Review by Book Bear -- The Cult Next Door

Book Bear · Post by **Book Bear** » 28 Jul 2018, 07:34

[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 Manhatten Memoir by Elizabeth R. Burchard and Judith L. Carlone is a non-fiction novel detailing Elizabeth Burchard's involvement in a cult movement lead by George Sharkman. After attending a therapy session to reduce stress, this 17-year-old college student became part of a small band of zealous followers of a type of New Age doctrine. The book takes the reader on a journey, covering many years, describing the way she was manipulated into supporting a cult that promised glory and enlightenment. The first half of the book is written by Elizabeth. Judith adds her perspective in the second part and is integral to the conclusion of the narrative.

This is a fascinating and comprehensive insight into how people become totally immersed in a cult. One of the most surprising points for me was the fact that this group was driven by an ordinary man with a wife and two children. The book title, The Cult Next Door, is appropriate since the cult leader was a seemingly ordinary neighbour, husband and father of two.

I was confused and bewildered as to why intelligent and well-educated people would hand control of their lives over to one person in this manner. However, it became abundantly clear, as the book progressed, that George Sharkman was extremely clever and manipulative. He appeared to understand the human condition and its many failings. He was willing to take advantage of these to fully satisfy his own lust for money and sexual gratification.

This book was extraordinarily detailed in the descriptions of group interactions including the way cult members were made to feel like they belonged to an inner clique and were ostracised if they did not comply to Mr Sharkman's orders. Group members became heavily involved in self-policing, thus reinforcing the word of the leader. It reminded me of the very effective use of ex-communication practised by Jehovah's Witnesses.

Throughout most of the book I wanted to feel empathy for Elizabeth but, instead, I felt increasingly anxious for her. I also felt angry with her poor life choices. I had to continually remind myself that mind control, involving sophisticated programming techniques, is a very powerful tool which can isolate a person so that the cult becomes the centre of their lives. It was not Elizabeth that I should be angry with but the cult leader himself.

Elizabeth and Judith should be applauded for writing such an informative book on such an important subject. The Cult Next Door contains a great deal of appalling detail, such as how Mr Sharkman forced people into poverty so that they barely had enough to eat. Evidence like this, which is written over a number of years, is an incredibly persuasive and valuable tool. I found this a thoroughly engrossing book and would recommend it to anyone involved in any type of organised religion. I give this book 4 out of 4 stars. Those who have an interest in cults, religion, psychology and true life stories would find this book interesting. Warning: this book contains physical violence, sexual abuse and animal abuse.

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The Cult Next Door
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joycechitwa · Post by **joycechitwa** » 30 Jul 2018, 01:26

Goodness, its sad to see how an innocent victim seeking inner peace or solutions to their problems would end up being manipulated and taken advantage of in such a hideous way. You'r right, the person to bear the blame is the cult leader, in this case Mr. Sharkman. I wonder what happened to him after his cult was exposed. I guess this is a caution to readers not to be too hypnotized by leaders that you end up as their puppets.

Abigail R · Post by **Abigail R** » 30 Jul 2018, 13:57

First, I love your name and your picture - so cute! Second, I have seen a few reviews for this book and I cannot wait to read it. The idea of someone seemingly normal being a cult leader has also intrigued and worried me. It also is amazing to me how easy it is for people to go along with these leaders. It always makes me wonder if there are people I know that are master manipulators capable of such things? And if there are, would I be so susceptible to their manipulations and go along with their cults?

Thanks for the review! I look forward to reading this.

McKadeemd · Post by **McKadeemd** » 05 Dec 2018, 10:14

Great review, it's well written and informative. If I hadn't already read the book, your review definitely would have interested me! I found this book to be so fascinating. It is truly unsettling how easily intelligent, moral human beings can be taken advantage of with just a little manipulation. I agree with you, throughout the whole book I was yelling at Liz to just leave while understanding that it is not actually that simple. The book certainly left me wondering how I would have reacted if it had been me in Liz's situation. How susceptible am I to unknowingly joining a cult?