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CONTENTS

Introduction by Kjetil Sandermoen

Foreword

1. Before the cult

2. Brainwashing

3. I’m a pioneer. I’ve been chosen. I’m happy

4. I’m a superhuman. Life in the underground

5. The clinic in leningrad

6. Breaking point

7. I was not to be a superhuman after all

Epilogue

P. S. Aunt Katya’s story

ANNA SANDERMOEN

THE CULT

IN MY GRANDMOTHER’S HOUSE

Translated from Russian

by Stephanie Droop

Managing Editor: Anna Sandermoen

Translation to English: Stephanie Droop

Technical editing: Elena Tonkova

Cover design: Varvara Shalito, Evgeniya Kornienko

Layout and design: Evgeniya Kornienko

Cover photo: Artem Matsevich

© Sandermoen Publishing 2021

© Edition in English, design: Sandermoen Publishing 2021

ISBN: 978-3-907131-53-4

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in any way, or transferred to third parties in any form or by any means – electronic, mechanical, photocopying or recording – without written permission from the publisher.

This book by Anna Sandermoen is a true story of life in the commune of V. D. Stolbun.

Intended for a wide audience.

18+

Contains profanity.

Introduction by Kjetil Sandermoen

The story you are about to read was written by my dear wife Ania. It is a true story about a large part of her childhood, and I am sure it will move and impact you.

Among a lot of incredibly shocking anecdotes in this book, the one that touched me the most is where Ania describes how she was sent back to her grandmother’s house, so full of happy and joyful memories, only to find it full of strangers living there in what turned out to be a cult, and her loving grandmother now treating the young girl as if she was an unwanted stranger. That Ania has chosen to call her book The Cult in my Grandmother’s House is probably evidence that this particular part of her story affected her deeply as well.

When I met my wife and she eventually told me just a little bit about her background of growing up in a cult, I must admit I had to discuss with myself how this could have given rise to fears and problems that she would bring with her into our relationship.

Ania is a very strong and proud person and it is not her habit to focus on the negative aspects of life. The childhood stories that she usually shares with friends and family are the fun and nostalgic ones. However, I know that the years taken from her childhood spent in a cult is a painful past that she will always bring with her. I have therefore encouraged her to write this book about these years. It can stand as a warning to any adult who would contemplate joining a cult or a sect, or – as in Ania case even worse – sending your child away to a cult. I believe that writing the book is also a part of a healing process for Ania. It is a story worth writing down and indeed a story worth reading.