Review by Nwene -- The Cult Next Door
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Nwene
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- Latest Review: The Cult Next Door by Elizabeth R. Burchard, Judith L. Carlone
Review by Nwene -- The Cult Next Door
[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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Having read the preview of the book provided by the author before commencing the read, I was eager to know what the end would hold, and this kept me through the horrors which were documented on the pages. Reading The cult next door filled me with deep sadness. I went through a bout of emotions and couldn't stop reading until it was finished. I'd occasionally blurt out interjections during the read and at times, take moments of silence before commencing. It saddens me that the events recorded, and characters described were factual. I wish it was a made-up story.
The author tells the harrowing tale of her life experience spanning about two decades. The birth of Elizabeth Burchard, long awaited only child of a nineteen year marriage, was a blessing to both father and mother. Her parents, highly educated and part of the elite of society at the time, soon divorced at her early age of three. Growing up under such circumstances and confronted with a difficult, loveless mother created a void in Elizabeth, one which she was eager to fill. Eventually, the void coupled with naivete made her vulnerable to the much older, delusional, manipulative sociopath, George Sharkman.
The book tells the heart wrenching story of the horrific, exploitative and abusive experience of the author Elizabeth Burchard, through two decades of indoctrination and brainwashing by George Sharkman and a ray of hope brought by a loving friendship between Elizabeth Burchard and co-author Judith Carlone.
The cult next door inspires thought on the wide range of possible delusions which one is susceptible to, and how almost anyone could fall prey to the stealthy invasion of an intellectual and emotional predator. Unfortunately, there are no laws to regulate the paths through which our minds travel, the influence we have on others and they on us. I am filled with admiration for the authors, Elizabeth Burchard and Judith Carlone, for their strength and courage and for telling this incredible story which the world needs to hear. There was absolutely no bit of the book I didn't enjoy, as Elizabeth's unique experience kept my attention fixed. It was more enlightening than entertaining. Also, I had my sense—to beware of such predators—aroused.
I would recommend this book to everyone who delights in a good read, to lovers of non-fiction, to old and young. The characters described in the book span a wide age range which most would find relatable. For these reasons, I rate The cult next door a 4 out of 4 because it was beautifully written and easy to read, as well as interesting. The book was professionally edited.
******
The Cult Next Door
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4 out of 4 stars
Share This Review
Having read the preview of the book provided by the author before commencing the read, I was eager to know what the end would hold, and this kept me through the horrors which were documented on the pages. Reading The cult next door filled me with deep sadness. I went through a bout of emotions and couldn't stop reading until it was finished. I'd occasionally blurt out interjections during the read and at times, take moments of silence before commencing. It saddens me that the events recorded, and characters described were factual. I wish it was a made-up story.
The author tells the harrowing tale of her life experience spanning about two decades. The birth of Elizabeth Burchard, long awaited only child of a nineteen year marriage, was a blessing to both father and mother. Her parents, highly educated and part of the elite of society at the time, soon divorced at her early age of three. Growing up under such circumstances and confronted with a difficult, loveless mother created a void in Elizabeth, one which she was eager to fill. Eventually, the void coupled with naivete made her vulnerable to the much older, delusional, manipulative sociopath, George Sharkman.
The book tells the heart wrenching story of the horrific, exploitative and abusive experience of the author Elizabeth Burchard, through two decades of indoctrination and brainwashing by George Sharkman and a ray of hope brought by a loving friendship between Elizabeth Burchard and co-author Judith Carlone.
The cult next door inspires thought on the wide range of possible delusions which one is susceptible to, and how almost anyone could fall prey to the stealthy invasion of an intellectual and emotional predator. Unfortunately, there are no laws to regulate the paths through which our minds travel, the influence we have on others and they on us. I am filled with admiration for the authors, Elizabeth Burchard and Judith Carlone, for their strength and courage and for telling this incredible story which the world needs to hear. There was absolutely no bit of the book I didn't enjoy, as Elizabeth's unique experience kept my attention fixed. It was more enlightening than entertaining. Also, I had my sense—to beware of such predators—aroused.
I would recommend this book to everyone who delights in a good read, to lovers of non-fiction, to old and young. The characters described in the book span a wide age range which most would find relatable. For these reasons, I rate The cult next door a 4 out of 4 because it was beautifully written and easy to read, as well as interesting. The book was professionally edited.
******
The Cult Next Door
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Like Nwene's review? Post a comment saying so!
