Review by Skweek1 -- The Cult Next Door
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Skweek1
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- Latest Review: The Cult Next Door by Elizabeth R. Burchard, Judith L. Carlone
Review by Skweek1 -- The Cult Next Door
[Following is a volunteer review of "The Cult Next Door" by Elizabeth R. Burchard, Judith L. Carlone.]
This book is a true story about a young woman whose mother is introduced to George, a man who sees himself as having a message for his followers (mostly young women whom he can manipulate, charging them increasingly for his teachings, manipulation and, in many cases, seducing them, although it is true that there is not a great deal of graphic sexual detail and what there is serves mainly to demonstrate the objectionable pressure placed on his disciples. Liz, the main narrator, sets up a photographic studio and educational company with the cult leader's daughter, and they become flatmates, although they have very little in common and the daughter, Serena, expects Liz to support her financially. But eventually Liz finds that the cult has cost her her whole financial nest egg and she has no alternative but to become one of the very few ever to succeed in leaving (she planned to merely cut her hours, but the guru throws her out altogether). By now, she has made a new friend, Judith, who supports her in her desire to rebuild her life, offers her a home, backing with her business and genuinely helps her throughout her nightmare scenario. When Liz's mother shows that the cult leader is more important to her than Liz, shortly before being diagnosed with terminal cancer, Liz tries to rebuild her ties with her monther, but the damage is too deep-seated and she dies, unmourned, even by George. who dies shortly thereafter.Liz, now free, still asks why she has wasted her whole adult life on what she now sees as a totally negative experience. Maybe it would be beneficial for this book to be used as a guide for all cult members, as, in fact, despite the hopeless nightmare she went through, she is one of the lucky ones who came out a wiser and stronger woman. I cannot, in all honesty, say that I "enjoyed" this book (I still find it hard to understand how people can fall for such a dreadful negative life path), but I greatly admire Liz's strength and the support given by her friend, Judith). But the hope offered by the end is positive and the book is reasonably well written; I found that it appeared to have been thoroughly proof-read, so although there was a great deal of suffering and depression throughout, I have decided to award it 3 out of 4 stars (not the full 4 because I found the general weakness of the group members frustrating and although Liz is an intelligent well-read person, as was her mother, the book left me wanting her, knowing that her chosen path was disastrous, to change it much sooner for a happier existence).
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The Cult Next Door
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
This book is a true story about a young woman whose mother is introduced to George, a man who sees himself as having a message for his followers (mostly young women whom he can manipulate, charging them increasingly for his teachings, manipulation and, in many cases, seducing them, although it is true that there is not a great deal of graphic sexual detail and what there is serves mainly to demonstrate the objectionable pressure placed on his disciples. Liz, the main narrator, sets up a photographic studio and educational company with the cult leader's daughter, and they become flatmates, although they have very little in common and the daughter, Serena, expects Liz to support her financially. But eventually Liz finds that the cult has cost her her whole financial nest egg and she has no alternative but to become one of the very few ever to succeed in leaving (she planned to merely cut her hours, but the guru throws her out altogether). By now, she has made a new friend, Judith, who supports her in her desire to rebuild her life, offers her a home, backing with her business and genuinely helps her throughout her nightmare scenario. When Liz's mother shows that the cult leader is more important to her than Liz, shortly before being diagnosed with terminal cancer, Liz tries to rebuild her ties with her monther, but the damage is too deep-seated and she dies, unmourned, even by George. who dies shortly thereafter.Liz, now free, still asks why she has wasted her whole adult life on what she now sees as a totally negative experience. Maybe it would be beneficial for this book to be used as a guide for all cult members, as, in fact, despite the hopeless nightmare she went through, she is one of the lucky ones who came out a wiser and stronger woman. I cannot, in all honesty, say that I "enjoyed" this book (I still find it hard to understand how people can fall for such a dreadful negative life path), but I greatly admire Liz's strength and the support given by her friend, Judith). But the hope offered by the end is positive and the book is reasonably well written; I found that it appeared to have been thoroughly proof-read, so although there was a great deal of suffering and depression throughout, I have decided to award it 3 out of 4 stars (not the full 4 because I found the general weakness of the group members frustrating and although Liz is an intelligent well-read person, as was her mother, the book left me wanting her, knowing that her chosen path was disastrous, to change it much sooner for a happier existence).
******
The Cult Next Door
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
