Secrets in the Cellar

The True Story of the Austrian Incest Case That Shocked the World

By: John Glatt

Narrated by: Gildart Jackson

Length: 7 hrs and 24 mins

Publisher's summary

Josef Fritzl was a 73-year-old retired engineer in Austria. He seemed to be living a normal life with his wife, Rosemarie, and their family - though one daughter, Elisabeth, had decades earlier been "lost" to a religious cult. Throughout the years, three of Elisabeth's children mysteriously appeared on the Fritzls' doorstep; Josef and Rosemarie raised them as their own. But only Josef knew the truth about Elisabeth's disappearance....

For 27 years, Josef had imprisoned and molested Elisabeth in his man-made basement dungeon, complete with soundproof paneling and code-protected electric locks. There, she would eventually give birth to a total of seven of Josef's children. One died in infancy, and the other three were raised alongside Elisabeth, never to see the light of day.

Then, in 2008, one of Elisabeth's children became seriously ill and was taken to the hospital. It was the first time the 19-year-old girl had ever gone outside - and soon, the truth about her background, her family's captivity, and Josef's unspeakable crimes would come to light.

©2009 John Glatt (P)2013 Tantor

Unimaginable!

Aside from the horrific circumstances endured by Elizabeth and her children for 24 years I wonder about Elizabeth ‘s mother. Why did she stay? Why did she feel she was so powerless? Why in Heaven’s name did she choose not to protect her children?

Astounding

This poor family. The father is a complete monster. I pray he never again sees the light of day!

One of the most riveting and disturbing books ever

The story this book tells is truly "stranger than fiction." If it was a novel, you'd say it was too absurd to be true. But amazingly, and shockingly, it is.

From the very beginning, the story is well-paced and well-written. It contains enough details to send chills down your spine that such a sick, twisted man could ever exist. You will wonder how his victimized daughter ever survived and kept her sanity through numerous unthinkable acts: raped 3,000 times by her father, help captive for 24 YEARS, living in a dungeon that is only 5' 6" tall with no windows...it's truly unthinkable.

I listened to this book during my commute, and i was anxious to get into my car every day (how often does that happen to you?). In addition to the story being unbelievable, the narrator is perhaps the best i've ever heard. His voice is made for this kind of thing. It is truly one of the best books i've ever listened to.

My only word of caution: be prepared to be amazed, horrified, disgusted, and baffled.

You'll want to hug your children after you listen to this.

A Fact Filled Account of a Chilling Crime

I REALLY enjoyed this book. The author fills your mind with facts and details and the narrator dictates them to you in a clear, engaging manner of speaking. The subject matter, while horrifically grotesque is in a morbid way, quite interesting. By the end of the book, your heart will go out to the victims of this terrible crime.

very good and informative!

pretty much knocked this out in 2 nights. easy to listen to, and has good flow. a bit repetitive but not annoying. read well by reader, who would also do a little voice for different peoples quotes. It was cute. good read if you like true crime.

Disturbing Acts

This has to be one of the worst cases of abuse in modern history. I almost didn’t finish this one because of my mind’s eye visualizing the story. I thought Glatt did a great job telling the Elizabet’s story. I can only hope that everyone is able to get the help they need for as long as they need.

A little chopped at first but good

I liked it overall. At first a little choppy but it got better. I loved how the narrator did the women voices when reading and Fritzls Lol made it a good audible choice.

Incredible

What made the experience of listening to Secrets in the Cellar the most enjoyable?

Filled with facts.

What other book might you compare Secrets in the Cellar to and why?

My Story by Elizabeth Smart

Both tales of survival against the odds.

Any additional comments?

Sometimes the repetition can be a little annoying, but I believe the author had the best of intentions. He paints a very clear picture of the events leading up to Elizabeth's capture, the horrors of her life in the cellar, as well as what happened after her eventual freedom.

Horrible story but a great book.

Would you listen to Secrets in the Cellar again? Why?

Yes, I would listen again just to catch some detail I may have missed. You ask yourself over and over again, how could this happen! The book gives answers but I'd like more.

Who was your favorite character and why?

The daughter, Elizabeth. Some how she endured and had a spirit about her that caused her to teach her children all that she knew.

What about Gildart Jackson’s performance did you like?

I liked the tone and inflections, all great, given the subject matter.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Bomb shelter or terror cellar?

Any additional comments?

This was a tough subject but the narrator was wonderful and soon into the book you become part of the story.

good listen.

good story. i want to keep hearing it for at least the first half. but things keep being repeated. gets a little annoying.