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Captive: A Mother's Crusade to Save Her Daughter from a Terrifying Cult Hardcover – August 7, 2018

4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 634 ratings
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In this heartbreaking and shocking exposé, one of Dynasty’s biggest stars lays bare a secretive organization that is holding her daughter hostage and details her mission to save her in this powerful depiction of a mother’s love and determination.

I am a mother whose child is being abused and exploited. And I am not alone.

In 2011, Catherine joined her daughter, India, at a leadership seminar for a new organization called NXIVM. Her twenty-year-old daughter was on the threshold of building a new company and they both thought this program might help her achieve her dream. But quickly, Catherine saw a sinister side to what appeared to be a self-help organization designed to help its clients become the best versions of themselves.

Catherine watched in horror as her daughter fell further and further down the rabbit hole, becoming brainwashed by the organization’s charismatic leader. Despite Catherine’s best efforts, India was drawn deeper into the cult, eventually joining a secret, elite “sorority” of women members who are ordered to maintain a restricted diet, recruit other women as “slaves,” and are branded with their leader’s initials.

In Captive, Catherine shares every parent’s worst nightmare, and the lengths that a mother will go to save her child. Featuring interviews with past members of NXIVM and experts in the field of cults, Oxenberg attempts to draw back the curtain on how these groups continue to lure in members. She relates her continuing journey to try to reach her daughter, to save her from what she believes is a dangerous, mind-controlling cult.
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  1. Print length
    384 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Gallery Books
  4. Publication date
    August 7, 2018
  5. Dimensions
    6 x 1.2 x 9 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    1982100656
  7. ISBN-13
    978-1982100650
  8. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Catherine Oxenberg is best known for her role as Amanda Carrington on the hit primetime soap opera Dynasty. She got her start as a model before making her acting debut in The Royal Romance of Charles and Diana. Oxenberg is the daughter of Princess Elizabeth of Yugoslavia, making her a royal descendent in her own right. She currently lives in Malibu, California.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Gallery Books; First Edition (August 7, 2018)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 384 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1982100656
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1982100650
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.26 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 1.2 x 9 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 634 ratings

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  2. Natasha Stoynoff

    Natasha Stoynoff

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Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
4.4 out of 5
634 global ratings
A love story of a Mother's devotion to her daughter to save her from a dangerous situation
5 Stars
A love story of a Mother's devotion to her daughter to save her from a dangerous situation
Catherine Oxenberg (along with Natasha Stoynoff) has written a beautiful and moving memoir regarding her quest to save her daughter from a dangerous situation in her book, A MOTHER'S CRUSADE TO SAVE HER DAUGHTER FROM A TERRIFYING CULT - CAPTIVE! She speaks openly and honestly, first hand, about the course of events in which she takes full responsibility for introducing her daughter, India, and for participating herself in an organization known as NXIVM (a/k/a Executive Success Program). While Catherine soon grew disenchanted with the program, India became more committed. Catherine was warned that her daughter was in danger. That is when Catherine took action. No mother should have to go through this nightmare about her daughter. However, Catherine has been tenacious to make sure that justice will be served. She encouraged the government to become aware of the organization's tactics...and more. She has written a page turner in this non fiction book. I want to re-read it because so much has been exposed in a compelling manner. She tells this heartbreaking story with veracity, love and a depth for warning individuals who might find themselves in this very situation. A must read!
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Top reviews from the United States

Siggi Irwin
5.0 out of 5 stars WELL WRITTEN
Reviewed in the United States on August 31, 2018
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Catherine Oxenberg is a very good writer and her book was hard to put down. Very will written and captures the drama and concern any parent would have knowing that their child was part of a cult. The only thing missing in her commentary, however, was her admission that she was the one who introduced her daughter to the cult in the first place! She never takes responsibility for, or admits that, she was the one who took her daughter to the first meeting. And then participated in the cult for the first year and a half, as well. I wondered why she never showed any remorse for her part in why her daughter was in the cult in the first place. Nevertheless, it's a very good read.
19 people found this helpful
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Dr. Von
4.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding insight into how well meaning people get sucked in
Reviewed in the United States on June 24, 2020
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I found this book to offer a unique insight into how well meaning, intelligent people get sucked in to these cults. I had always thought people who got involved in these things were weak or less than intelligent. This book showed first hand that neither of the aforementioned are necessary when your desire to be your best and help others is exploited by a charismatic leader and group think. The only reason for 4 of 5 stars is I did find the book to be a little ego driven with too many mentions of the author's noble heritage and her expensive boots. Other than that, I found this book well worth the read. So glad these two escaped and thrilled to hear the leaders will face the justice they deserve.
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Fairy God Mother
5.0 out of 5 stars A love story of a Mother's devotion to her daughter to save her from a dangerous situation
Reviewed in the United States on August 8, 2018
Verified Purchase
Catherine Oxenberg (along with Natasha Stoynoff) has written a beautiful and moving memoir regarding her quest to save her daughter from a dangerous situation in her book, A MOTHER'S CRUSADE TO SAVE HER DAUGHTER FROM A TERRIFYING CULT - CAPTIVE! She speaks openly and honestly, first hand, about the course of events in which she takes full responsibility for introducing her daughter, India, and for participating herself in an organization known as NXIVM (a/k/a Executive Success Program). While Catherine soon grew disenchanted with the program, India became more committed. Catherine was warned that her daughter was in danger. That is when Catherine took action. No mother should have to go through this nightmare about her daughter. However, Catherine has been tenacious to make sure that justice will be served. She encouraged the government to become aware of the organization's tactics...and more. She has written a page turner in this non fiction book. I want to re-read it because so much has been exposed in a compelling manner. She tells this heartbreaking story with veracity, love and a depth for warning individuals who might find themselves in this very situation. A must read!
Customer image
Fairy God Mother
5.0 out of 5 stars A love story of a Mother's devotion to her daughter to save her from a dangerous situation
Reviewed in the United States on August 8, 2018
Catherine Oxenberg (along with Natasha Stoynoff) has written a beautiful and moving memoir regarding her quest to save her daughter from a dangerous situation in her book, A MOTHER'S CRUSADE TO SAVE HER DAUGHTER FROM A TERRIFYING CULT - CAPTIVE! She speaks openly and honestly, first hand, about the course of events in which she takes full responsibility for introducing her daughter, India, and for participating herself in an organization known as NXIVM (a/k/a Executive Success Program). While Catherine soon grew disenchanted with the program, India became more committed. Catherine was warned that her daughter was in danger. That is when Catherine took action. No mother should have to go through this nightmare about her daughter. However, Catherine has been tenacious to make sure that justice will be served. She encouraged the government to become aware of the organization's tactics...and more. She has written a page turner in this non fiction book. I want to re-read it because so much has been exposed in a compelling manner. She tells this heartbreaking story with veracity, love and a depth for warning individuals who might find themselves in this very situation. A must read!
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24 people found this helpful
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Sharon L. Denomme
5.0 out of 5 stars Buy the update with the afterword!
Reviewed in the United States on December 25, 2020
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I read this book after watching The Vow documentary and after listening to India’s book, Still Learning, so I pretty much knew the basics. What I didn’t expect was how much Catherine’s personality would shine through. She is wonderfully sarcastic, and it made the book very enjoyable to read. I didn’t realize how much her efforts to help India had spilled over into a mission to help others trapped in cultic webs, and I admire how down to earth she is, and how open with her feelings. I was fortunate to buy the version that contains the afterword, and to my mind the book isn’t complete without it. In the afterword, Catherine shares with us the aftermath of how her quest to free India affected her personally, new trauma she had to endure, and how these circumstances resulted in a wonderful personal outcome that caused her to redefine what is was that defeated Keith Raniere and NXIVM (no spoilers here!). After enjoying this book so much, I think that I would read anything that Catherine Oxenberg writes.
5 people found this helpful
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TamL
3.0 out of 5 stars Interesting
Reviewed in the United States on March 11, 2019
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I think her dedication as a parent is incredible and the reader gets a really good sense of how anyone could fall into a cult. (If I had to critique it, I would agree there is a lot of name-dropping and overt privilege in the author's voice, that it was distracting. That said, I can understand how growing up in wealth and fame can make it to hard to connect with every day people.) Finally, I think this is a great caution to those that go looking for meaning and purpose through people. People are flawed. Only God is perfect.
12 people found this helpful
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Anonymous
5.0 out of 5 stars Riveting, shocking and the Strength of a Mother’s Love...
Reviewed in the United States on August 4, 2019
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A well written fascinating true story that is hard to believe. It’s unbelievable Keith Raniere was able to get away with the crimes he did under the umbrella of a rich member. I truly believe Catherine Oxenberg is a hero. This Mom has saved countless lives. In addition every Parent should understand how the grooming starts and progresses. It seems as if Raniere was getting worse (One of the defendants testified he was building cages to put the women in). I could not put this book down and finished it in 2 days. I then googled and watched Megyn Kelly interviews as well as read more about the case. What’s mind blowing besides the story itself is the tenacity of this Mom. With no experience and little help she stared evil in the face and brought it down for the love of her precious daughter. I wish every kid could have a Mom like Catherine Oxenberg.
3 people found this helpful
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D.Meister
4.0 out of 5 stars Cult of Deception
Reviewed in the United States on August 26, 2018
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This mother's efforts were extraordinary. The pull of this cult on her daughter is truly scary. I would like an update as I think her daughter does get out but am not sure. I am conflicted that the author continued to pour thousands into this scam ( money most of us simply do not have! ) to "improve herself" Following gurus of the nature she did, chasing the globe to define herself is hard to understand. The restlessness in her soul to be happy with who she is seemed over the top, obsessive .She may have influenced her daughter to seek what does not exist....the perfect happiness. I got tired of the "name dropping" of influential people and titles. I hope this mother and daughter find happiness together and that India lets go of this destructive cult thinking. And may Keith the leader rot in jail as well as all who had a hand in branding and enslaving women.
10 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

Tianna
5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing!
Reviewed in Canada on October 28, 2021
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The book came in perfect condition!
The book is amazing! Definitely should read this book if you’re into learning about real life stories in cults.
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Frizzby Fox
5.0 out of 5 stars quick delivery
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 6, 2019
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Excellent
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N. Garon
4.0 out of 5 stars Thoroughly enjoyed this account of one mom's fight
Reviewed in Canada on November 3, 2018
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I gave it 4 out of 5. I couldn't put this book down. I admired her fierceness in wanting to protect her daughter from a cult. Ask Catherine, when do you back down as a parent to help save your daughter from evil? The answer is never! She proved that in this read.
One person found this helpful
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J. Collins
3.0 out of 5 stars What the heck?
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 21, 2018
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I certainly don't wish to dissuade anyone from reading this book but...This memoir of Catherine Oxenburg's daughter India and her ongoing addiction to a criminal cult is truly ridiculous. The most amazing thing is that Catherine Oxenburg appears to be an intelligent woman - Yet, she admits to signing up for countless expensive and worthless self help seminars. She spends lots of time and enormous sums of money and yet openly rebels and criticises their bogus, aggressive and useless advice and techniques. Why she gets her whole family involved is anyone's guess. The result is an adult daughter lost to a devious cult. What I never quite understand is how after loosing what is alluded to as over a half million dollars (trust fund) or more, her daughter still cannot be convinced it's a criminal enterprise. I know too many people who have bought into this world of charismatic gurus. When will people learn ???
One person found this helpful
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Claudette Rochon-Kennedy
5.0 out of 5 stars Captive
Reviewed in Canada on October 17, 2020
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Being brought up in a cult like religion, I could not put the book down. It is truely courageous of Catherine Oxenberg to not give up on her love for her daughter and to bring awareness on identifying a cult. Many thanks🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
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