Review by Dragonsend -- The Cult Next Door

Dragonsend · Post by **Dragonsend** » 15 Nov 2019, 17:26

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

4 out of 4 stars

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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
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Post by **Diana Lowery** » 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.

Dragonsend · Post by **Dragonsend** » 20 Nov 2019, 18:03

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.

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.

La Cabra · Post by **La Cabra** » 21 Nov 2019, 04:06

Sounds like a solid horror story. Too intense for me personally, but I imagine fans of the horror genre will enjoy this. Thanks for your great review!

LinaMueller · Post by **LinaMueller** » 21 Nov 2019, 14:23

Great review, but this book is a little too dark for my taste. I'll pass.

Dragonsend · Post by **Dragonsend** » 21 Nov 2019, 14:31

La Cabra wrote: ↑21 Nov 2019, 04:06 Sounds like a solid horror story. Too intense for me personally, but I imagine fans of the horror genre will enjoy this. Thanks for your great review!

Thank you so much for your post! Yes, the book was intense and I prayed for the author every second to turn the tables.