Mari by I. M. Telling

   Mari is an educated, beautiful young woman from Nairobi. She dreamed of one day being a very successful model in New York City, America.  She knew then she would be able to provide for herself and her family. Like most young women, Mari has a Facebook account and enjoys talking to people there. It gives her a glimpse into the world beyond Nairobi.  It was there she met Ronald.  Their conversations were polite, sweet, and caring.  Mari asked Ronald for a photo of himself. In return he asked for nude photos of Mari.  Although it wasn't easy for her, Mari did get the partial nudes and sent them to Ronald.  He immediately told her she'd be able to get modelling jobs easily in the United States. He was going to arrange for her to fly to Raleigh, North Carolina where he'd meet her.  A day or two later  Ronald told her there was a problem and he couldn't afford to send her the money to get her to North Carolina. Mari sold her clothing and laptop to get the money needed to make the trip.  She just knew it was going to be wonderful for her life.  She had no way of knowing the hell she was walking into. Yes, there were red flags, but Mari was excited and fancied herself in love.  Now, it would take all of her strength and knowledge to combat this modern day Civil War.  Mari couldn't believe places like this compound existed in the United States.  Would she survive? Only time would tell.


    This book takes you to a place none of us ever thought would exist in today's world. It shows us the inside of a group of twisted minds.  The story could essentially happen to any young woman who didn't really pay attention to the red flags.  The characters are strong and reach inside themselves for even more strength than we'd think humanly possible.  The book is graphic, but in keeping with the story.  I cringed, I cried and I cheered Mari on.   I applaud I.M.Telling for daring to reach into an area most would prefer to see shoved in a closet and locked away.  This book is one you will enjoy and it will stay with you long after you've finished it. I highly recommend this one.


   I didn't find any issues.


   I gave this one 5 out of 5 books because it haunted my mind to think this could really happen in today's world.