A Crime So Monstrous: Face-to-Face with Modern-Day Slavery (2008) by E. Benjamin Skinner is a harrowing exploration of contemporary slavery through firsthand accounts of former slaves and those who profit from human trafficking. Over five years, Skinner traveled to various regions, including Eastern Europe, Asia, and suburban America, revealing the chilling ease with which individuals can be bought and sold. He highlights the stark realities faced by millions, from debt bondage in India to sexual exploitation in Romania and child trafficking in Haiti. The book emphasizes the indifference of those who engage in these transactions, likening it to a mundane exchange of goods. Skinner critiques governmental inaction and corruption as key factors in the persistence of slavery, despite its illegal status worldwide. He also discusses the work of NGOs and activists combating human trafficking, advocating for a shift in perception that frames slavery as a crime against humanity rather than a mere trafficking issue. Skinner's compelling narrative underscores the urgent need for awareness and action against modern-day slavery, as he reveals that there are more enslaved people today than at any point in history.
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