Family, The - Book

DESCRIPTION

'Remarkably clear-sighted … the best of what journalism should be – honest, unsentimental, incisive.' – Christos Tsiolkas'Harrowing but humane. An extraordinary story, impeccably researched.' – Martin McKenzie-Murray The apocalyptic group The Family and their guru, Anne Hamilton-Byrne – one of few female cult leaders – captured headlines throughout the 1980s and 1990s. Hamilton-Byrne, who some followers believed was Jesus Christ, was glamorous and charismatic – and, many allege, very dangerous. From her base in a quiet suburb, she recruited wealthy professionals to join her cult, including doctors, lawyers, nurses, architects and scientists. She acquired children and raised them as her own, bleaching their hair to make them look like siblings, and her group became surrounded by rumours of LSD use, child abuse and strange spiritual rituals. In 1987, police swooped on The Family's lakeside compound and rescued children who claimed they were part of Anne's future master race. The children recounted terrible stories of near starvation, emotional manipulation and physical abuse. But Anne could not be found, sparking an international police hunt. Could they bring Anne to justice? How did such a notorious group come to flourish? How did Anne maintain a hold over her followers? Drawing on revelatory new research, including police files, diary entries and interviews with survivors, The Family tells the strange and shocking story of one of the most bizarre cults in modern history. SoundtrackThe soundtrack of the feature documentary The Family (Rosie Jones, 2016) is available on iTunes and Spotify. has also produced a study guide for The Family. This study guide is available to download here. The Family is also available to purchase on DVD here. SKU: B0377 Visit our website to view thousands more products like this and order online at: