Review by Celena134 -- The Cult Next Door

[Celena134]

[Following is a volunteer review of "The Cult Next Door" by Elizabeth R. Burchard, Judith L. Carlone.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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The Cult Next Door: A Manhattan Memoir, by Elizabeth Burchard, is the intriguing and true story about her life experience as a member of a cult. It begins by describing her childhood of empty maternal love and the loss of a doting father. A recipe that cultivated a vulnerable, impressionable, anxious to please, but extremely intelligent adult. Elizabeth closely examines her childhood and young adult psychological state which set her up for a prime cult target. Throughout her time in the cult, something inside of her knew it was ‘wrong’; however, she intimately details how she is captured and why she stayed so long.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Elizabeth has an eloquent way with the English language. The sentences and ideas flowed seamlessly, and it was a pleasure to read such a style. Furthermore, she intricately detailed and examined the psychological state of herself, select members of the cult, and the headmaster of the cult. The author allowed herself to occupy an extremely vulnerable position in hopes of enlightening society about the dangers and workings of a cult. I appreciate this transparency and believe anyone who has found themselves captured by another or has had a family member seduced by a cult will find this story illuminative.

There is not much to dislike about this book; however, there is one scene that I disagree with; Elizabeth tells her closest friend, Judy, “I’ve wasted my time instead of building a future. I’ve allowed myself to be abused; the scars are all over me, and I don’t know how I’ll ever heal. I want my twenty years back. I want them back. I want them back” (Burchard, Elizabeth R. The Cult Next Door: A Manhattan Memoir. Two Poles Press, LLC. Kindle Edition). Judy, like all best friends, is nothing but supportive in return. However, I felt a desire to shout, “Acknowledge what you have accomplished!” Elizabeth endured and conquered multiple, horrific life demons: abuse, poverty, ill health, loss of friends and family. More than most humans could survive.

In the end, and still with many life years ahead of her, Elizabeth overcomes the power of the cult. She states, “You cannot truly know God without knowing his enemy.” (Burchard, Elizabeth R. The Cult Next Door: A Manhattan Memoir. Two Poles Press, LLC. Kindle Edition). As a spiritual person myself, I see this epiphany as the reason for her soul’s participation in this cult. Ironically, I believe the cult served as a catalyst to help her soul learn and grow more in God’s Love.

I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. I applaud Elizabeth for so bravely articulating her experience. I am in awe of her strength as a person. I recommend this book to anyone who is looking for inspiration or striving to understand.

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The Cult Next Door
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