Review of The Cult Next Door
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Meenakshi Bhatt 1
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- Latest Review: Cloth by Elizabeth Anderson
Review of The Cult Next Door
[Following is a volunteer review of "The Cult Next Door" by Elizabeth R. Burchard, Judith L. Carlone.]
The book The Cult Next Door by Elizabeth R. Burchard and Judith L. Carlone is Burchard’s memoir of her years trapped in a cult. She describes how she got lured into the cult, what psychological factors kept her there, and how she finally managed to free herself. As the foreword of the book suggests, intelligence alone does not protect one from exploitation. Burchard had, despite all odds, succeeded at college. It was her emotional vulnerability that was exploited by the cult leader and by other cult members over the years.
The book is a close look into the psychological mechanisms by which people and organizations that are clearly harmful to us still manage to have a strong hold on us. Most of us, mercifully, will be spared the kind of psychological entrapment that Burchard experienced. Yet, plenty of us know what it is like to be under the spell of a narcissistic person for whom we are merely a means to an end. In fact, the book is dedicated to oppressed people everywhere. The psychological tactics used against cult members and the progressively destructive effect of these tactics on the personhood and the bank balance of the members are clearly described. In all exploitative cultures, independent thinking is strongly discouraged. The expression of dissent is dangerous and members of such cultures value ‘loyalty’ at all costs. This enables powerful leaders to get away with increasingly bizarre or frankly criminal behaviours. The cult described in the book is no exception. The book does a wonderful job of exposing the subtle ways by which major and minor injustices are carried out by unscrupulous leaders all around us.
Overall, the message offered by the book is one of hope. While it demonstrates how a child who is not loved and cherished will look for love in dangerous places, it also shows the power of loving relationships. Carlone’s unwavering support for her friend changed the course of Burchard’s life. Anyone who has ever escaped from an exploitative situation or relationship will find Burchard’s journey to rebuild and rediscover herself encouraging.
I wasn't able to find any negative points in the book.
I give this book 4 out of 4 stars. The book is exceptionally well-edited. Its message of caution and hope is relevant to any time or place. Betrayal, exploitation, and emotional manipulation have always been part of our world. Being aware of them, and being aware of the multitude of strategies employed by manipulative individuals will offer all of us a measure of protection from them.
This book will resonate with anyone who has been a victim or a witness of emotional manipulation. It will offer support and guidance to all those who have ever been in or continue to be stuck in damaging relationships or institutions.
******
The Cult Next Door
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
The book The Cult Next Door by Elizabeth R. Burchard and Judith L. Carlone is Burchard’s memoir of her years trapped in a cult. She describes how she got lured into the cult, what psychological factors kept her there, and how she finally managed to free herself. As the foreword of the book suggests, intelligence alone does not protect one from exploitation. Burchard had, despite all odds, succeeded at college. It was her emotional vulnerability that was exploited by the cult leader and by other cult members over the years.
The book is a close look into the psychological mechanisms by which people and organizations that are clearly harmful to us still manage to have a strong hold on us. Most of us, mercifully, will be spared the kind of psychological entrapment that Burchard experienced. Yet, plenty of us know what it is like to be under the spell of a narcissistic person for whom we are merely a means to an end. In fact, the book is dedicated to oppressed people everywhere. The psychological tactics used against cult members and the progressively destructive effect of these tactics on the personhood and the bank balance of the members are clearly described. In all exploitative cultures, independent thinking is strongly discouraged. The expression of dissent is dangerous and members of such cultures value ‘loyalty’ at all costs. This enables powerful leaders to get away with increasingly bizarre or frankly criminal behaviours. The cult described in the book is no exception. The book does a wonderful job of exposing the subtle ways by which major and minor injustices are carried out by unscrupulous leaders all around us.
Overall, the message offered by the book is one of hope. While it demonstrates how a child who is not loved and cherished will look for love in dangerous places, it also shows the power of loving relationships. Carlone’s unwavering support for her friend changed the course of Burchard’s life. Anyone who has ever escaped from an exploitative situation or relationship will find Burchard’s journey to rebuild and rediscover herself encouraging.
I wasn't able to find any negative points in the book.
I give this book 4 out of 4 stars. The book is exceptionally well-edited. Its message of caution and hope is relevant to any time or place. Betrayal, exploitation, and emotional manipulation have always been part of our world. Being aware of them, and being aware of the multitude of strategies employed by manipulative individuals will offer all of us a measure of protection from them.
This book will resonate with anyone who has been a victim or a witness of emotional manipulation. It will offer support and guidance to all those who have ever been in or continue to be stuck in damaging relationships or institutions.
******
The Cult Next Door
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: Cloth by Elizabeth Anderson
