Interesting and Profound

Unexpected: Short Stories from Around the World

These are uniquely crafted stories each told either by a narrator relating the events or by the character. Each story reminds readers to be grateful for what we have and never to take situations or people for granted. Most of the stories are sad and some endings are tragic with a surprise twist. Story one is quite interesting as we meet Joao who comes from Brazil and is about to get married to Lisa. Speaking with his friend and telling him about how beautify she is and how happy he is going to be sets the dramatic stage for what happens at the end that will definitely surprise and blindside readers. Wedding plans in place and the I Do’s said and the final revelation will shock readers. The second story Chelsea; Miss Ohio deals with a young girl who manages to win several beauty contests. Meeting her in a bar, Gustave thinks that God is shining on him as he falls for her. But, little did he know that this was a scam thought of by her friend Melissa who explained how she could get him to marry her and then the ax would fall. Things progressed between Chelsea and Gustave until one month before giving birth to a child she broke up with him. Her goal reached and she did not need him. She would rather her child alone. She studied the arts in Fran and she did not have French citizenship and in one month would get stuck going back to Ohio. Her plan was to have her find a boyfriend, get pregnant and not have to go back to Ohio she would be able to stay in France raising a French child. When she went into labor and thought her child was going to be born something would change and her plan just might backfire. Winning all the beauty contests Chelsea began to reflect on her past but sometimes things that you want are over and the ending will surprise readers when Chelsea wants Gustave back but the author once again throws in a well- crafted surprise twist. The third story is titled Adios. Poor Henry was naïve and did not realize that drinking might be more than fun but his downfall. With his teammates at his side and thinking that he did something with each one Henry never realizes that jokes are jokes and his teammates folly just might be someone else’s downfall. Practical jokes are not always practical or funny, as you will find out! Adios but who is saying goodbye?

Judges do not always side with the person that is not guilty. Sometimes circumstances are such that evidence is presented and the wrong person is arrested for a crime. Jason is accused of breaking into someone’s apartment and when the evidence is presented he is sentenced to 16 months in jail, which is rather harsh. He apologizes to the victim and the judge does not hear a word. But, something happens when the victim realizes she made a mistake but some mistakes as you will learn often breed disastrous results. The JUDGE find out what happens when one makes the wrong decision another tries to compensate but sometimes it’s too late. The final three stories are The Magic Biscuits, The Wedding Contract and Li Fuang Zu, A Chinese Hero. Think about biscuits that have some magic qualities but was it the biscuits or something else? Edwardo handed out these special biscuits and things happened that made other people happy. Juan his boss gave him these biscuits and told him to only give them to people he loved. Sometimes things happen and there is no explanation as someone ate the biscuits and got sick but why? Someone else got the biscuits and a true love story emerged but was it the biscuits or something else? Edwardo thanked Jan but he retired and his wife was always happy. Sometimes the thing you think is great and you love the most can be your downfall. An ending that will once again surprise you and an expiration date that will have meaning to only one person: Edwardo. The Magic Biscuits: after reading this story would you want some? This is a touching story about Jean Pierre and Julie who finally gets married and have two daughters. But, not every marriage turns out great and this one where Jean-Pierre becomes rich and famous and thinks his wife might cheat on him and her on him. But, when truths come out the ending is not always what you might expect. Why would he want to divorce his wife? You will never believe the reason and the ending: unexpected. The final story is about a young man without an identity thinking he was nothing. Living in his aunt’s house she would berate him and tell him he’s nothing. But this story I will leave to you the reader to find out what happens when a Mayor tries to reconcile the damage done to someone but sometimes it’s too late but you decide for yourself if Li finally gets recognized. A Chinese beggar having nothing living on the street and on the kindness of others. Wait until you learn the final one. Stories with Unexpected Endings, characters that are flawed and yet some might endear themselves to you the reader as author P.F. Citizen gives readers much food for thought as he shares this heartfelt stories of tragedy, injustice, love, fear, friendship and loyalties.

Fran Lewis: Just reviews/MJ magazine