Review by Dragonsend -- The Cult Next Door
- Dragonsend
- Posts: 638
- Joined: 05 Mar 2019, 19:30
- Currently Reading:
- Bookshelf Size: 105
- Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-dragonsend.html
- Latest Review: House of Eire by June Gillam
Review by Dragonsend -- The Cult Next Door
The Cult Next Door: A Manhattan Memoir by Elizabeth R.Bruchard and Judith L. Carlone was a terrifying novel about how a person can become wholly dependent upon someone and completely turn off their own instincts. This horrifying account had me riveted to the pages praying for the day when Elizabeth would wake up from the brainwashing abuse she was suffering. Elizabeth was raised by her distant and somewhat cold mother, who after the divorce from Elizabeth's father and his subsequent death, dragged Elizabeth through unorthodox and bizarre psychological treatments. Both women fell prey to predators in the psychological field and ultimately ended up with George Sharkman, a therapist on the fringes of psychology. Under the care of a clueless psychologist and this charismatic therapist, Elizabeth and her mother are subtlely and completely drawn in and eventually dependent upon George for even the most basic decisions, like what to eat or to wear. His approval and the abject terror of rejection and being outed from their "therapy" become the women's only motivating objectives.
This novel was well written, and the author has definitely conveyed her mental state during this time of her life. You can feel the mask that this man has these women wear under his care. All niggling doubts are covered by the mask of a zombie. The author does not interject a huge amount of would-have, should-have, or could-have. I found this refreshing because it required an honesty that few are capable of. You can definitely feel the deep waters that she was drowning in.
I didn't really discover anything that I disliked about the book. I would like to say that though this was a terrifying account that it was powerfully written. I would recommend this book to adults and any mature reader. Also, I would recommend this to people involved with a narcissist who has any kind of place in your life. My eyes were opened to the ease with which some people are taken advantage, are able to see that they are in trouble and are absolutely powerless to do anything about it.
I have given this novel a solid four out of four stars. I must warn this is not for the faint of heart. This novel has some mild sexual scenes, but they involve mature subjects so I don't recommend this for a younger audience.
Lastly, the novel was well edited. I found no errors and the tale was coherent and easy to follow. The authors and editors have put together a remarkably strong portrayal of what life is like in a cult and how slipping unwittingly into this lifestyle can happen.
******
The Cult Next Door
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

- Diana Lowery
- Moderator
- Posts: 3678
- Joined: 11 Feb 2019, 07:39
- Currently Reading: The Lathe of Heaven
- Bookshelf Size: 393
- Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-diana-lowery.html
- Latest Review: High Clowder Cats by Ruby Knight
- Reading Device: B00IKPYKWG
I loved this sentence and how it explains exactly the tone of the book. I also enjoyed that aspect of the book.
- Dragonsend
- Posts: 638
- Joined: 05 Mar 2019, 19:30
- Currently Reading:
- Bookshelf Size: 105
- Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-dragonsend.html
- Latest Review: House of Eire by June Gillam
Thank you, this was a difficult read but enlightening. After people like Jim Jones and Charles Manson the world had a better idea of how destructive a charasmatic person could lead people astray even with unorthodox ideas, especially to people who close their eyes to the things that niggle the back of your mind ,overlooking obvious flaws.diana lowery wrote: ↑20 Nov 2019, 09:34 "The author does not interject a huge amount of would-have, should-have, or could-have. I found this refreshing because it required an honesty that few are capable of."
I loved this sentence and how it explains exactly the tone of the book. I also enjoyed that aspect of the book.

- La Cabra
- Posts: 213
- Joined: 04 Apr 2019, 10:05
- Currently Reading: Jag är Zlatan
- Bookshelf Size: 412
- Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-la-cabra.html
- Latest Review: We are Voulhire: A New Arrival under Great Skies by Matthew Tysz
- LinaMueller
- Posts: 1117
- Joined: 09 Jun 2019, 13:22
- Currently Reading:
- Bookshelf Size: 261
- Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-linamueller.html
- Latest Review: The Wingless Fairy by Kye Strothers
You an I, tonight!
You may forget the warmth he gave,
I will forget the light.
When you have done, pray tell me
That I my thoughts may dim;
Haste! lest while you're lagging.
I may remember him!
Emily Dickinson
- Dragonsend
- Posts: 638
- Joined: 05 Mar 2019, 19:30
- Currently Reading:
- Bookshelf Size: 105
- Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-dragonsend.html
- Latest Review: House of Eire by June Gillam
Thank you so much for your post! Yes, the book was intense and I prayed for the author every second to turn the tables.

- Dragonsend
- Posts: 638
- Joined: 05 Mar 2019, 19:30
- Currently Reading:
- Bookshelf Size: 105
- Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-dragonsend.html
- Latest Review: House of Eire by June Gillam
Thank you for stopping by. It is an intense account.LinaMueller wrote: ↑21 Nov 2019, 14:23 Great review, but this book is a little too dark for my taste. I'll pass.
