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  • 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
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars (203 ratings)

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Secrets in the Cellar cover art

Secrets in the Cellar

By: John Glatt
Narrated by: Gildart Jackson
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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

What listeners say about Secrets in the Cellar

Average customer ratings
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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

fantastic book

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

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Disturbing

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

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Totally harrowing

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.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Griping & brilliantly read! English voice

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.

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3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Heartbreaking and compelling

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

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Very interesting

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

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Fascinating

Interesting yet gruesome, I found the detail behind this real story intriguing, how can some individuals carry out such horrors defies me.

At first I found the narration stilted, as though some sort of auto-tune is used which makes it on the monotone side.

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5 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Hard hitting

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

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Truly magnificent and horrific

I have watched countless documentaries about this case always wanting to know as much as possible about the victims. This audiobook described in incredible detail, Elisabet's history and progress.
I highly recommend this book.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

very interesting, but...

...from about chapter 18, the story is repeated and repeated and repeated. could have been better edited and shorter.

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