Review of The Cult Next Door
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Alvaro Garcia 1
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Review of The Cult Next Door
[Following is a volunteer review of "The Cult Next Door" by Elizabeth R. Burchard, Judith L. Carlone.]
The Cult Next Door, written by Elizabeth R. Burchard and Judith L. Carlone, narrates Elizabeth's experience in a cult led by George Sharkman. The story starts with Liz's childhood and ends with the dissolution of George's cult. Her childhood was a troubled one; after the death of her father, her mother, Rachael, takes refuge in pseudoscience and New Age philosophies, dragging Liz with her until they meet George. George is a master manipulator that manages to ensnare many people, offering counseling and advice in exchange for money. His philosophy was that a thing referred to as the Energy had chosen him as a leader to bring salvation to a privileged few while the rest of humanity is robot-like, programmed to live dull lives.
As the story progresses, Liz reflects back on how many of her decisions were coerced and how free will was stripped away from her as a web of lies spread around her. By claiming that the rest of humanity was inferior, George managed to isolate his victims, removing any support they may have received from friends and family. He only allowed relationships between members of his group, going as far as orchestrating a wedding between two of them.
Based on a true story, the plot is filled with heavy topics; suicide, rape, and sexual abuse are discussed within the pages of this book. While there are no descriptions of many of these events, they are alluded to, and some readers may not be comfortable with them. However, I believe the book does a great job of showing how these actions were normalized within the group, even desired by some of the women, as it showed a special interest coming from the disgusting leader.
The other author, Judith, is the person that manages to capture Liz's attention and helps her escape the cult. The slow progress of disentangling all the threads that used to bind Liz is shown in excruciating detail. While reading the book, it is really easy to sympathize with Liz; seeing how she manages to regain her life and come out on top of the traumatizing events she has gone through is liberating.
I haven't found anything wrong with the book, and it is exceptionally well-edited as well. The book's purpose is not only to prevent other people from getting trapped in a similar cult, but it also serves as closure for Liz, a way to end this chapter of her life. A powerful message can be drawn from the pages of this book, one that deserves to be read.
I give this book 5 out of 5 stars. A heartbreaking story I wholeheartedly recommend, even if it is not for everyone due to its topics.
******
The Cult Next Door
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
The Cult Next Door, written by Elizabeth R. Burchard and Judith L. Carlone, narrates Elizabeth's experience in a cult led by George Sharkman. The story starts with Liz's childhood and ends with the dissolution of George's cult. Her childhood was a troubled one; after the death of her father, her mother, Rachael, takes refuge in pseudoscience and New Age philosophies, dragging Liz with her until they meet George. George is a master manipulator that manages to ensnare many people, offering counseling and advice in exchange for money. His philosophy was that a thing referred to as the Energy had chosen him as a leader to bring salvation to a privileged few while the rest of humanity is robot-like, programmed to live dull lives.
As the story progresses, Liz reflects back on how many of her decisions were coerced and how free will was stripped away from her as a web of lies spread around her. By claiming that the rest of humanity was inferior, George managed to isolate his victims, removing any support they may have received from friends and family. He only allowed relationships between members of his group, going as far as orchestrating a wedding between two of them.
Based on a true story, the plot is filled with heavy topics; suicide, rape, and sexual abuse are discussed within the pages of this book. While there are no descriptions of many of these events, they are alluded to, and some readers may not be comfortable with them. However, I believe the book does a great job of showing how these actions were normalized within the group, even desired by some of the women, as it showed a special interest coming from the disgusting leader.
The other author, Judith, is the person that manages to capture Liz's attention and helps her escape the cult. The slow progress of disentangling all the threads that used to bind Liz is shown in excruciating detail. While reading the book, it is really easy to sympathize with Liz; seeing how she manages to regain her life and come out on top of the traumatizing events she has gone through is liberating.
I haven't found anything wrong with the book, and it is exceptionally well-edited as well. The book's purpose is not only to prevent other people from getting trapped in a similar cult, but it also serves as closure for Liz, a way to end this chapter of her life. A powerful message can be drawn from the pages of this book, one that deserves to be read.
I give this book 5 out of 5 stars. A heartbreaking story I wholeheartedly recommend, even if it is not for everyone due to its topics.
******
The Cult Next Door
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: All Body Bags and No Knickers by Shawe Ruckus
