The Complex: An Insider Exposes the Covert World of the Church of Scientology

by John Duignan, Nicola Tallant

For the first time ever, a former high-ranking member of the Church of Scientology is lifting the lid on life inside the world s fastest growing cult. The Complex reveals the true story behind the religion that has ensnared a who s who list of celebrities such as Tom Cruise and John Travolta, and convinced thousands of ordinary people to join up. Duignan describes how two years ago he staged a dramatic escape from the elite paramilitary group at the core of the Church, the Sea Organisation, and how he narrowly evaded pursuit by Scientologists from the Office of Special Affairs. He looks back on the 22 years he served in the Church s secret army and describes the hours of sleep deprivation, brain-washing and intense auditing or religious counselling he endured, as he was moulded into a soldier of Scientology. He talks about the money-making-machine at the heart of the Church, the Scientology goal to Clear the Planet and Get Ethics In , the training programmes, the Rehabilitation Project Force and the punishments meted out to anyone who transgresses, including children. We follow his journey through the Church and the painful investigation that leads to his eventual realisation that there is something very wrong at Scientology s core. The beliefs of the Church of Scientology might sound like something from a science fiction book but The Complex reveals that the Church s growing power base is a shocking reality.

Genres: Nonfiction, Religion, Cults

318 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2008

Reviews

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Complex started a little slowly, but it was so the reader understood all of Duignan's background, so you can understand why he got caught up in the cult of Scientology. After that, the buildup is phenomenal and fascinating.

Duignan's spot in Scientology was right near the top, after starting at the bottom in the mid-'80s, at the age of 20. He was vulnerable due to his childhood, and was sucked right into the cult's brainwashing.

The pace of this book couldn't have been much better. Near the end, after 22 years in the cult, Duignan reminded me of Red from The Shawshank Redemption, getting free, but reentering a world he doesn't know anymore, and not having any skills from which to draw. (I don't consider that a spoiler because it's like The Titanic - you know the end.)

Scientology has threatened legal action against any bookseller for selling this, so it's very hard to come by. Amazon, Borders, B&N, etc, won't sell it. I managed to get lucky and found it at a small bookstore.

[Al Swanson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent book, but very poorly edited and somewhat poorly written. I'd blame the editor for most of the problems.

If you're looking for a heap of info on Scientology - read something else. This is primarily about the author and his experiences. He details what he needs to detail to tell his story - but little else. He also uses a lot of 'tology lingo without completely cluing us into the meaning. All through the book he sounds like he still is very much drawn to the cult, yet says he left because it was a fake.

I'm just kinda in a cult phase, where I'm picking up books about cults and cult leaders. I was hoping for more here, but it was worth the time.

[Ria · Rating 5 out of 5]

A chilling book highlighting the insidious way a cult can take over a person's life.
The author came from a troubled background which led to him feeling the need to do and be something in life and to feel he belonged to something worthwhile.
Unfortunately the Church of Scientology seemed to take advantage of this fact and this book is the shocking tale of an insider's experiences on life within the organisation.
Harrowing and frightening how people can be brainwashed into believing the indoctrination that is fed to them this is a great read and lifts the lid of one of the popular "religions" of modern times.
A must read for those with an interest in religion, theology and even just if you enjoy true life stories, this will appeal to readers on many levels.

[Reb Belstner · Rating 4 out of 5]

I became interested in Scientology because some of my in-laws were involved (they no longer are). This book does not focus on the inherent quackery and woo of Scientological beliefs, but rather the culture of corruption and abuse ineherent in they system. It's uncomfortable to read at times, but enlightening. Strongly recommended. (I finished this years ago and am just not catching up on my reviews.)

[Tori · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author does a great job of explaining how someone could be taken in by Scientology and the tricks used to make to keep people in the fold.

[Jim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Incredible experience to read this book. Not brilliantly written, but honest, intimate and very objective. If you've had any first-hand experience with Xenu's Warrirors, then this book will bring it all back alive. I know from first-hand experience that Scientology is creepy, weird and ridiculous, but I really had no idea how dangerous and oppressive it could be. I recommend this one to anyone interested in learning about cults and other oppressive systems. The author deserves a medal of honor.

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

so far, i can't put it down, must keep reading! very good inside look into a very destructive cult.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic read. I learned so much. I could not put it down.

[Peter Dunn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This starts as a typical Irish misery novel but stick with it as it does soon pick up and gives a fascinating life history of an ex scientologist.

[Peter Panhuis]

Very insightful and confronting story of what's happening within Scientology

[Ger O]

The front cover was so inspiring I had to read this. However, its a good story of the guy s life, well written, but I was expecting a lot more relating to the Church of Scientology. It s basically a cult and nothing extraordinary or unusual came out from this book. A bit disappointing relating to the words on the front page. 'An insider exposes the covert world of the church of scientology.'