Not for Sale Summary

The girl's father denies her the opportunities that American girls have, such as driving and dating. He seems to think that they still live in Puerto Rico and he can protect her from dangers in the world. Secluded in her room, the girl reads and invents stories to ease her through her situation. One day she is an Indian princess kept away from outside influences; another day she is Papillon readying her escape.

The girl's mother senses the girl's need for life experiences but cannot go against her husband's rules. The mother buys her daughter a gold embroidered bedspread depicting the tales of Scheherazade from the salesman they call El Arabe. El Arabe spreads his glittering linens and jewelry in front of the girl and her mother, and on this day he shoves a huge ring on the girl's...