The Rug Dealer

by Martha L. Thompson

A naive Midwestern exchange student immersed in the exotic sights, sounds, and smells of central Turkey falls under the spell of a charming Turkish Svengali and unwittingly becomes an international rug smuggler.

The Turk ends the relationship, shattering Martha's dreams, but remains a controlling and difficult influence as she strives to rebuild her life back in America. After committing herself to her studies at the Juilliard School, she believes she has broken her addiction to the Turk and his culture, but in a moment of weakness, returns to Turkey.

Witness the joys and struggles of her search for love.

242 pages, Paperback

Published February 23, 2026

About the author

Martha Thompson spent the first twenty years of her professional life performing as an actor. A graduate of the Juilliard School of Drama and Marymount Manhattan College, she toured more than eighty U.S. cities as a member of John Houseman’s Acting Company. She also performed at Joseph Papp’s Public Theatre in New York, The Eugene O’Neill Playwright’s Conference in Connecticut, The Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. and many regional theatres throughout the country.

When physical and emotional illness disabled her, Martha was forced to retire from acting. Inspired by her love for her German shepherd, Gus, she explored career options that involved animals, which led her to volunteering, and eventually working at a local zoo where she coordinated volunteers and wrote and edited a weekly newsletter called "ZOONOOZ."

Her first book, The Oxygen Mask Rule: How My Battle with Anorexia Taught Me to Survive, published in February 2012 by CreateSpace, was a Finalist in the Women's Issues category of the 2012 International Book Awards.

Martha lives in Los Angeles and continues to heal with the help of her husband Don, her service dog Henry, another beautiful dog named Cassie, four turtles, two Bobwhite and three Button quail.

Reviews

[Lisa M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

To me, opening "The Rug Dealer" was like turning my telescope on. I look into the dark depths of the Milky Way - a small bright star suddenly appearing. I name her Martha. And she flies off into an eccentric orbit, tweaking comets' tails, side swiping asteroids until her gravity field encounters Gus then Don. They create a stable triplet. Electrons flying space/time travel for little star Martha.

[Karen G · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Rug Dealer is a feast for the senses, from the carefully chosen words that evoke the foods, attire, and landscapes of Turkey, to the inner landscapes of the author’s heart as she navigates her obsession with a handsome young rug dealer in a well-tailored, pinstriped suit. The reader becomes a voyeur to cringe-worthy first-love experiences that feel like a disaster waiting in the wings. This fast-paced memoir kept me engaged from start to finish and reminded me that I, too, was once young and foolish for love. The Rug Dealer will not disappoint; it takes you on an unforgettable journey to another time and place, seen through the eyes of a brilliant storyteller.

Karen Golden - Storyteller/Writer

[Steven Stiefel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this coming-of-age memoir, where the author explores her youthful naivete intermingled with duplicities, both of which get her into challenging circumstances.
The theme of “acting” helps the author explain how she convinces herself to get involved in very sketchy and dangerous situations. The Turkish backdrop and the young artist’s struggle to succeed make this a compelling read.

[Colleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun read and intriguing

I have been awaiting the release of this book and it did not disappoint! Great descriptions of life in far flung places and of the people who live there.
The author and I are "of an age", and her descriptions of events, music, places and things were an enjoyable trip back in time for me.
Very well done; I will be reading it again at a slower pace. Loved it!

[Kristina Webb · Rating 5 out of 5]

A memoir that reads like a novel. Martha leads readers by hand through over thirty years of her life. Filled with everything from suspense to romance. As common of a thing to say, I could not put this down. Well, I couldn't put it down without annoyance of having to return to my own life 😄

[Ramu · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Rug Dealer by Martha L. Thompson

Rating:5/5

Review:

👉This book is a raw and introspective story about obsession, cultural seduction, and the painful process of self-reclamation. What begins as an adventurous chapter in a young Midwestern woman’s life—studying abroad in central Turkey—quickly transforms into something far more consuming. Thompson immerses readers in the textures and rhythms of Turkish life, from bustling bazaars to intimate conversations steeped in tradition. The setting is not just a backdrop; it becomes part of the emotional current that sweeps the narrator into unfamiliar and dangerous territory.

👉The romance at the heart of the story is both intoxicating and deeply unsettling. The Turkish man she falls for is charismatic and enigmatic, embodying the kind of allure that feels irresistible in youth. Yet beneath the charm lies manipulation and control. Thompson carefully traces how admiration turns into dependency, and how dependency blurs moral boundaries—eventually leading the narrator into international rug smuggling. The criminal element is startling, but it feels less like a thriller twist and more like the inevitable outcome of unchecked infatuation.

👉What makes this book especially compelling is its unflinching look at emotional addiction. Even after the relationship collapses, the psychological tether remains intact. Returning to the United States and committing herself to rigorous study at Juilliard represents an attempt to rebuild her identity through discipline and ambition. Yet Thompson is honest about how healing rarely moves in a straight line. The memories linger, the longing resurfaces, and the pull of what once felt magical proves difficult to silence.

👉The decision to return to Turkey adds another powerful layer to the narrative. It is not framed as romantic destiny but as a complicated collision between self-awareness and unresolved desire. In these moments, the author exposes the vulnerability of someone who knows better yet still hopes for a different outcome. The internal conflict feels authentic, revealing how culture, love, and identity can intertwine in ways that make detachment incredibly painful.

[Sneha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay but tell me why this book feels like “study abroad but make it emotionally unhinged.”

The Rug Dealer by Martha L. Thompson follows a Midwestern girl who lands in central Turkey and instead of just collecting souvenirs, she collects red flags. And somehow? Falls in love with them.

The Turkish charmer in this story? Walking, talking “I can fix him” energy. He’s magnetic, mysterious, and absolutely not good for her. What starts as romance slowly slides into manipulation, obsession, and yes, international rug smuggling. Because apparently regular heartbreak wasn’t dramatic enough.

What I loved is how real the emotional addiction feels. Even after he ends things, he still lives rent-free in her head. She goes back to America, dives into her studies at Juilliard, tries to rebuild, but healing isn’t linear. It’s messy. It’s weak moments. It’s going back to the very thing that broke you.

And that return to Turkey? Whew. Self-awareness battling self-destruction in real time. This isn’t just about a toxic man. It’s about identity, culture, ambition, and how easy it is to lose yourself when something feels bigger than your entire world.

If you love dramatic, introspective, “why am I like this?” type reads with cultural depth and emotional chaos, this one’s for you.

[Jithendra Jithu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Martha L. Thompson’s The Rug Dealer is the kind of memoir that pulls you in with wanderlust and keeps you hooked with emotional turbulence. What begins as a teenage exchange student’s adventure in Turkey quickly evolves into a layered story about vulnerability, cultural immersion, and the dangerous allure of first love. The author captures that intoxicating feeling of being young and far from home, where every experience feels amplified.

The relationship with Mehmet is both fascinating and frustrating to witness. He’s charming, enigmatic, and clearly trouble, yet the emotional pull he has over Martha feels painfully real. The memoir doesn’t glamorize the toxicity but instead exposes how easy it is to fall into patterns of obsession, especially when mixed with cultural fascination and personal insecurity.

What makes this book stand out is its honesty. Martha reflects on her past with clarity and self-awareness, never shying away from her mistakes. It’s messy, emotional, and deeply human—a story that lingers long after the final page.

[Calvin · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you think The Rug Dealer is just another travel memoir, think again. This book dives deep into the psyche of a young woman navigating identity, desire, and self-deception while far from home. Turkey isn’t just a backdrop it becomes a character in itself, shaping Martha’s choices and emotions.

The romance at the center of the story is intense and unsettling. Mehmet isn’t written as a simple villain, which makes the dynamic even more compelling. Instead, the relationship feels layered, reflecting the complexity of real-life emotional entanglements where love and manipulation often blur.

The writing is immersive and reflective, offering readers not just a story but an experience. It’s a reminder of how formative our early choices can be and how they echo long into adulthood.

[Badsha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Martha L. Thompson delivers a memoir that feels like equal parts romance, cautionary tale, and self-exploration. The Rug Dealer captures the thrill of stepping into a new culture while also highlighting the risks of losing yourself within it.

Martha’s relationship with Mehmet is the emotional core of the book, and it’s written with striking authenticity. The highs are intoxicating, the lows are devastating, and the in-between moments are filled with uncertainty. Readers may find themselves frustrated with her choices, but they’ll also understand them.

Ultimately, this is a story about growth. Martha’s journey doesn’t follow a straight line, and that’s what makes it so relatable. It’s a raw portrayal of how we learn, stumble, and eventually find our way back to ourselves.

[Raviteja · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Rug Dealer feels like a whirlwind of emotion wrapped in a travel memoir. From the moment Martha arrives in Turkey, there’s a sense that her life is about to change in ways she can’t control. The setting is vividly described, making readers feel as though they are experiencing it alongside her.

The romance is both captivating and troubling. Mehmet’s charm is undeniable, but so are the warning signs. The author does an excellent job of showing how easily excitement can blur judgment, especially for someone young and impressionable.

This memoir shines in its reflection. Looking back, Martha doesn’t try to justify her actions she examines them. That honesty gives the book depth and makes it resonate on a deeper level.

[Sephe Haven · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Rug Dealer is Martha Thompson’s page-turning, coming of age memoir of the elating, devastating power of First Love (especially an exotic foreign first love) to shape who we want to be, shifting our hopes toward something we never knew we wanted, casting a spell not easily broken. I could barely turn the pages fast enough to keep up with Martha’s brave young self on the adventure of a lifetime as she finally becomes who she was meant to be.

Sephe Haven, (Isadora O’Boto) - author of “My Whorizontal Life: An Escort’s Tale” & “A Someday Courtesan”, Solo Show “My Whorizontal Life: The Play”, Podcast: My Index to S$X.

[Art Porton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Driven by a desire to see the world, 17-year-old Martha Thompson becomes an exchange student, uprooting herself from the safety of her Appleton, Wisconsin childhood to live for a summer with a family in Konya, Turkey. Despite her host family’s best efforts, Martha finds dangerous, exciting love that summer with Mehmet, a dashing young rug merchant. Ms. Thompson’s memoir captures the echoes of that romance across years and continents as she travels, commits a small number of felonies, and ultimately becomes an accomplished actor in New York City. Readers will cheer for Martha as she comes to terms with the lessons learned in her youth.

Art Porton – author

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Rug Dealer is a treat to read. From the very first pages, Martha Thompson's memoir will draw you in and take you on a wild ride through exotic, dreamlike places and cultures. The book introduces you to unexpected friends you'll wish you knew, mysterious locales you'll yearn to explore, and pulls you through exciting twists and turns (including accidental smuggling and international crime). This coming-of-age story will remind you of the vivid pain and pleasure of being young, falling in love for the first time, and learning the true cost you pay for following your dreams and your heart.

Highly recommended.

[Harsha · Rating 5 out of 5]

There’s something almost cinematic about The Rug Dealer. The sights, sounds, and emotions leap off the page, creating a story that feels vivid and immediate. Martha’s journey begins with curiosity but quickly spirals into something far more complex.

The relationship with Mehmet is portrayed with nuance, showing both its allure and its danger. It’s not just about him it’s about what he represents to Martha: freedom, rebellion, and escape from her former self.

What lingers most is the emotional aftermath. The story doesn’t end when the relationship does. Instead, it explores the long-lasting impact of those experiences, making it a deeply introspective read.

[Sukumar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Martha L. Thompson writes with a clarity that makes The Rug Dealer both engaging and unsettling. The memoir captures the vulnerability of youth and the intensity of first love in a foreign land.

The cultural backdrop adds richness to the story, but it’s the emotional journey that truly stands out. Martha’s experiences highlight how easily admiration can turn into obsession, and how difficult it can be to break free from it.

This is not a story with easy answers. Instead, it offers an honest look at the complexities of love, identity, and self-discovery.

[Gana · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Rug Dealer is as much about internal conflict as it is about external adventure. Martha’s time in Turkey is filled with excitement, but also with moments of doubt and confusion that feel incredibly real.

The romance is messy and complicated, refusing to fit into a neat narrative. Mehmet’s presence looms large, even when he’s not physically there, illustrating the lasting impact of emotionally intense relationships.

The memoir’s strength lies in its introspection. Martha’s willingness to confront her past makes this a powerful and thought-provoking read.

[Sharath · Rating 5 out of 5]

This memoir stands out for its emotional honesty. The Rug Dealer doesn’t romanticize the idea of finding yourself abroad it shows how easy it is to lose yourself instead.

Martha’s journey is both captivating and frustrating. Readers may question her decisions, but they’ll also recognize the vulnerability behind them. The story captures that universal experience of making choices we later struggle to understand.

By the end, the book feels less like a story and more like a reflection on growth and self-awareness.

[Shourabh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Martha L. Thompson crafts a story that feels deeply personal yet widely relatable. The Rug Dealer explores themes of identity, belonging, and the search for meaning in unfamiliar places.

The relationship at the center of the book is intense and layered, filled with both passion and tension. It’s a reminder that not all love stories are meant to be idealized.

The memoir’s reflective tone adds depth, making it more than just a recounting of events it’s an exploration of personal transformation.

[Vaibhav · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Rug Dealer is a deeply reflective memoir that explores the complexities of youth and self-discovery. Martha’s journey is filled with moments of excitement, confusion, and growth.

The romance is both captivating and unsettling, offering a realistic portrayal of how relationships can shape our sense of self. Mehmet’s presence adds tension and depth to the narrative.

In the end, the memoir is about more than just a relationship it’s about understanding oneself. Martha’s story is a reminder that growth often comes from our most challenging experiences.

[Pat A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Rug Dealer follows the exciting but often dangerous journeys of a daring young American woman, who travels to Turkey as an exchange student and falls in love with a man who will never accept her. Despite the warnings of her exchange hosts and people she meets along the way, Martha's devil-may-care attitude propels her into situations that could, ultimately, result in her imprisonment - or worse.

Pat Kramer – aka: Writer For Hire Pat Kramer, Memoir & Ghostwriter

[Dave Keliher · Rating 5 out of 5]

A naïve young woman from Wisconsin goes alone to Turkey to find love. I lost track of the number of times I said out loud, “Martha, what are you thinking?!” And then I quickly turned the page to find out. It’s a great story and I’m thankful she is now sharing it with the world. There is an expression I used to hear about a great book--“It’s a Page Turner!” That’s what this book is. I loved this book!

Dave E. Keliher - Author of Where Does Time Go? and Best Day of My Life!

[Anil · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Rug Dealer is a story about risk emotional, cultural, and personal. Martha’s journey to Turkey sets the stage for experiences that challenge her sense of self.

The romance is compelling but also cautionary. Mehmet’s influence over Martha highlights the complexities of power and vulnerability in relationships.

The writing is vivid and introspective, offering readers a glimpse into both the external world and the author’s inner struggles.

[Veera · Rating 5 out of 5]

What makes The Rug Dealer so engaging is its balance between storytelling and reflection. Martha’s experiences in Turkey are described with vivid detail, drawing readers into her world.

The emotional core of the book lies in her relationship with Mehmet. It’s not a simple love story it’s a complex exploration of attraction, dependency, and self-discovery.

The memoir leaves readers with a sense of introspection, encouraging them to reflect on their own experiences and choices.

[Pawan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Martha L. Thompson delivers a memoir that feels both intimate and expansive. The Rug Dealer captures the excitement of travel while also delving into the emotional challenges that come with it.

The relationship is central to the story, but it’s handled with nuance. Rather than presenting a clear-cut narrative, the author explores the gray areas of love and attachment.

This is a book that stays with you, not because of its events, but because of its emotional honesty.

[Dylan Brody · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this delightful self-portrait, Martha Thompson proves herself the best kind of memoirist, self-aware enough to reveal the flaws of her younger subject without romanticizing her decisions. Romance, real and imagined, international crime, deception... this is the kind of book you read on the subway and realize you've missed your stop.

Dylan Brody

[Cara Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Rug Dealer called me back to memories of my own impetuous youth, when I answered the call of adventure, whether in faraway lands or in the arms of a charismatic man - all without pausing to consider the risks. Martha Thompson was a delightful guide down her remembered road to exciting travel and ill-advised romance, and finally to the greatest adventure of all: self-discovery.

[Michael Kinnamon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not everyone is as artistically gifted as Martha Thompson, and few lives are filled with as much adventure! But every reader will identify with the longing for love that runs throughout this page-turning memoir.

Michael Kinnamon, author of A Rooftop in Jerusalem