what it symbolizes in Ahlaya. Of course at the end of the novel it turns out retain that symbol. I was extremely happy to see that Ahlaya and Sita were once again reunited, though they did get very lucky to be reunited after all that depressing torture that Sita went through. Again I didn't really mention Thomas' situation that was going on and I neglected to mention in part three that Thomas was kind of in the same situation that Sita was in where Thomas was just bickering with Priya after a few secrets were revealed. It's great to see at the end that those problems were also resolved. Finally one of the more important things are that the characters gain personal growth which in turn can help them in the future
Delete-GAnd
i agree with Dean and Gerard. The ending is nothing short of what we wanted it to be. The Blue Lotus fully blossoms showing that hope has payed off and all you need is a little bit of hope. It could not have been better reading about the sister's reuniting. The bracelet was returned and i agree to the point of that after all the torture Sita went through it was not for nothing. It is great to see how hard the FBI works and i can only wish it was that way all around the world. It was great to see a happy ending for a book that had such negativity.
DeleteI could not say any better how Addison finalized the last part of the book with a happy ending. Sita finally being rescued was the climax of the story for me. The story from the beginning to the end reminded me of the film Taken by Pierre Morel. In this film, similar moments and events are seen. Just as Ahalya and Sita were kidnapped and forced into the brothel, the main character of the film has a daughter who is also kidnapped and is brought into a brothel. The main character must locate and rescue his daughter almost similar to what Thomas did for Sita. Just as the film, Addison's work made me realize the disturbing world we all live in. The amount of innocent girls and women kidnapped daily, not only in other countries but also in America, makes me think about the evil brought into a world that was meant to be peaceful. The themes of hope and trust seemed to reflect back to me at the end. After the girls were reunited, the hope of the blue lotus triumphed and it is seen when Thomas found that the lotus bloomed. Also the theme of trust succeeded when Thomas brought back Sita to Ahalya. Ahalya gave Thomas the bracelet to fulfill her promise but Thomas thought it would be impossible. He gave the bracelet to Sita when she was rescued as a sign of the hope that he had accomplished for Ahalya. Overall, the ending was amazing especially when Priya decided to name her baby Sita.
ReplyDelete-SPab
I agree with your reference to the movie Taken, I feel that this book was a more detailed version of the movie that revealed more and had better relationships. I agree that the theme of hope is the most reflected theme in this book; it is shown in almost every character we meet throughout the book. The perfect example of hope throughout this book is obviously Sita who went through hell and still never gave up. I feel that Thomas giving Sita the bracelet Ahalya made from him finally took the weight off Thomas' shoulders and concluded the terrible events that happened to Sita. It only made sense that Priya named her baby Sita because it was the event that really brought her and Thomas back together and I'm glad that they respected that.
DeleteI definitely have to agree with you Steve that the movie is a close comparison of the book. Andrew you are also right that the book goes into more detail. Steve i agree with you the theme of hope traveled throughout the whole book. The sisters had hope that will have a normal life. Sita having hope when she was by herself that one day even through all these controverises there is still hope that she will still be with her sister. These girls were very courages and I don't know if i would have had the amount go hope they had and i don't know how they can cling to hope in those dark times. I guess hope was all they had. Thomas is a true hero. With some help he tracked down Sita like he told Ahalya he would. I also found it amazing at the end when the baby was named Sita.
DeleteI, too, agree that Addision's work is very inspirational. The lessons and morals taught in this compelling novel are outstanding and beneficial to us. From the beliefs of hope to the importance of family, Addison enlightens his readers to a greater and deeper understanding of how anything can be accomplished if we put our minds to it and just how priceless as well as special family is. Throughout the novel I also feel like Addison, intertwines the significance of hope and family to present to us the importance of life itself. Sita and Ahalya are constantly faced with inhuman terrors that contradict how life should be lived out. Sadly Addison reveals that the world is indeed not perfect. Even when Sita is separated from her sister she still thinks about her, her only family. Many evils such as human trafficking harm the world we call home but its up to strong individuals, such as Tom and DeFoe to help fix this problem. I feel as if Addison's promotion of life really depicts how he is as an individual as well as his thoughts on our imperfect world. Through his writing, Addison touches upon many emotions and inspires readers like the bloggers here to better comprehend the importance or hope, family, and last but not least our lives. What we do makes a difference and the amount of effort we give makes an impact. After my read of A Walk Across the Sun, i feel better educated as a student as well as an individual.
Delete-TNgu
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ReplyDeleteUpon concluding this book I can say that this was one of the best summer reading books that I've read in high school. I loved how each chapter alternated points of view, eventually intertwining and showing different views of events that occurred. Of course like most books like this the happy ending was not a surprise to me, but I was happy the way he ended the book. I was very glad the way Thomas and Priya's relationship ended up and how they named their baby Sita. It would've been interesting if Addison made an epilogue showing where Sita and Ahalya ended up in the future and how the events when they were young affected them. I found the most interesting and strange part of this book was agent Defoe a man who voluntarily looks at child pornography on the internet and poses as an investor to catch criminals. Its strange that a man would want a job like that knowing all the little kids out there held against their will somewhere hidden. But it was interesting and a key part because he was able to find Sita and arrange to meet with her, causing her to be saved. This book shows that one person really can make a difference with the right mind and dedication.
ReplyDelete-ACuc
I agree that this book had a great ending, specifically the fact that Thomas and Priya named their newly born baby Sita. It represents how new life can rise from one's struggle. I too wonder what paths Sita and Ahalya would take after the experiences they've been through. Likely, they would join CASE as they get older. There, they can follow in the footsteps of Thomas and help other children suffering from the same fate as theirs. As an orphan, Defoe likely had a similar motivation in choosing his job. I disagree with your view on DeFoe. The very reason he is looking up those children on the internet is to save them. The book mentions that "the psychologists keep passing him", so he is more than likely mentally stable. He simply knows how to manipulate people properly. I personally think DeFoe is the one who truly made the difference, not necessarily Thomas. Though Thomas contributes to the case and searches rapidly for Sita, the raid would've happened whether or not he had the photo (Although delayed).
Delete-CPar
The ending of this work was indeed a very good one, it allowed the happy ending that we searched and hoped for in all of the characters and gave us the thoughts about a good scenario for this. In most cases, these stories, unfortunately, have usually bittersweet or horrible endings. But, not to sound pessimistic, I did enjoy that even through the struggles they all faced and all the tortures and misfortunes that presented itself to them, the protagonists all managed to find that one ray of light in the darkness and from it came the happiness they all searched for. Now going to what Chris said I agree that they will have motivation for joining CASE to put these horrible people away and save many girls that were like them or at the very least find other ways to help the people that helped them. And I also agree with your perspective on DeFoe, as he was searching the internet to save these kids. He was the reason why Sita was freed so soon, Thomas did also play a role but not as major as DeFoe and also DeFoe died trying to save Sita. He gave his life for the betterment of a girl whom he wanted to see freed.
DeleteThe letter Thomas writes to Allison sums up this part of the book. It says "...tomorrow we will come. One the other side of darkness a new day all slowly down." A new day dawned for everyone in the book. The people from case who, Thomas worked with in India, saw a girl recovered when they had lost Thomas reacquaints himself with his wife and his father finally accepts him. The book itself although dark in spirit shows that even if you serve 1 life a new day with hope and promise is born. Thankfully although many suffer and are lost the book leaves you fulfilled and in a better frame of mind. Seeing justice for some of the victims gives me a sense off satisfaction. It's no different than following a case in the news and hearing that not only is the perpetrator caught but he's also brought to justice. Darkness in lifted for all.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with what you stated. Finally after months of being emotionally and physically abused Sita is rescued. Her and Ahalya are finally reunited and can start fresh. No matter how dark yesterday was, tomorrow dawns a new day for them. Even though there were some lives lost in the book, they died for a good cause. Saving all these girls from a lifetime of sexual abuse and the darkness of the night. It is very satisfactory when kandyland is dealt such a big blow and hopefully one day can be shut down for good. As well i am happy to see Thomas and Priya back together. Sita's saving also represents a moral milestone for Thomas knowing he did good, and even though he couldn't save the girl at the park, he saved Sita. He can now he can finally start fresh as well with Priya with her fathers new approval of him.
DeleteJLar
I was glad to see Sita and Ahalya’s reunion become a reality. It was clearly a moment of joy and one of the few good things that happened to these girls since the day of the tsunami. I am only left with some concerns at the close of the novel. Why DeFoe was never mentioned after the fact? The author built DeFoe up as the main reason Sita was found in the US; so why did nobody seem to care other than a mention immediately after his death? Also, wouldn't you think that the largest and most complex human trafficker in the eastern United States be more prepared for a raid? Granted Dietrich had enough connections to call the lead agent behind the raid with no notice at all, but it was pathetic for such a big time criminal to have no other plan than to resort to taking a hostage. Frank Costello in Martin Scorsese’s The Departed is an example of how a criminal doesn't get caught. He has people inside the police force and even inside the unit investigating him. He trained people from childhood and had a whole network of people he can depend on that were armed and capable of protecting him and his profits. Dietrich had no bodyguards and his setup was a joke; he simply had a hidden door/keypad and he found customers on IRC. It seemed like Dietrich's character and the rescue scene was loosely thrown together as if it were rushed.
ReplyDelete-JGen
I am in agreement with you about the girls’ happy reunion becoming a reality, even though it is a book. Through all the suffering the girls encounter it is almost impossible to think that they would finally be together once again. I felt terrible for Ahalya when she was first raped and thought her character suffered immensely, until seeing what Sita lived through. It was just as horrible just in different ways. They were both looked upon as worthless. Sita was bought and sold a few times and had to deal with horrible people such as Aunti-ji, Dmitri, IGor, and Dietrich to name a few. They both suffered shame, sorrow, and physical pain. I also agree with you about DeFoe. I thought his character was too meaningful just to mention his death and not bring it up later again as being instrumental to the outcome of the book. The reality of losing a life to save a life is tragic, but it does happen in real life and those people are true heros. Thomas and the FBI agents are due much credit for the rescue of Sita and the reuniting of the sisters. Truly many agents risk their lives trying to help stop trafficking, but it will really never end. It's been going on since the beginning of time. I also agree with you on your stand with Dietrich. Addison didn't develop his character in a way we would recognize in todays world. Their is so much technology and you think Dietrich would have been more high tech but he wasn't. If DeFoe wasn't by himself and had some agents with him he probably would have taken Dietrich down himself. While DeFoe was very educated on finding captives he took a gamble going in alone and lost his life as a result. I don't know if he was so driven and cocky or just careless. I wish it didn't end like this for him, he could have accomplished so much more. This was another tragedy in the book. I agree the rescue seen was a let down.
DeleteCMen
James, I completely agree with you. I also feel how can a man like this be tricked so easily. Not doing immense back-round checks on the person before subjecting them to something that could put you in jail for life. In real life they would check him for a wire, and use a metal detector then blindfold him till they got to the location. I also find it very unlikely with all of Sita’s escape attempts she is never punished harshly. Getting through something like this with your virginity is also extremely unlikely with both times she could of lost it, firstly with Igor was stopped right in time and the same thing with Sita’s first visitor at Dietrich’s being DeFoe. At the end of the book when they steer away in the car and started to go somewhere else I was freaking out. Thinking the pimps or someone arranged to recapture them. Thankfully, I was wrong about that.
DeleteKarl, I agree with you when you say that how they dealt with DeFoe's entrance was a little less than expected. But it said that his wire was in his watch, any many clients wore fancy clothes to try to impress the girls and whatnot, but I do beleive they could have been more careful and blindfolded him. Also, I believe that they kept Sita a virgin and did not hurt her when she tried to escape because they wanted to keep her as pure as possible for Dietrich, which is why Igor got hit when he tried to do anything with her. Like you, I was also getting nervous when the car took Sita and Thomas in a different direction, because thats how it all started. I was relieved when she was returned home and met up with Ahalya and Priya's family and they were able to celebrate the Holi holiday together.
DeleteI agree I too was happy with the ending of this novel. I was glad to see that Sita and Ahalya were finally brought together. I was also annoyed that Defoe never seemed to get the credit for finding Sita. For the most part it was his effort that led the law enforcement to Sita. I also agree with your point that Dietrich is very poorly protected for the biggest human trafficker in the eastern US. Wouldn't you think that someone as powerful as him could afford more than a single bodyguard.
DeletePart four of A Walk Across the Sun by Corbal Addison brings with it the conclusion of Sita and Ahalya’s journey, well not their journey but their abuse and anguish. I have to admit I could not believe, after such devastation, this would have a happy ending.
ReplyDeleteWe started chapter 29 with a quote from Antoine De Rivarol, “The sword of justice has no scabbard.” After completing my reading and generally being happy that neither of the sisters were killed, which at times I thought that was where the story was heading, I was reminded of the opening quote and the countless girls who were not saved. Don’t get me wrong Toms bond and promise to Ahalya comes to pass, Sita is saved, deservingly so. Even Thomas and Priya seem to have a happy ending despite all that they had gone through. But not everyone could be saved, not everyone will have a happily ever after, in fact I think Addison’s intention was to bring about awareness to human trafficking- a somber realization.
-CGar
I agree that it was almost unrealistic that there was a happy ending but in the same respect, i was happy for the characters to be able to go on with life. I was happy that their time of "abuse and anguish" was over aswell. I was so shocked that Thomas and Priya got to have ended up getting back together and almost all of the aspects of this book end in good ways. There is a few exceptions to this, one of which is, agent DeFoe who sadly died even though I saw him as a sort of hero figure when we met him in the book. I like your idea of Addison writing this to bring awareness about human trafficking. Great read!
Delete-TZir
In the end of the book I wish Priya and Thomas didn’t get together. Priya never really warmed up to me and I find her stubborn and she doesn’t take Thomas’s opinions into account (for his example his job.) He had to constantly chasesher, and she was the one to run away in the first place. In the end the first two captors were put in jail but what about the rest of them? Alex or Igor did they come out completely unscathed? Also I feel like religion was a bad idea to just briefly mention. Either make it a big factor or leave it out. Thomas only prayed when he needed something, does he go back to church after it’s all over? In all though, I enjoyed this book. Looking at the cover and reading the back it looked completely terrible (usually into science fiction books.) After the first few chapters I actually started to like the book and start to really pay attention to the small details.
ReplyDelete-KWie
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DeleteI see where you’re coming from Karl. I never really liked Priya’s stubbornness either but I realized that the two of them shared a history that needed rekindling. It is true that Priya ran away from Thomas when he was vulnerable and needed someone to talk to, but she was also dealing with a lot. She had left her family to be with Thomas and totally ignored her father’s wishes, but the death of her daughter sent her overboard. She had panicked and practically lost her sense of right and wrong when she left Thomas. Nobody deserves to lose a child let alone your wife, which is the main reason Thomas had to go to India. He needed to reunite with Priya. When Thomas goes to mass with his family this symbolizes that he is still faithful to Priya and wants to establish a new bond that cannot be broken. Throughout Thomas’ travels in finding Sita, I think that he has grown as an individual. He has developed more patience in dealing with difficult situations and matured enough to appropriately deal with Priya. I also agree with one of your previous posts about the fact that Sita survived being trafficked without losing your virginity especially seeing people pay much higher prices for that. In the resolution I am happy that Sita did not experience rape first hand and she also seems to be happy after the abuse.
Delete-DMcA
Thanks to agent DeFoe, i can have what i wanted, a happy ending to this great book! DeFoe, an FBI agent helped Thomas to track down Sita, and get her and many other girls out of Dietrich's place. I was so relieved at the reunion between the two sisters and the end to their long-lived pain and suffering. Ahalya and Sita's reunion was one of the few happy moments in this book, but due to the fact of so many sad moments, it makes this one moment of joy seem so significant. Though DeFoe died, he still is considered a hero to me because he was one of the main reasons that this book was able to have a satisfying and happy ending. Even Thomas and Priya get a sort of happy ending at the end of this book. Addison keeps the book in a harsh reality that not every single person can be saved, and that these people were extremely lucky for being saved. Thomas and Priya had gone through a lot but they are now back together and this great book comes to an ending. I loved the book and would recommend it to another person.
ReplyDelete-TZir
I completely agree with the wanting of a happy ending. When the two sisters were reunite, I knew the ending was made. Sita was finally out of her horrific experience of the world and back to the way she always was wanting life to be. I also agree with the fact that this was one of the few moments in the novel that was happy. DeFoe was definitely the hero of the novel because without him Thomas may have always been short of actually finding and rescuing Sita. Thomas and Piva did also have the happy ending with their love being reunited. This novel was sad, depressing, heartbreaking, and frustrating throughout parts 1, 2, and 3 but the ending was finally made happy and was a great read.
Delete-aaci
I couldn't agree more. Throughout the whole novel, I found myself hoping for such a blissful ending. From the very moment Sita and Ahalya had been separated, I couldn’t wish more that the girls would one day find each other. Thanks to the selfless acts of Agent Defoe, Thomas is able to put an end to the search for Sita. This poor child is finally able to put her past behind her. She is able to move away from the torture and abuse she has experienced, and begin to rebuild her body and soul. I see Agent Defoe as the unsung hero of the novel. Without Defoe, who knows if Sita would have ever been located? I like your statement, “Addison keeps the book in a harsh reality that not every single person can be saved, and that these people were extremely lucky for being saved.” This is so true. Every time you check the news you come across another story of someone being kidnapped or going missing. The odds are against that person to be found. Though it may not seem like it, Sita is very lucky individual. For her sake, I am overjoyed that she has been rescued.
Delete-KRos
After finishing A Walk Across The Sun, I have learned perhaps too many things. I’ve learned about drugs, prostitution, rape, pornography and many other terrifying occurrences. Although Ahalya and Sita have experienced horrible times, their story happily resolves with them reuniting and continuing to grow a family. A perfect example of what a strong young woman Sita is was shown when the FBI agents were saving her from Klein. With total composure Sita witnesses Klein getting shot in the head. I don’t care who you are but if someone is shot in the head right in front of you, then that’s enough to make anyone traumatized for at least a couple days. What surprised me was when she got up without a problem to help the FBI. Thomas has learned a lot about himself and the cruel world around him, which actually made him a better man in the end. Dealing with Priya was not always easy but he did what many people wouldn’t- he persevered with love. Even throughout his travels across Europe in Paris, Thomas had led on Julia to believe that they should take things further. It wasn’t right for him to lead Julia or Tera on to the point of no return but in the conclusion he resolved his complications for the better. This is probably one of the most graphic books I have ever read because of the intense detail Addison goes in to describe the torturous villain’s actions. I am happy for both girls surviving the most ruthless trafficking business in the world but it makes me think of how I would react in their circumstances.
ReplyDelete-DMcA
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DeleteI agree, this was a hard read at times due to its graphic nature. While the book is fictional, I learned a lot about human trafficking. I can’t help but wonder how many women in real life get saved and are reunited with their families. There was something on the news recently about a woman smuggling drugs in her implants, I couldn’t help but wonder if she was a victim of kidnapping and human trafficking and if the arrest would actually lead to her freedom.
DeleteYou bring up a good point about being traumatized after such horrific events. Had this been a true story I’m sure the survivors would need some sort of help in dealing with all that they had been through, including witnessing a shooting death. I also agree that Thomas’s character grew throughout the story- he is definitely a better man by the end of the book.
-CGar
I agree with Donald, this novel did step over the boundaries that other books wouldn't at times. When it came to the raping the human trafficking the drug smuggling, It brings out to the reader a perspective of what goes on out in the world that we live in. The world is not perfect there are a lot of faults within each individual, people who only seek to bring harm upon others and feed on the helplessness on others. Sita is a young girl that every reader will come to appreciate and consider as a role model, due to her bravery and courage to get through the rough times of being involved in the underground marketing of trafficking and smuggling. Any individual would break due to such events occurring and for a young girl to sit by and witness nothing but terrible, horrific experiences really shows the headstrong individual that Sita was because many people will never respond better then her when someone is shot right in front of you i don't care who you are!
Delete-BMor
As the book ends i am glad to see a happy ending. Sita and Ahalya finally get reunited and can start living a normal life again. Along with Thomas and Priya rekindling their relationship with each other. Although Defoe's life was lost he died saving Sita from a life time of abuse. This book also shows how hope can help keep you alive. Sita and Ahalya from the beginning had hope of being reunited and living a normal life and now they all can finally start living normal lives with each other. Similarly Defoe's loss was terrible, but he died for a good cause, he was an incredible agent. He put so much time, effort, and thought into his work and it paid off. Defoe dealt a giant blow to kandyland and helped saved many girls from sexual abuse. Seeing justice for these poor girls gives me satisfaction.
ReplyDeleteJLar
I agree with all the points you have stated Jake. As a human being, you have to be glad that this suspenseful novel ended with a happy ending. Sita and Ahalya are now able to start living the life they want, nobody demanding them to do stuff. Seeing Thomas and Pryia revive their love was truly amazing after all the events that separated them. Hope is truly powerful virtue and this book shows you that hope can help you persevere. Defoe not only saved Sita but he saved an abundance of girls from sexual abuse. His death was truly one of nobility but it was very disheartening to see him die. In the end of this novel, Justice does truly prevail in the end because Kandyland was dealt a giant blow and many innocent girls were rescued.
Delete-DFes
I completely agree with you Jake. After everything the sisters went through it was great to finally see a happy ending. The sisters had been through so much yet they never gave up hope. Hope is one of the greatest things we can have yet it is so easily broken. Despite this the sisters never gave up on it or gave into despair. I agree that Defoe dying was not upsetting, however he did it for a just cause and died a noble death. The ending of this book shows the value of determination and hope and how strong these two attributes really are.
DeleteAt the close of the book we learn about the rescue of Sita, the reuniting of the sisters, the delivery of Ahalya’s baby, the reuniting of Thomas and Priya, and the expectation of a baby from Thomas and Priya. A lot takes place. Technology and agent Defoe were crucial to Sita's rescue. DeFoe was brilliant and a computer expert who was able to tract down Kandyland. He learns girls are used at truck stops, strip joints, escort services and brothels. He eventually finds Dietrich using these communications and sees the photos of Sita that Li uploaded. DeFoe works with the US agents to get her back. Although the high tech mechanized rescue was set in place, DeFoe was killed. Shortly after Dietrich gets murdered by an agent with a sniper rifle. I was hoping DeFoe wouldn't die this way, but I guess Addison was showing the dangers of human bondage and the unfortunate consequences of such evils. Once again, we see another tragedy in the book. Thomas tells Sita that Ahalya is alive and they will be reunited. It's about time something good happened because this book was just depressing. Thomas also goes back to tell his parents of his plan to stay at CASE rather than take his job back at Clayton. He writes a letter to Priya apologizing for everything, tells her of his plans, and tells her that Sita was rescued. Thomas and Sita travel back to India and are welcomed to a great celebration with Ahayla, Priya and her family, and the CASE workers. Priyas father accepts Thomas and welcomes him. She forgives Thomas; they reunite and we learn that she is pregnant by the end of the book. I am so glad that this book ended on a high note. Through all the tragedy and suffering each character endured you can see the growth and strength by the end. Priya and Thomas learn forgiveness, Priya's father learns to accept Thomas, the girls learn about faith and survival through despair.
ReplyDeleteCMen
A walk across the sun is definitely one of the better books i have read through out the years. I feel that it really captures the attention of the reader. I feel that this was an excellent conclusion to this book. I felt great joy at the way it ended. I found it amazing how Thomas with the help of agent DeFoe got that lead on Sita’s location. Thomas and some members of CASE infiltrate the brothel to save all the girls in there especially Sita. I was relieved to find out the girls are reunited. Through out the whole book the girls had so much hope especially Sita that she would see her sister again, and for Thomas to make that happen was an outstanding thing. The work that the FBI does to help girls and women like Sita is unbelievable. The CASE is another amazing organization that helps with the tracking of young women and helping them have a life again. I felt so happy when Thomas was able to give Ahalya her sister back. He kept his promise to her.
ReplyDelete-SNic
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ReplyDeleteAfter the conclusion of this climatic novel, the story finally wraps up with a happy ending. After the countless perils Sita and Ahalya had to go through, they are finally saved. Throughout this novel, Addison signifies a very strong emphasis on hope. As I read this dramatic book, the sisters go through countless persecutions but there was always that hint of hope lingering around. Finishing the fourth and final section, it is evident that hope, does in fact, prevail as I had expected. Through DeFoe's unmatched technological skills, he is able to find out information Sita's location and with the aid of the FBI, Tom and DeFoe are able to save Sita from Dietrich in a location called "kandyland". One thing I was appalled by was when Addison decided to make DeFoe die in the story line. I didn't understand why Addison had to kill off such a good character. He was the only reason Sita and Ahalya are free at all. Without DeFoe Thomas would have no lead to work with and free the sisters. DeFoe's death may be left as a cliff hanger in this novel, a hanger for your imagination to envision what was the message behind his death. Other than the death of DeFoe, the ending of this novel was amazing. Thomas and Priya are reunited and all of the drama is over with and the Sita and Ahalya will soon enough be reunited at last after such a dramatic change in their lives. I admire Addison for writing such an inspiring novel. This story has really taught me to appreciate live as a whole and the love ones around me. You never know when you will lose the ones closest to you.
ReplyDelete-TNgu
I agree with the comments made. Hope is huge in this book , without hope I believe that Sita and Ahalya wouldn't ever meet up again. I also did believe even when things were at there worst they all had a little hope inside them that they would reunite again. DeFoe joining the book had to be one of the best parts , him teaming up with Tom made it possible to locate Sita.I agree DeFoe's death was sad , I dont believe it was the only bad thing I didn't enjoy about the ending. I also disliked that we only found out what happened to a few traffickers not all of them.I also loved this novel , it was such an inspiration and told me no matter how dark and bad things get to keep hope. Addison wrote a great novel and I would definitely recommend this to people, it was a great read.
DeleteCPor
I agree, no one ever said success is easy to achieve. "The sword of justice has no scabbard"- Antoine De Rivarol chapter 29. In order for justice to be served the hands of justice can never rest, it will always be a constant battle to restore peace and harmony. Defoe is a prime example of a "sword with no scabbard". He is a fighter with no limits that always has a plan in mind. When it comes to taking down human traffickers he is the man to go to. But unfortunately all good things come to an end and Defoe was put in his scabbard. To me Defoe didn't die in vain, he lived out his life with the intent of changing the lives of others less fortunate. Some might argue that DeFoe's life wasn't worth giving up for Sita's because it was possible for him to save many more. I argue that with the job, comes the understanding of the risk involved. Thomas and Priya were two characters that always kept me guessing throughout the novel. I believe that Priya's father accepting Thomas was truly the breaking point that kept the two of them together for the future. I was very happy to find out that Priya was pregnant with Thomas's baby. That truly signifies their happiness as a couple and a strong future for them. Throughout Walk Across the Sun, evil has always seemed to be dominate. The tsunami, abduction, rape, drugs, but then when all hope seemed to be lost, the good in the world was brought out by some very courageous people willing to make a positive impact. I was glad to see a happy ending and touched by the will power of two young girls.
DeleteARai
As I finished the book, I am happy to say that this was definitely a great ending to a great book. Sita has an emotional reunion with her older sister Ahalya who she missed dearly. Following his apology at the beach, Thomas sends Priya an e-mail that explains how much he truly is sorry for his acts and how much he loves her. When he arrives at Mumbai and surprises Sita with a huge festival on the holiday of Holi, Thomas is himself surprised to see Priya there. They get back together to live happily. Here we see how the quote at the beginning of chapter 33, "Let not your heart be burdened with that is past and gone"-The Ramayana is incorporated into the ending of this novel. Sita and Ahalya are finally together and look to start a new life together attempting to forget about the horrors of the brothels and the tsunami. Thomas and Priya also try to look past Thomas' adulterous act and attempt to start a new and happy life together. I also see a message that is portrayed in this novel. The message is that we should never lose hope and faith. Many of the characters in the novel kept their eyes on their goal and ended up achieving their goal.
ReplyDelete-AGir
At last, everything that I finally hoped would happen came true. After a very long and devastating journey their hopes and dreams of reuniting came true. An important message that Addison places a lot of emphasis on is to hold onto your hope. Even if your family was killed in a tsunami, you were kidnapped and sold around the world, separated from your only loved one left, there is still a chance that everything might turn around. Some may disagree with me on this but I feel that this story was way to extreme. The horrible circumstances that Addison made up was way over the top. I don't know much about human trafficking but I'm pretty sure this story exaggerated on Ahalya and Sitas story to send a message to the readers. Addison thought up the worst situation possible and made it seem like a reality that millions of people go through this around the world. Honestly I would bet that that even though anyone that is trafficked has is bad, they didn't have it nearly as bad as Ahalya and Sita. I have to admit, this was an amazing book. DeFoe stepping into the story was such a relief for me. DeFoe was basically a wish that had finally come true! Defoe's sacrifice symbolizes the birth of new life, the new life of the girls that he helped rescue. Thomas and Priya also symbolize hope. Like the sisters, when everything seems to be lost they never stopped, never gave up, and fought until the very end. Thomas did the same for his relationship and he also succeeded. It was very nice to see a happy ending after all the devastation.
ReplyDeleteARai
At the end of the novel, I am nothing but relieved when Ahalya and Sita reunite finally. You can't feel anything but pure joy when they meet again , considering everything these young girls have been through.No matter how dire there situation was they always believed they'd see each other again. Just reading this novel, I lost hope thinking they would ever meet again. Also seeing Thomas' relationship pan out was also great to see. Throughout the novel , I was not certain how I viewed Thomas but once I finished reading it , I liked him a lot. I admire how even though his relationship was dissolving , he still chose to help Ahalya find Sita. He could have ruined his whole relationship traveling around the world to rescue Sita but he knew it was worth it trying to save a young girls life.Overall I was thrilled everything worked out for Thomas , also that Sita and Ahalya finally met up again to get through the tragedies they had to go through
ReplyDeleteCPor
I strongly agree with your statements Chris. As I have said before, I believe that the sisters are two of the strongest characters in the entire book. Throughout any part of their hardship they could have just gave up on hope and "accept their karma." They could have just gone on with their miserable existences and gone through unimaginable suffering, or worse committed suicide, which is something Sita considered. But their love for each other and their hope that they would once again live normal lives is what I believe kept them strong. As far as Thomas goes, his situation with his wife seemed as unfixable as ever, especially after the incident in Goa. But he to remained hopeful, and in the end received everything he desired most. In the end the lesson here is simple; no matter how desperate the situation seems, as long as you have hope you will succeed.
Delete-JAss
I thought Part 4 was great. There was many loose ends to this story that I never though would be resolved. Agent DeFoe finally gfained access to Kandyland, a website where children were sold. He also posed as a client, were he was there to rescue Sita. DeFoe was killed in his effort to free Sita. He died by doing what he believed in. He rescued 61 victims in 8 cities, with 35 of them being underage, and the Kandyland site was shut down. Thomas promised Ahalya that he would give Sita her sisters Rakhi bracelet when she was found. This promise was eventually fulfilled. Thomas also felt Mrs. Davis pain when he was told her daughter Abbey was not just missing, but dead. Thomas went to Glenwood Cementary to tell his daughter, Mohin, he loved her. He then told Mrs. Davis, "Death no longer has power over them" Wherever they are, they have found peace. Ahalya and Sita, throughout their two and a half month horror, never gave up hope to someday be reunited and have life together again. The lotus flower gave Ahalya that strength and hope. However, the real strength came the baby she gave birth too.. Little Kanaline represented the evil and rape, but Ahalya chose to love this baby girl as she represented a new beginning for the Ghai Family. I would have never thought such sadness and torture of a human would still give them life and hope again.
ReplyDelete-VCal
Upon finishing the book, like my classmates I too did think that it was gonna be a sad and horrific ending. I was so relieved that the ending was the exact opposite of my thoughts. Sita was returned home and reunited with Ahalya. I was also happy for Thomas and Priva regaining their love. The Lotus flower was a symbol of Sita, who through all the hardship, prevailed. Sita now rescued and still holding onto that statue, that was the symbol of her hope, got her through the times she had experienced. At the ending of the novel and after being overjoyed with the ending, I realized that the true theme of the entire book was hope and faith. All the characters in this novel had the hope to return to their old lives. Whether it was traveling to be a savior like Thomas, or holding onto a statue like Sita, they all had their own way of showing hope and in the end their hope payed off. I can not be any more pleased with thre ending of this novel.
ReplyDelete-aaci
In most trafficking situations, most girls are gone forever never to be found again. They are shuffled through the ring from country to country, man to man, never returning to their families and loved ones. Most girls die from drug overdose before they are given the chance to be rescued. The world of sex trafficking is horrendous and more should be done to try and prevent these young, innocent girls from enduring such tragic experiences. I was relieved to find out that Sita, as well as many other girls, were rescued. The FBI went to extraordinary lengths to save these girls, and it was very noble. I can only hope that one day, sex trafficking can be put to an end and all girls get to return to their old and normal lives. I feel that if all girls who are in this situation have the same hope that Ahalya and Sita did, nothing is impossible.
Delete-TBru
Upon completion of Part Four of Addison's suspenseful thriller, I can say that I am relieved and glad. My belief throughout the whole novel was that Sita and Ahalya would reunite in the end because they both embodied the true virtue of HOPE. Fortunately, my belief was correct and the book ended with a happy ending. Thomas wasn't late this time and with the help of Agent Defoe, they were able to rescue Sita. Sita reunites with her pregnant sister and they are ready to take on a new journey, one of tranquility. Also, Thomas and Pryia rekindled their love and as a reader, I was glad everything got worked out. Although this book featured a happy ending, Agent Defoe died in his attempt to free Sita. This death shouldn't be looked as a shameful one but a noble one. After reading this novel, I have recognized how powerful the virtue of hope can be. Through all of Sita's hardships and tragic events, she was able to preserve because of her hope that someday she will be reunited with her sister, Ahayla. Overall, I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to any Farrell student, teacher, or alumni!\
ReplyDelete-DFes
I have to say at the end of the novel, I was deeply satisfied with the end result. What started out as a hopeless situation in where Sita was about to lose the last bit of purity she had, her virginity. Turned into a daring rescue mission where her captor at the time, Dietrich, is shot and killed by an FBI sniper. Finally the moment I personally thought would never happen had come, Thomas who was a part of the rescue mission found Sita and returned her sister's bracelet to her, and in return he symbolically received the figure of Hanuman. In the end all was well for each of the main characters. During a celebration held by Priya's family for the Indian holiday of Holi, the sisters were reunited in what was the most heartwarming moment in the book. As far as Thomas goes he had accomplished his two major goals; reuniting the sisters and reuniting with his wife Priya. Throughout the entire book the idea of hope is key in the survival of the characters. They show that as long as you have hope you can survive; the same can be said in all of our lives. As we all know human trafficking is a very real situation that occurs in the world, but it only occurs because "men purchase it." Just as the characters hoped for an end to their own suffering, we all must hope that maybe one day the entire practice will come to an end.
ReplyDelete-JAss
I'm sorry to say that I was not as entirely satisfied with the ending as you were. I didn't like the fact that Defoe was killed and they never really touched on it or how the little girl Abby, the reason why Thomas decided to take the internship at CASE, died. I thought those deaths were very sad and hard to get over especially since they could have been prevented. Despite that I was happy with the way things turned out for Thomas and Priya and the way things turned out with Ahalya and Sita. I thought the part where Thomas gives Sita Ahalya's bracelet was very important because she then gives him her Hanuman figurine its almost like they swapped there symbols of hope for the future as a thank you to each other. When Ahalya gave birth was also important as you said because it showed that no matter how bad a situation is something good can come out of it.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteAs the book concludes with part four, I am very relieved and content. While I was reading the book, my main concern was for the two sisters to finally be reunited after everything they had went through. Things take a turn for the better when Sita and the girls are finally rescued from Dietrich’s brothel. They were able to be found through the FBI’s use of technology and by agent DeFoe’s investigative work. This amazing feat couldn’t have been accomplished, however, without agent DeFoe dying. After Sita was rescued, she was finally reunited with her sister, which I anticipated the entire time. This reunion was so heartfelt and genuine, I’m so glad something so tragic was able to have a happy ending. Thomas was able to not only bring one family back together, but he was also able to mend his own. Thomas and Priya mended their marriage and were happy once again. They eventually have a daughter, which they name after the courageous Sita. The novel was one with many ups and downs, but I’m glad that things ended the way they did.
ReplyDelete-TBru
The resolution to Addison's novel "A Walk Across the Sun" was exactly what everyone needed after the emotional roller coaster that readers were put through. The heart racing scene when the FBI team and Agent Defoe went on their raid made me feel as if I was watching a movie play out in front of me. Corban Addison's writing style impressed me and kept me intrigued in the novel. It was interesting how he told a story from different perspectives and eventually in the end intertwined these points of view to conclude the story. Ahalya and Sita had a long fought battle ending reunited in their home country. The sisters showed their strength, courage, and hope throughout these times of despair. It was great to see that Thomas and Priya settled their differences and that Priya's family had finally came to accept Thomas. It would have been hard to not accept someone who accomplished such a heroic mission.
ReplyDelete-DBey
Agreeing with David, the ending of this novel was truly the perfect ending this novel needed. The emotions that this novel brought captured the realness of human trafficking that the media does not reveal. When Sita and Ahalya are reunited their is joy that every person that reads this novel feels. The virtue of hope is prevalent throughout this whole novel, even when it felt like there was no hope, there was always a little bit of faith. A symbol of hope for Sita is the blue lotus flower. I also was a fan of Corban Addison style of writing, he brought the true emotion of human trafficking out in his work and made the reader want to keep reading to hopefully end in a happy ending. Addison is an amazing author, whose work is a great way to start spreading awareness of human trafficking.
Delete-CCro
The happy ending everyone needed became a reality. In the final part of Addison's novel "A Walk Across the Sun", Sita is finally reunited with her sister Ahalya. The ending of this novel made me feel nothing but joy, the pain that these sisters went through was something I would have never thought I could feel. The theme that is prevalent throughout this novel throughout this novel is hope,this novel left me with almost zero hope as I read part three, Sita and Ahalya never lost their faith and hope that they would one day be reunited. The FBI and Agent Defoe were able to find Sita and reunite her with her loving sister Ahalya. I was losing hope that Thomas was not going to find Sita, but he did. Thomas also was able to fix the problems with his own family, and now Priya and Thomas are together and Priya's family accepts it. Addison's heart racing novel, is an amazing way to express the horrific effects and realness of human trafficking. Before reading this novel I didn't know the gruesome pain and realness behind human trafficking. Thanks to Addison now I understand what is truly going on.
ReplyDelete-CCro
What an ending!!! Upon finishing Addison’s brilliant novel, there is only one word that can describe the conclusion of this work. RELIEF. Throughout the whole story, I had been hopeful that Sita and Ahalya would one day rejoin forces. Their display of hope finally pays off when they are reunited. At the closing of this book, it seems as if nothing can go wrong. The stars align and everything works out for the best. First of all, with the help of Agent Defoe, Thomas is able to finish what he stated. Through hard work and dedication, Thomas is able to locate and rescue Sita. Secondly, Sita is reunited with her now pregnant sister. The two are ready to hit the road to rejuvenation. The Ghai sisters will finally be able to begin to rebuild themselves and their relationship with one another. Finally, Thomas and Pyria revive, what seemed to be lost, their love for each other. It is refreshing to see that in a book full of gloom, everything begins to work out for the best. It is said that every book is meant to teach a lesson. This statement couldn’t be any more accurate. After reading this chilling novel, I have learned the true power of hope. As long as you stay hopeful, things will turn out for the best. Never give up on yourself and always strive to get out of a tough situation. I am delighted to have been able to read this heartfelt novel.
ReplyDelete-KRos
I was very happy at the way Thomas and Priya's relationship ended up and them naming their baby Sita. I would have like to see an epilogue, maybe, of where the relationship between Sita and Ahalya would have taken them at some point in the future. I found the most interesting part of this book was Defoe, who looks at child pornography on the internet and pretends to be an investor to potentially catch criminals. I feel that that is one of the weirdest, for lack of better terms, ways to go about it Its odd knowing that a man would WANT a job that includes such rude, provocative and downright wrong things knowing what those kids go through on a daily basis. But it was interesting because he was able to find Sita and sort out her method of being saved.
ReplyDelete-CSHE
I totally agree with you. It is amazing that Priya was finally able to have a child. I thought it was really nice of them to name their daughter after Sita. To me the name Sita now has a meaning, it shows hope, strength, and courage. What she went through is amazing. For a young girl you think she would have lost all hope, but she kept hope on the inside and knew that one day she could see her sister again. With the help from agent Defoe and Thomas, Sita was able to reunite with Ahalya. Both of these men did everything they could to get Sita. It takes a lot of courage to work on human trafficking of young children such as Sita. Agent Defoe has a tough job title and I don't think their are that many people in the world that can take on a mission like this.
DeleteCorban Addison's novel is definitely an adventure to dive in I enjoyed every single page of this thriller. Upon reading the ending I can finally exhale! Held my breath within each time I turned the page. I was really satisfied with both Ahyla and Sita reuniting the sister bond can go a long way. The blue lotus made the belief of everything being better in the long run possible. I enjoyed the spark reigniting amongst Thomas and Pyrias love it would have really disappointed me for the relationship to end up not lasting. Hope and faith were two of the biggest things going for each and every single character whether it was Sita escaping her imprisonment and being used Ahyla reuniting with Sita and Thomas finding and rescuing Sita and working out his relationship with Pyria. It was a enjoying ending that every reader will come to appreciate. Because I most certainly did.
ReplyDelete-BMor
The outcome was certainly satisfying! The symbolism of the Lotus flower goes deep trough as Ahalya’s hope and now their new life blossoming out of the dirt that they inhabited for so long. It’s great that Thomas and Priya are back together since Thomas did keep his promise to Ahalya and to Priya: he brought Sita back. Some of our classmates before us had said that they weren’t sure if Ahalya and Sita would be able to live normal lives after this and I would think they could. If Sam Rothstein could go back to his old life after all he went through in Casino, anyone can turn their lives around. Thomas and Priya were rebuilding their relationship after all they went through so anything is indeed possible. A Walk Across the Sun was certainly enjoyable and I liked it a lot more than Caleb’s Crossing. Addison told the story much better and more clearly than Brooks told hers.
Delete-LLun
I am so pleased with the ending of Addison's novel. What we hoped for since part 1 had finally happened. Ahalya and Sita are finally reunited in India, Thomas and Priya had finally found their love, and Priya's father now respects Thomas. Some readers may say that this was the perfect ending and they are satisfied, but i'm going to disagree. Yes it was extremely good and everything worked out, but what I would have liked to see is all the criminals that we experienced since part 1 brought to justice. It is not fair that people get away with this. In my opinion Suchir, Navin, Uncle Ji, etc. Should have been captured and killed just like Dietrich. I also enjoy the fact that Sita was rescued in our country. It just shows how powerful our law enforcement is, and how corrupt it is in other countries such as India. In the end I don't think anyone including myself was dissatisfied with Addison's ending.
ReplyDeleteMTra
Part four is truly amazing in the fact that it concludes the terrible events of Ahalya and Sita and leaves it in good terms. I was incredibly happy that the girls didn’t end up dead by the end of the book, like I believed, I thought one would have been killed. I’m surprised that Sita was not punished harshly for trying to escape, but it was obvious the reason and that reason was to protect merchandise. It’s crazy how these drug traffickers do not seem to take into account that these girls are no merchandise, but they are in fact young girls that once had lives, they have feelings, they have a story to them and that it was all taken away from them in the course of a few days. It’s interesting that the girls still had hope by the end of the novel. I believe Addison effectively brings to light the pain, despair, and how large this rotten system of human trafficking truly is. How anybody could sit there and call people objects and completely reject the fact that the people they are trafficking have feelings is disgusting to me. I still stand by my theory that Thomas’ happiness runs parallel to Sita and Ahalya’s story because by the resolution of the novel even they seem to have a happy ending. It’s horrible to think that although the FBI rescued only two girls there are still many many children, people that once had lives, still out there being sent around the world to support this horrible business.
ReplyDelete-DVa
I have to agree I was completely blown away by part 4. It was so great to see that after all of these horrible events the story was able to conclude with honestly one of the happiest ending I've ever read. When Sita was sent back to the club after her escape attempt I thought she was done for. Addison really does show the readers the horrors of the sex trafficking industry and how there is just an ongoing battle to bring an end to it. It really is scary how heartless these people are and how they will do anything to anyone in order to make some money. I agree Thomas's happiness is parallel to Sita and Ahalya's story. The further Sita gets away from Ahalya, the further Thomas got away from Priya, until the end when they all came together and happiness was restored.
Delete-Whard
Part 4 was one of the most intense things that I have ever read in my life. When Sita was brought to America once again like every part of the book I really had no idea what to expect. It's unbelievable to think of what Sita had been through up to this point. When Sita was trapped in the club it was horrifying for her to have to watch those girls get raped. When Igor tried raping Sita I became more worried than for her than I have ever been. Once again Sita was more careful in escaping this time and for a moment I actually thought she escaped successfully. I was sickened by the lady at the motel who had her get taken back to the club. This failure could've completely crushed the last of Sita's hopes. I was really amazed when Andrew Porter told Thomas about Defoe and what he was able to find out. The plan for the raid was dangerous and it was a very intense read, I was so unsure what to expect tho happen to Sita when she was being held hostage. Defoe is a true hero: he lost his life for Sita. Although it was a very frightening sight for Sita I think that it made her realize that people are looking for Sita and that she might be rescued. Thomas tried his best and was able to fulfill his promise. The ending of the story was such a relief because for the entire book things just kept getting worse and worse. I think the Priya and Ahalya's newborn babies are symbols of hope and a sign of their lives making a huge turn for the better.
ReplyDelete-WHard
My thought's exactly considering the amount of intensity in the remaining part of this book, everything that could be fixed, was and done so in a great way. While i agree that i was confused as to what was going to occur in America for Sita, i figured she would eventually be saved considering the fact that she was on American soil, where law enforcement agency's were more equipped then in other countries such as France or India. I was completely amazed that Thomas was able to fufill his promise to Sita after all the events that signified that she could potentially be trapped in the sex trade...he fulfilled his promise to Ahalya, and while i don't know if Addison was trying to relate karma to the whole situation; i definitely feel Thomas's actions and the good karma he found certainly allowed him to mend the gap in his relationship with Priyha.
Delete-DLar
As we reach the end of the work, we see once again that the resolve of Thomas to find Sita is unwavering and a force to be reckoned with. But a thought that I'm certain most others had while reading was this, "Why does he persist on finding a girl he hasn't even met?" Well something that intrigued me was beside the fact that he made all of those promises to others that he would find her, I thought that he may be saving her subconsciously because he couldn't save his own daughter that was around Sita's age, I think this may be his way of atoning for not being able to rescue his own daughter from death. But in the end we see that Thomas does save her from the hell she was forced to endure and even begins to act as a big brother to her at the end of the work. The end of the work shows that as long as you have hope for something bright in your future, you can attain it as long as you work at it.
ReplyDeleteI agree with the points you have made. Sometimes I ask myself the same question. I also think that this chase was largely due to the failure of Thomas to save Mohini from an untimely death. Her death was out of his hands, however, it is natural for a parent to feel he is responsible for the death of a kid. The feeling of the possibility of doing more lingers and they sometimes ignore the fact that it was indeed out of their hands as seen in their hands. Despite this, I also think that Thomas' determination was in part due to the abduction he witnessed in part one. He saw the van take the young girl and he couldn't stop them. As a result I think perhaps he felt he owed it to that girl and that incident most likely made him more sympathetic to the general issue of child abductions. In the end, he could not save that girl, yet he did save Sita and in doing so many others taken against their will. I do think Mohini's death played a significant role in his actions, however, I do think Abby's abduction also played a role in his determined chase of Sita ranging over a few different countries.
Delete-DD'Am
In the thrilling close to this gruesome story, the happy ending is achieved, though sooner than I anticipated. Just as everyone seems to lose hope on Sita's rescue, they catch a break. Soon after part four began, we find Thomas catching a big break as they are able to find and raid Dietrich's brothel. This ends positively and Sita saw her sister soon enough. As for Thomas his promise to Ahalya was fulfilled and he was soon reunited with Priya. When Sita was rescued she gave Thomas her Hanuman. This is symbolic because in the Indian tales, Rama was the guiltless man who Priya's father wishes her husband to resemble. However, Sita gave Thomas the Hanuman doll and he rescued her as Hanuman was the hero that rescued Sita in the stories of old. This shows that Thomas is the right man for Priya. I found this to be a clever way to show that Thomas is the right fit for Priya despite all that he has done wrong between them. As for Sita she was welcomed back as a queen which I find appropriate given the harsh conditions she had to endure for some time. The ending was satisfactory in my opinion, but not without its sadness. The girl from part one who Thomas initially viewed being kidnapped was found dead. Despite this, despite the fact that not all cruelty as opposed to minors was eradicated, it was a good start on a long path to justice.
ReplyDelete-DD'Am
In the end of this thrilling novel Sita is returned to Ahalya in a big Holi ceremony. With help from the FBI Thomas was able to save Sita and return her to India. At the same time Thomas, as a last ditch effort, sends Priya a poem he wrote titled A Walk Across The Sun. The most important thing I noticed at the end was how much Thomas developed by realizing what he truly wants and who he truly wants to be with. The end though is not without its sadness such as the death of Abby and Defoe two people who were very integral to the story. Ahalya has her baby and Priya is pregnant with her and Thomas second daughter who they decide to name after Sita. All in all the end is satisfying and truly shows that justice triumphs over evil.
ReplyDeleteThis novel has been a rollercoaster of ups and downs from being kidnapped and tormented to being eventually saved and free again. I agree with Mike Galford on how Thomas has developed throughout the novel. At the beginning Thomas was not sure what he wanted in life and through everything that had happened he realized what he truly wants. I also agree on how the ending of the novel shows how justice will always triumph over evil. Sita was kidnapped and sold into sex trafficking in which she never lost all hope because she also believed justice will always beats evil.
Delete-NSco
What an ending! Ahalya and Sita are reunited and the best part is Sita was rescued unscathed. If that wasn’t enough: Priya’s family threw a party for their reunion and Priya found it in her heart to forgive Thomas. The final raid on Dietrich’s house in Georgia was rather anti-climactic. It was so built up: Agent DeFoe had gone online and gained their trust, he set up a raid with trucks and a helicopter, had a swat team, and the whole 9 yards. He goes into the house undercover and gets Sita alone in a room. Then the helicopter flies over and everyone freaks out and Dietrich kill DeFoe and takes Sita hostage. Then they just use a sniper to kill Dietrich and it’s over. Corban Addison built the scene up and it was over in just a couple of pages. On the bright side everything turned out OK except that DeFoe did a large part of the work and is the reason Sita was found (he even related to her because he was an orphan too) and there was almost no mention of him after the fact. At least Ahalya and Sita are reunited finally in India and they are able to get on with their lives and hopefully recover from this horrible chain of events.
ReplyDelete-LLun
I am so glad that the book ended the way it did. Sita was reunited with Ahalya with the help of Thomas, Andrew porter, DeFoe, CASE, and the rest of the FBI. Dietrich and many other people involved with the sex trade and child pornography were arrested, and many of the girls were rescued and brought home. Even Priya and Thomas got back together, and had a child, whom they named Sita. It seems like that lotus plant has finally started growing, and hope has been restored to all of the character, except for DeFoe, who died for the cause, and the little girl Abby, who was kidnapped in the beginning. But, Abby's kidnapping is the reason why Thomas got involved with CASE, and like they said; not every child can be saved. It is a sad reality, but its the truth, and those who are saved are blessed. Although it made me a little nervous when the truck was taking Sita to a different place than planned, I was relieved when everyone was reunited. It was a very deep and heartfelt moment when Ahalya called Thomas "dada" because she felt that he was part of her family now. Also, I feel that the quote at the beginning of chapter 33, "Let not your heart be burdened with what is past and gone" is totally fitting because everyone is trying to forget the past for a little and move forward and live the rest of their lives as normal as possible, and it seems like they are all capable of doing so, and long as they are together.
ReplyDeleteI was very relieved upon finishing Addison's thrilling novel. Everything turns out well, and Sita stays "sealed". I loved the raid of Candyland, how we'll thought out everything was and went almost flawless. Agent DeFoe being killed was a huge shock, but he died for his cause of saving Sita and shutting down the largest online child pornography ring. Sita is rescued, and Thomas finally presents her with Ahaylas bracelet. Ahayla and Sitas reunion was great, because they both realized all of the hardships they had gone through we're now over. Thomas's achievement finally gave him the long awaited respect of Priyas father, who admitted he was wrong about Thomas. Priyas family held a celebration for the festival of colors, and crowned Sita the princess for all the hardship she had been through. It's really hard for me to imagine that sex trafficking goes on with people my age, and how hard it is to fight. This book opened my world view about corruption and hope. I was satisfied with the ending in that good conquered evil.
ReplyDeletePart four of A Walk across the Sun puts a somewhat happy ending to such a tragic story. In the final part of this novel Sita is saved from Dietrich while she is being held in the United States. She is saved by a man named Defoe who was able to find where she is being held and coordinate a successful raid of the house. Although he is killed during this raid I believe he is the true hero in this story. Without his work Sita may have never been found and who knows what would have happened to her without him. Even though Defoe is dead Sita, the girl who Thomas has been trying to save gets out alive. The books comes to a happy ending though, Sita is taken back to India by Thomas and a party is thrown for them. There Sita and Ahalya are reunited and Thomas and Pria come together again.
ReplyDeleteIn the last part of A Walk Across The Sun we see that Sita is returned to Ahalya in a ceremony. Thomas was able to save Sita in India with help from the FBI. Thomas sends a poem to priya as a last effort in which he entitled it A Walk Across The Sun. At the end I felt sad as a reader when Abby and Defoe died. They were a very fundamental part of the novel. Priya is pregnant, Ahalya has her baby and Thomas names his second child Sita after all that had happened. At the resolution of this story I have a better understanding of life.
ReplyDelete-NSco
After a multitude of bad, and just when you thought that think's coulden't possibly get worse for Sita and Ahalya....Addison completely, reverses direction and allows some positive events to happen. Sita's reunion with Ahayla literally brought me a complete sense of satisfaction, after all the trails and tribulations they both faced, both were able to stop hoping for a happy ending, and finally realize it. Though this book desperately needed a positive take in the end, i do definitely feel that most books are in a sense, unrealistic as most people who end up in the sex trade, do not exit it alive, or at all in the same piece. Regardless, i was excited that Thomas worked up the courage to send his letter entitled "A Walk Across The Sun"
ReplyDeleteto Priyha considering the fight they both had over his involvement with Tara and the subsequent mending of their relationship. This last part also really drew me in with the cliche climactic last battle between the good guys and the forces of Dietrich. While it seem'ed unreal that an operation could be allowed on Georgian soil so quickly without negotiations....i enjoyed watching Dietrich's empire fall and and the fact that his life was ended with one round of a snipers bullet....which in a sense signifies that even people who regard themselves as invincible characters, are really just mortals after all.
-DLar
After finishing Addison's thrilling and suspenseful novel I am extremely satisfied. We finally get the happy ending we all were and hoping for. The raid on Candyland was both thrilling and extremely well thought out. However, not everything went great and Dafoe unfortunately lost his life. However, he did it to rescue Sita and to help put an end to the large underworld of child pornography. In my eyes he is seen as a true hero in this book. After Sita was rescued the other heroes in my eyes, Thomas finally completed his work. He completed his goal and reunited the two long lost sisters. It was also great when Ahalya called Thomas "dada" showing that she feels that Thomas is now a part of their family. Ahalya and Sita's reunion was particularly emotional because we as the readers realize how many hardships they both went through and that their unwavering hope led to this fateful and heartfelt reunion.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Sal he is dead on with saying that the end of this book is satisfying, in fact I would even go the lengths of saying that I would read this book again. It had its ups and its downs and even though Defoe was shot in the end Sita and the girls got to go home and were safe from any more harm. This book was inspiring to me in that there was so many things that could have has Sita stopped in her tracks and just given up but she knew that in the back of her head there was still a chance that she could get home she just didn’t know that the chances name was Defoe. It was a slight upset that he was shot in the end but it was all worth it in that Defoe saves the girls who had all been through hell and back. Hands down one of the best books I’ve read.
Delete-CKat
I was so relieved to see the book come full circle. To see the sister's reunite, all the symbolism of the bracelet returned and the flower blossomed to show that all you need is a little hope. It was great to see Thomas finish a job he has worked so hard to do and thats sita and reunite her with her sister. Throughout the whole book just as things seemed to be getting better a tragedy would strike and as i was reading the end of the book i was waiting for something tragic to happen but i am so glad that a book that has so much negativity and sadness is every scene completely change and have a ending that we had all hoped for.
ReplyDeleteI was impressed with a Walk Across the Sun was written to both entertain and teach the reader about an event occurring in today’s world. A Walk Across the Sun kept me on edge most of the time. I thought: what is going to happen next? The book had a lot of suspense as far as if the characters will survive since it is usually assumed by many that there will be a happy ending. Sometimes there were scenes that kept you on edge, and other times the book had scenes. All of that made me want to know more about the faith of two Indian girls who had to make their way through hardship unimaginable by common people. While the book had at least one graphic scene, the shame, the sorrow, and the raging emotions of the girls or simple descriptions were more than enough just enough to make the reader understand their situation and feel sympathy.
ReplyDelete