Review of The Cult Next Door
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Nisha Ward
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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.]
Cults are dangerous. They’re alluring, seducing potential members with the promise of belonging to something greater than who they are. They provide a sense of community and companionship to the loneliest and most vulnerable among us.
As such, they’re insidious entities that pull in those without the tools to recognise them for what they are and resist. This is pretty evident in The Cult Next Door by Elizabeth R. Burchard and Judith L. Carlone. A deeply moving and disturbing memoir, the book details Burchard’s time in a New Age cult led by the charismatic George Sharkman. From her childhood through to Sharkman’s death and beyond, Burchard takes us through the often-harrowing experiences she’s faced throughout her life.
I’m giving this a full 4 out of 4 stars. Aside from being well-written and exceptionally edited, the book is a page-turner. I feel odd saying that about something that handles mental and spiritual rape, as well as other starkly disturbing subject matter, but Burchard is skilled at bringing her reader along with her on this journey.
I’m not sure how to justify my rating. Most of my interest in this book stems from the subject matter. For the past few years, I’ve been interested in true crime, particularly and psychological crimes. Moreover, I’ve found myself also interested in interesting and unique memoirs.
The Cult Next Door hits both points. This page-turner of a book is fodder for the true crime lover. It’s detailed and committed to outlining just how evil Sharkman is. Additionally, it delves deep into Burchard’s psychology at each point. Considering what it’s about, this benefits the book as it allows the reader to give the author the benefit of the doubt.
Furthermore, the book is also paced well. It’s not a quick read, by any means, but it’s not a slog either. Rather, Burchard builds the tension that comes from early losses in her life. These same losses would go on to push her into Sharkman’s grasp as she searches for love and acceptance.
This is especially apparent when she enters a relationship with Mike Stavos, another group member, at Sharkman’s behest. It becomes clear early on to the reader that such a relationship isn’t healthy for her. However, Burchard builds up to this realisation and her breaking point over multiple chapters instead of glossing it over.
The only thing I didn’t like about the book was that there was almost no way to find further information about the group and what others might have experienced in it. After reading, I wanted more information. Yet, I couldn’t find much. However, it didn’t affect my rating as this was not directly related to the book’s content.
This is a fascinating book. Filled with many disturbing details, it doesn’t mince words regarding Burchard’s experiences. I think true crime lovers will find much to appreciate in this work, as well as those who have had similar experiences. It’s worth reading as an educational tool and a memoir.
******
The Cult Next Door
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Cults are dangerous. They’re alluring, seducing potential members with the promise of belonging to something greater than who they are. They provide a sense of community and companionship to the loneliest and most vulnerable among us.
As such, they’re insidious entities that pull in those without the tools to recognise them for what they are and resist. This is pretty evident in The Cult Next Door by Elizabeth R. Burchard and Judith L. Carlone. A deeply moving and disturbing memoir, the book details Burchard’s time in a New Age cult led by the charismatic George Sharkman. From her childhood through to Sharkman’s death and beyond, Burchard takes us through the often-harrowing experiences she’s faced throughout her life.
I’m giving this a full 4 out of 4 stars. Aside from being well-written and exceptionally edited, the book is a page-turner. I feel odd saying that about something that handles mental and spiritual rape, as well as other starkly disturbing subject matter, but Burchard is skilled at bringing her reader along with her on this journey.
I’m not sure how to justify my rating. Most of my interest in this book stems from the subject matter. For the past few years, I’ve been interested in true crime, particularly and psychological crimes. Moreover, I’ve found myself also interested in interesting and unique memoirs.
The Cult Next Door hits both points. This page-turner of a book is fodder for the true crime lover. It’s detailed and committed to outlining just how evil Sharkman is. Additionally, it delves deep into Burchard’s psychology at each point. Considering what it’s about, this benefits the book as it allows the reader to give the author the benefit of the doubt.
Furthermore, the book is also paced well. It’s not a quick read, by any means, but it’s not a slog either. Rather, Burchard builds the tension that comes from early losses in her life. These same losses would go on to push her into Sharkman’s grasp as she searches for love and acceptance.
This is especially apparent when she enters a relationship with Mike Stavos, another group member, at Sharkman’s behest. It becomes clear early on to the reader that such a relationship isn’t healthy for her. However, Burchard builds up to this realisation and her breaking point over multiple chapters instead of glossing it over.
The only thing I didn’t like about the book was that there was almost no way to find further information about the group and what others might have experienced in it. After reading, I wanted more information. Yet, I couldn’t find much. However, it didn’t affect my rating as this was not directly related to the book’s content.
This is a fascinating book. Filled with many disturbing details, it doesn’t mince words regarding Burchard’s experiences. I think true crime lovers will find much to appreciate in this work, as well as those who have had similar experiences. It’s worth reading as an educational tool and a memoir.
******
The Cult Next Door
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
"...while a book has got to be worthwhile from the point of view of the reader it's got to be worthwhile from the point of view of the writer as well." - Terry Pratchett on The Last Continent and his writing.
Latest Review: Fear Not, Dream Big, & Execute by Jeff Meyer
