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Secrets in the Cellar

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

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Secrets in the Cellar

By: John Glatt
Narrated by: Gildart Jackson
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About this listen

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 Abductions, Kidnapping & Missing Persons True Crime Emotionally Gripping Scary

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All stars
Most relevant  
An outstanding audiobook, one of the best I have listened to. Clear, concise & fascinating storytelling. Ten out of ten

Heartbreaking & amazing story.

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Very disturbing story, but interesting, good author, and a well put together book, worth a listen

Disturbing

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Finally. An informative, true and complete account of the somewhat incomprehensible story that lay beneath the ground, confined within the walls of that infamous cellar. Secrets in the cellar fills in the gaps that were left by the media since uncovering the truth behind Fritzl's 'secret family'
The story not only offers a brutal blow by blow account of Fritzl's depraved crimes but gives an entire timeline of events, witness testimony and full access to the back story, life and psyche of the Austrian man behind it all.
The book gives readers the opportunity to see behind the headlines and learn of the true nightmare that was Elizabet Fritzl's life and what followed.
A good read and well narrated. However, at times the narrator uses local accents, perhaps in an attempt to further dramatise and give more credence to the story. I felt this was unnecessary and at times, a fraction over done.
If you're a fan of true crime or merely seeking the truth behind the Fritzl story, this book should be on your wish list.

Totally harrowing

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Wow. dreadful what he did. Elizabeth appears an amazing woman. shocking what she experienced. Her children, too.
So resilient and appears to have loved her children dearly.
Thoughts to you all. continue to rebuild your lives. Hope you all find peace. You all deserve the best. love sent

fantastic book

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the new identites of Elisabeth & her family was respected til the end makes the story easier to listen to

the detail and depth of the story is impressive

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The story was very
Compelling and I listened to it in just over a day. The strength of this brave and courageous woman is remarkable. Her father nothing more than a monster. How could he? So wrong 🥲

Hard to fathom how a father could do this

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First ever audio book and totally loved it. Was 3/4 way through within days.
Authors voice was great to listen to.
Such an interesting story, I've told many people about it already.

Griping & brilliantly read! English voice

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What a tragic situation. And Fritzl himself showed no remorse whatsoever. Would love to know how Elizabeth and her children are doing now

Heartbreaking and compelling

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A really good insight into the story but very repetitive.
Sheds light on unbelievable human behaviour, what trauma can do to a person so that they then go onto believe their actions are ok.
So very sad for those affected

Very interesting

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Very well narrated and interesting throughout. harrowing to think what that poor girl experienced from her evil and twisted Father.

Hard hitting

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