OnlineBookClub.org

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "An Unexpected Mess" by Marie Washtag.]

An Unexpected Mess by Marie Washtag comes under the genre of other fiction. This story deals with the themes of war refugees, slavery, and human trafficking. Marta had grown up in Serbia but fled to Hungary when the war broke out and now was trying to establish a new life in Spain. She became a pawn in the hands of individuals who took advantage of her to enrich themselves.

Marta left her home country when war broke out and found work in Spain. She saw her life as a blank, white page that she wanted to fill with beautiful experiences. Her ability to speak several languages helped her land a job with a tourist company. She met Attila, who fell in love with her and won her heart. They began planning their wedding. Her husband and his friend, Pedro, were planning to film the consumption of the marriage and sell the photos for a large payment. Before these plans could be carried out, several men broke into the room and kidnapped Marta. They transported her to another city, and we read about her life as a captive with no documents and unable to speak the language. Is there any hope for Marta or is she doomed to a life of slavery? Is there any way out of this prison?

I especially enjoyed the author's portrayal and development of Marta. Her love of life, enjoyment of freedom, and happy disposition set the tone for a contented lifestyle. I fell in love with Marta and the joy she expressed in the simple pleasures of life. This created a contrast with the horror she experienced when she became the target of the evil plans of her ruthless acquaintances.

The setting of the story is Spain. The primary tourist attractions of San Sebastian, Malaga, Barcelona, Granada, and Madrid fill the pages of the book, carrying the reader to the cultural and historical sites of each city. The author's beautiful descriptions inspired me to research many of the places mentioned.

I struggled with the lack of quotation marks to indicate speech as this created confusion during lengthier discussions. The numerous spelling and punctuation errors also slowed the reading flow.

I rate this book 3 out of 4 stars. This story keeps the reader engaged with its captivating story line that contemplates the precarious situation of refugees. Marta's experience evoked a wide range of emotions that kept me riveted to the story until the dramatic end. I deducted one star for the reasons mentioned above. Readers who enjoy psychological thrillers and suspense novels will breeze through this short novel of only 115 pages. There are a few scenes of a sexual nature that would be inappropriate for younger or sensitive readers.

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An Unexpected Mess
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Sadly, I think this is more realistic than we'd like to believe. It sounds like it tackles some important themes, and it's entertaining to boot. The content might be a bit too dark for me, but I appreciate the review. Thanks.

This book sounds intriguing! I am often drawn to books classified as "Other Fiction." Their subjects are always a surprise! Thanks for such a thorough review.

Poor Marta! It sounds as though her life is one bad thing after another. I love books with good character development and it seems that at least Marta's character fits into that category. Great review!

It's so sad that someone as positive and optimistic as Marta was duped by those she trusted. I hope that she was able to escape her prison and live her life to the fullest. Thank you for a fascinating review!

It sounds like a novel about problems that are all too real in today's world, which is unfortunate. I just may pick this one up! Thanks for the engaging review!

Marta left her home country when war broke out and found work in Spain. She saw her life as a blank, white page that she wanted to fill with beautiful experiences. Her ability to speak several languages helped her land a job with a tourist company. She met Attila, who fell in love with her and won her heart. They began planning their wedding. Her husband and his friend, Pedro, were planning to film the consumption of the marriage and sell the photos for a large payment. Before these plans could be carried out, several men broke into the room and kidnapped Marta. They transported her to another city, and we read about her life as a captive with no documents and unable to speak the language. Is there any hope for Marta or is she doomed to a life of slavery? Is there any way out of this prison?

What a compelling plot! I thoroughly enjoyed your review.

kandscreeley wrote: ↑17 Jun 2019, 10:24 Sadly, I think this is more realistic than we'd like to believe. It sounds like it tackles some important themes, and it's entertaining to boot. The content might be a bit too dark for me, but I appreciate the review. Thanks.

That's what struck me. It is written as fiction, but it seemed like it could have been based on a true story. I appreciate your comments. Thanks!

sarahmarlowe wrote: ↑17 Jun 2019, 11:25 This book sounds intriguing! I am often drawn to books classified as "Other Fiction." Their subjects are always a surprise! Thanks for such a thorough review.

I think you would enjoy this story. It does have some surprises! Thanks for commenting.

Prisallen wrote: ↑17 Jun 2019, 14:14 Poor Marta! It sounds as though her life is one bad thing after another. I love books with good character development and it seems that at least Marta's character fits into that category. Great review!

I did not always agree with Marta's decisions, but it is hard to know how you would react until you find yourself going through the same thing. She was an interesting character and I still debate her reactions in my head! Thanks for stopping by.

Bluebird03 wrote: ↑17 Jun 2019, 14:39 It's so sad that someone as positive and optimistic as Marta was duped by those she trusted. I hope that she was able to escape her prison and live her life to the fullest. Thank you for a fascinating review!

You might be surprised! I did admire her optimism and hope. Thanks for commenting.

Kelyn wrote: ↑18 Jun 2019, 05:57 It sounds like a novel about problems that are all too real in today's world, which is unfortunate. I just may pick this one up! Thanks for the engaging review!

With all the refugees we see in the news, it is interesting to read about their experiences. They go into the unknown and often fall into situations beyond their control. I hope you enjoy Marta´s story. I appreciate your comments.

Cecilia_L wrote: ↑18 Jun 2019, 13:03

Marta left her home country when war broke out and found work in Spain. She saw her life as a blank, white page that she wanted to fill with beautiful experiences. Her ability to speak several languages helped her land a job with a tourist company. She met Attila, who fell in love with her and won her heart. They began planning their wedding. Her husband and his friend, Pedro, were planning to film the consumption of the marriage and sell the photos for a large payment. Before these plans could be carried out, several men broke into the room and kidnapped Marta. They transported her to another city, and we read about her life as a captive with no documents and unable to speak the language. Is there any hope for Marta or is she doomed to a life of slavery? Is there any way out of this prison?

What a compelling plot! I thoroughly enjoyed your review.

It is a compelling story about a contemporary issue. I appreciate your kind words. Thanks!

It seems the author has a winner here. I hope those errors could be resolved quickly. Marta's story is sadly too common among those whose lives are disrupted by war.

Miriam Molina wrote: ↑18 Jun 2019, 16:54 It seems the author has a winner here. I hope those errors could be resolved quickly. Marta's story is sadly too common among those whose lives are disrupted by war.

I hope so too. I really wanted to give this one the full score. I appreciate your comments. Thanks!