What do you think?
Rate this book
The Defector: After 20 years in Scientology
REVIEW: The DEFECTOR is a strong, personal story about the uncanny parallel world of Scientology. It is written by Robert Dam, who himself was a member of the mothership of Scientology in EUROPE – right in the center of Danish capital, Copenhagen – for 20 years, until he defected in 2004.The story of his personal life with Scientology, as well as the story of the movement itself, is not for the fainthearted. It is hair-raising reading. Scientology’s paranoid world view and the strict control of its members and critics make an alarming pivot point in the authors’ story as well as the story of the movement itself.
The book is extremely well written, a real page turner, an absolute thriller. The story opens with a classic thriller plot, in which part of the ending is unveiled after which we start at the beginning. Slowly, the context of the plot is unraveled, and finally we are at the beginning, and we have already understood, why it had to end this way.
The book is extremely well written, a real page turner, an absolute thriller. The story opens with a classic thriller plot, in which part of the ending is unveiled after which we start at the beginning. Slowly, the context of the plot is unraveled, and finally we are at the beginning, and we have already understood, why it had to end this way.
370 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 28, 2011
72 people are currently reading
96 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
October 12, 2011
Ok, so here's the deal.. I'm an atheist. Yeah, I said it.. And one of those atheists who just can’t understand the idea of "believing" in anything.. umm.. "Godly" if you will..
With that said, I respect anyone who believes in anything, but I still like to argue the point..
There is one
This book is the story of a middle-aged Danish man, who joined Scientology as a very young man, after he had been stopped by a recruiter in Copenhagen, given a “personal test” where they apparently could see all his faults, and where they sold him the idea, that if he just got “audited” he could make his dreams of becoming a professional musician come true. Of course it didn’t end that way. But this book is the story of Roberts 20 years in Scientology.
And holy crap.. Like.. Holy.. Freaking.. Crap..
The book starts out a bit slow, the chapters change from Robert’s early life in Scientology to the history of Scientology itself, and how it started and so on. Very, very interesting.. About 130 pages into the story, it goes up a notch, because it’s here Roberts starts seeing the “Scientology” dream in another way, and wow, they don’t let you get away with that.. Wow..
I thought this was a very, very interesting book. There were some moments where I was scared that I had actually ended up giving money to Scientology, by buying this book, because it was unclear if Robert and his family had truly left the “church.” (Like there are some people who don’t eat meat, I could never dream of giving money to cults, which is also why I would never pay to see a Tom Cruise movie.. Sounds over-the-top, I know, but hey, that’s me.. lol He’s just too freaky..)
Anyway, back to the book.. Great book, as I said, it’s very interesting, and I love how I’m now even more prepared for a meeting with a Scientologist: You want me to take a “personality test” do you? Well, I would love to, just explain to me, what the level “OT III: The Wall of Fire” is, then??
FYI. If you ever want to get out of a conversation with a Scientologist, just ask about “level OT III - The wall of fire” Apparently, it’s the most secret and dangerous level, that the Scientologists have. They get told that it’s so dangerous, that the world will end if they talk about it to people under level OT III. South Park made a whole episode about OT III and Tom Cruise in 2004, and the world hasn’t ended yet, so I guess we’re good! ;o)
Even with everything Robert goes through, he still ends up writing that he has no regrets.. Which is kinda weird, I think. But all in all, a great biography, and I think every Scientologist should read this book.. Go on.. I dare you.. ;op
September 28, 2019
Tydlig och konkret redogörelse för scientologirörelsen i stort och för författarens resa inom den. Som vanligt när det gäller scientologi är det obehagligt och tydliggör hur effektiva deras hjärntvättningsmetoder är.
October 15, 2018
Defecting from Scientology
I would recommend this book to Scientology watchers, ex Scientologists and fence sitters. Excellent personal story and historical parallels.
I learned a lot. It was involving and entertaining.
I would recommend this book to Scientology watchers, ex Scientologists and fence sitters. Excellent personal story and historical parallels.
I learned a lot. It was involving and entertaining.
February 22, 2018
Slow start but it picked up the pace.
August 11, 2025
"The defector: After 20 years in Scientology" is about how and why Robert Dam joined Scientology, what his life looked like in the church, and how he finally left it and their beliefs. It was well written, but quite simple and not in an outstanding way.
In the beginning, every other chapter covered the history of Scientology and its founder. Even though it could sometimes be difficult to follow, it was necessary and a way to explain why the religion is the way it is today.
The book often lacked details and emotion, and described different events in an objective and brief way. It lacked depth.
Overall, the book was still entertaining and an enjoyable read. If you have no or limited knowledge of Scientology, it could serve as an introduction. If you already know anything about it, the book won’t add much to your understanding. It still offers insight into what the life of an individual can look like, and is an interesting read.
In the beginning, every other chapter covered the history of Scientology and its founder. Even though it could sometimes be difficult to follow, it was necessary and a way to explain why the religion is the way it is today.
The book often lacked details and emotion, and described different events in an objective and brief way. It lacked depth.
Overall, the book was still entertaining and an enjoyable read. If you have no or limited knowledge of Scientology, it could serve as an introduction. If you already know anything about it, the book won’t add much to your understanding. It still offers insight into what the life of an individual can look like, and is an interesting read.
February 27, 2025
I've always found that true narcissists possess an almost admirable ability to shift blame onto everyone but themselves. They’re remarkably skilled at it. Is this a talent honed through years of practice, or does it come to them naturally? I’ve never seen that question answered satisfactorily.
What I do know, both from study and personal experience, is that a true narcissist never wavers in this trait—and Robert Dam exemplifies it perfectly. While his stories are intriguing and eventful, I can’t help but view them through a lens of skepticism. Narcissists are not known for telling the truth. Or, more precisely, the "truth" they tell exists only in their own minds.
After all, in a narcissist’s universe, who else truly exists but themselves?
What I do know, both from study and personal experience, is that a true narcissist never wavers in this trait—and Robert Dam exemplifies it perfectly. While his stories are intriguing and eventful, I can’t help but view them through a lens of skepticism. Narcissists are not known for telling the truth. Or, more precisely, the "truth" they tell exists only in their own minds.
After all, in a narcissist’s universe, who else truly exists but themselves?
October 11, 2018
Jeg syntes at det var en god bog, som gav et godt indblik ind i en verden som jeg på ingen måde kan forestille mig. Det er også uhyggeligt at læse og skræmmende og jeg er så glad for at forfatteren fik udgivet bogen. Det er bedst hvis du ser nogle interviews på youtube sammen med bogen, for der er nogle navne og facts som man let kan glemme. Fed bog og en jeg kan anbefale til folk der gerne vil vide mere om kulten Scientology og de forfærdelige ting som de har gjort imod mennesker
November 14, 2022
It's a fine captivating book, about a Dane that after 20 years, choose to leave Scientology, and overall it explained a lot of what is going on. BUT I kept having the feeling that something is missing, that the author is holding something back. Is it worth a read. Yes, but don't expect it, to tell you more than you already know, if you have read or seen other things about Scientology.
And it is as far as I know only in Danish
And it is as far as I know only in Danish
July 23, 2022
Eye opening!
I love how this book has been written. So easy to follow and understand. I've read plenty of books about scientology and get so bogged down with abbreviations but didn't at all with this one. Great read!!
I love how this book has been written. So easy to follow and understand. I've read plenty of books about scientology and get so bogged down with abbreviations but didn't at all with this one. Great read!!
February 12, 2024
Very good book
I commend Robert for sharing the information on Scientology. It really makes me appreciative I never followed the so-called faith.
How the President of Scientology has behaved is disheartening. Hopefully, one day, he will be held accountable for his evil deeds.
I commend Robert for sharing the information on Scientology. It really makes me appreciative I never followed the so-called faith.
How the President of Scientology has behaved is disheartening. Hopefully, one day, he will be held accountable for his evil deeds.
October 1, 2020
Enlightening
With so much now being learned about the horrors of Scientology in the USA, this gives insight into the activities in Europe. A real eye-opener!
With so much now being learned about the horrors of Scientology in the USA, this gives insight into the activities in Europe. A real eye-opener!
March 13, 2023
Otroligt bra och intressant bok om scientologi-rörelsen samt den personliga berättelsen om Roberts liv i rörelsen.
July 19, 2024
This is a must read if you’re a Jehovahs Witness or have Jehovahs Witnesses family members. It’s incredible how many similarities there are between high control groups.
January 2, 2012
Hurtig læst, og ok underholdende.
Plus: Ingen udråbstegn, generelt godt forlagsarbejde. På en gang sjovt og skræmmende at se ind i en bizar verden. Tænk at blive OT V, dadadaaadaaaa. Bogen er i starten delt op i to spor, Roberts egen historie og sideløbende organisationens historie, og det fungerer ret godt. Det er interessant at høre om Hubbards liv og den latterlige ledelse.
Minus: Der bliver godt nok nævnt mange navne og mange detaljer og mange mange andre ting, som nok er taget med til andre Scientologer, men ikke interesserede mig synderligt, så det blev skimmet lidt hurtigt. Ikke skrevet synderligt oprivende, og så kunne jeg godt tænke mig, at Robert havde undersøg - eventuelt med en ekspert - hvordan sekt/fanatisme lykkedes og hvorfor? Her er der en enkelt side, der forklarer, at personlighedstestene skal lave ruin, bryde dig ned, og så tilbyde Dianetik som løsing, men jeg ville gerne have hørt mere om de ydre rammer.
En fin bog, som giver et spændende indblik i tossernes verden, men som skulle luges ud i detaljen af småting og istedet hives et level up for at give et større overblik over kult-skabende religioner - i mit hoved.
Plus: Ingen udråbstegn, generelt godt forlagsarbejde. På en gang sjovt og skræmmende at se ind i en bizar verden. Tænk at blive OT V, dadadaaadaaaa. Bogen er i starten delt op i to spor, Roberts egen historie og sideløbende organisationens historie, og det fungerer ret godt. Det er interessant at høre om Hubbards liv og den latterlige ledelse.
Minus: Der bliver godt nok nævnt mange navne og mange detaljer og mange mange andre ting, som nok er taget med til andre Scientologer, men ikke interesserede mig synderligt, så det blev skimmet lidt hurtigt. Ikke skrevet synderligt oprivende, og så kunne jeg godt tænke mig, at Robert havde undersøg - eventuelt med en ekspert - hvordan sekt/fanatisme lykkedes og hvorfor? Her er der en enkelt side, der forklarer, at personlighedstestene skal lave ruin, bryde dig ned, og så tilbyde Dianetik som løsing, men jeg ville gerne have hørt mere om de ydre rammer.
En fin bog, som giver et spændende indblik i tossernes verden, men som skulle luges ud i detaljen af småting og istedet hives et level up for at give et større overblik over kult-skabende religioner - i mit hoved.
August 9, 2017
Excellent Read
Couldn't put this one down. Clear depiction of the organization that calls itself The Church of Scientology. The author paints a picture of his life in the organization without a lot of drama or emotion, leaving the reader with the information to decide if Scientology is truly a church or a dangerous cult.
Couldn't put this one down. Clear depiction of the organization that calls itself The Church of Scientology. The author paints a picture of his life in the organization without a lot of drama or emotion, leaving the reader with the information to decide if Scientology is truly a church or a dangerous cult.
October 5, 2018
Good book
Lean a lot about Roberts story, which is well written and learned alot about
scientology, but if you only have a fleeting interest in scientology then it's probably not for you.
Lean a lot about Roberts story, which is well written and learned alot about
scientology, but if you only have a fleeting interest in scientology then it's probably not for you.
July 27, 2024
this was interesting! normally i read books from US scientologists so i enjoyed how this was european.
May 26, 2012
Skræmmende beretning om "management-religionen" over dem alle...Manipulation, masse-suggestion og selv-kontrol. Velskrevet og værd at læse!
June 26, 2013
Skriven på ett så fruktansvärt tråkigt sätt...ordbajsar husnummer, adresser och namn. TRÅKIGT!
November 29, 2015
synnerligen välskriven och klart läsvärd. intressant ämne.
October 22, 2020
herregud vad den här var fantastiskt. jag lärde mig så mycket, om religion, makt, pengar, människor. en så viktig bok.
December 2, 2018
blyreply:
The title of this book piqued my interest but the subject ( Scientology as a "cynical and manipulative organization") piqued my fear.
The title of this book piqued my interest but the subject ( Scientology as a "cynical and manipulative organization") piqued my fear.
January 3, 2020
Interesting inside look on a closed organization.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews