Review by Bookmermaid -- The Cult Next Door

P Reefer · Post by **P Reefer** » 28 Nov 2018, 06:04

[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 famous saying that, “truth is stranger than fiction,” rings true for Elizabeth R. Burchard and Judith L. Carlone non-fiction Manhattan memoir,The Cult Next Door. This gripping, non-fictional narrative conveys Elizabeth Burchard’s graphic and grim memoirs. This book begins by shattering the popular misconception, that only uneducated and financially challenged persons become entangled in cults. Liz carefully details her psychological and emotional descent into an abyss of dependency and deceit. This page-turner memoir also relives the painful and powerful severing process that occurs in Liz’s awakening process from her psychological imprisonment.

The book comprises of ten parts chronicling aspects of Liz’s life from childhood to adulthood that made her a prime target to be brainwashed by the narcissist, sociopath, and delusional leader George Sharkman. In this book, written mainly as a first-person narrative, Elizabeth confesses slowly but surely the group’s secrets. She eventually finds a true friend in Judith who also divulges her perspective of the group from an outsider’s view with a sharp perception of the absurdity of the philosophies. Moreover, Judith also shares her role in assisting Elizabeth to break free of the cult, which dictated her life for approximately twenty years.

I particularly liked the mildly humorous tone adopted by Liz as she mused on the dogma that she once readily believed, “illogical caboodle of oversimplifications and generalizations.” Burchard and Carlone’s writing styles cradle the reader to a close-up view of the warped and manipulative conduct of Mr. Sharkman. They quite vividly and methodically share the steady growth of the cult and the growing unease of some of the participants and onlookers.

I felt empathy, for Liz from the onset when she described her boyfriend’s death and I understood that she would be easily hoodwinked by almost anyone due to her emotional devastation. My empathy for her was unwavering as she explained how dependent and entangled she became.

I initially approached the reading of this book with some trepidation, as I am not a fan of thriller or horror stories. Additionally, I steer away from tragic stories. However, I am glad I read this narrative as it sharpened my awareness of the ploys of the many Georges that continue to operate behind the veneer of possessing superior knowledge or having the solutions to problems. This book is for readers who desire to understand the background and modes of operation of a cult leader and his or her followers. Additionally, it is for readers who like engaging in critical thinking and those who may be trapped in similar oppressive communities or relationships.

Without hesitation, I award this book 4 out of 4 stars. The writing style is impressive as it transforms a gruesome memoir into a palatable narrative that reads like a fictional novel. This memoir is highly relevant. The discourse of this book is universal, as both developed and developing nations have no shortage of charlatans who under the guise of being a pundit, priest, preacher, or psychic devise strategic missions to manipulate others for financial and political gain. The book is professionally edited thus facilitating an easy read of an incredulous journey.

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The Cult Next Door
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MalMartin · Post by **MalMartin** » 30 Nov 2018, 01:59

This sounds like a very interesting read! I am one of those people that listens to cult/paranormal/true crime podcasts so I bet I will enjoy it! This book is in the genre of writing that I usually gravitate towards.

P Reefer · Post by **P Reefer** » 02 Dec 2018, 09:18

MalMartin wrote: ↑30 Nov 2018, 01:59 This sounds like a very interesting read! I am one of those people that listens to cult/paranormal/true crime podcasts so I bet I will enjoy it! This book is in the genre of writing that I usually gravitate towards.

I am sure that you will find this book to be an enjoyable and educational read.