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The Exorcist[EXORCIST 40TH ANNIV/E][Paperback]
The Exorcist <> Paperback <> WilliamPeterBlatty <> HarperPaperbacks
Paperback
Published October 31, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
December 7, 2024
I'll admit that, about 50 pages into this book, I told my wife that if William Peter Blatty's storytelling didn't begin to grab me, finishing this one was going to be a slog.
It did, and it wasn't. I'm one of what I believe is probably a lot of people who had seen William Friedkin's influential 1973 film, but who had not read the 1971 novel upon which it was based. I've rectified that, and I'm glad I did. I certainly don't mean to deride the film, but the novel (as is often the case) does a better job of telling the story of actor Chris McNeil and her troubled daughter, Regan, as well as Chris's household help -- nurse and assistant Sharon, and married couple Karl and Willie Engstrom -- as well as her director friend, Burke Dennings. We also meet an array of Catholic priests, fathers Karras, Dyer, and Merrin, who play a variety of roles in addressing the troubles that arise when Regan becomes ill and may be showing signs of demonic possession. We also get a better idea of what's going on with Kinderman, the cop who is looking into various aspects of this situation.
I will give this as a warning for curious readers: as raw and shocking as Friedkin's film is, some aspects of it were downplayed from the novel. Blatty's depiction of Regan's possession, and the exorcism that finally is conducted at the novel's climax, is very explicit and very profane. Sensitive readers, especially Christians and especially Catholics, won't like some of the desecrations committed against things and people. Father Merrin orders Father Karras to ignore the things that the demon does and says, but the reader may find it difficult to "look away" from what he or she is reading.
Needless to say, the book picked up not long after I made my offhand remark to my wife, and I found that either the story moved more quickly, or I became more adept at reading Blatty's style -- after those first couple dozen pages, the book was compelling enough that I didn't struggle to finish at all.
If you've seen the movie and want a more complete and detailed version, or if you've steered clear of the movie but think you're up to reading the story instead, "The Exorcist" is definitely worth your time.
It did, and it wasn't. I'm one of what I believe is probably a lot of people who had seen William Friedkin's influential 1973 film, but who had not read the 1971 novel upon which it was based. I've rectified that, and I'm glad I did. I certainly don't mean to deride the film, but the novel (as is often the case) does a better job of telling the story of actor Chris McNeil and her troubled daughter, Regan, as well as Chris's household help -- nurse and assistant Sharon, and married couple Karl and Willie Engstrom -- as well as her director friend, Burke Dennings. We also meet an array of Catholic priests, fathers Karras, Dyer, and Merrin, who play a variety of roles in addressing the troubles that arise when Regan becomes ill and may be showing signs of demonic possession. We also get a better idea of what's going on with Kinderman, the cop who is looking into various aspects of this situation.
I will give this as a warning for curious readers: as raw and shocking as Friedkin's film is, some aspects of it were downplayed from the novel. Blatty's depiction of Regan's possession, and the exorcism that finally is conducted at the novel's climax, is very explicit and very profane. Sensitive readers, especially Christians and especially Catholics, won't like some of the desecrations committed against things and people. Father Merrin orders Father Karras to ignore the things that the demon does and says, but the reader may find it difficult to "look away" from what he or she is reading.
Needless to say, the book picked up not long after I made my offhand remark to my wife, and I found that either the story moved more quickly, or I became more adept at reading Blatty's style -- after those first couple dozen pages, the book was compelling enough that I didn't struggle to finish at all.
If you've seen the movie and want a more complete and detailed version, or if you've steered clear of the movie but think you're up to reading the story instead, "The Exorcist" is definitely worth your time.
May 1, 2025
Book #83 2025
"The Exorcist" ~ William Peter Blatty
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
"The Ultimate Horror Classic"
"The Exorcist" is a chilling and masterfully written novel that blends psychological horror with supernatural terror in a way that few books manage to achieve. Blatty’s writing is sharp, atmospheric, and deeply unsettling, drawing readers into a narrative that explores faith, evil, and the human psyche with unnerving intensity. The character development of Father Karras and Regan adds quite the emotional depth to the horror, making the story as tragic as it is terrifying.
While the pacing lags slightly in the middle and some theological discussions may feel dense to modern readers, these moments also contribute to the book’s overall depth and realism. Blatty’s background in theology and philosophy shines through, grounding the supernatural elements in a believable framework.
"The Exorcist" is a gripping and intelligent horror novel that earns its reputation as a genre classic. It may not be for the faint of heart, but its haunting impact lingers. #books #bookreview #bookrecommendations #reader #booklover #booktok #bookblogger #horror #blogger #bookworm #booksworthreading #bookstagram
"The Exorcist" ~ William Peter Blatty
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
"The Ultimate Horror Classic"
"The Exorcist" is a chilling and masterfully written novel that blends psychological horror with supernatural terror in a way that few books manage to achieve. Blatty’s writing is sharp, atmospheric, and deeply unsettling, drawing readers into a narrative that explores faith, evil, and the human psyche with unnerving intensity. The character development of Father Karras and Regan adds quite the emotional depth to the horror, making the story as tragic as it is terrifying.
While the pacing lags slightly in the middle and some theological discussions may feel dense to modern readers, these moments also contribute to the book’s overall depth and realism. Blatty’s background in theology and philosophy shines through, grounding the supernatural elements in a believable framework.
"The Exorcist" is a gripping and intelligent horror novel that earns its reputation as a genre classic. It may not be for the faint of heart, but its haunting impact lingers. #books #bookreview #bookrecommendations #reader #booklover #booktok #bookblogger #horror #blogger #bookworm #booksworthreading #bookstagram
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February 20, 2024Was Chris supposed to be likeable?
March 31, 2024
People said it was so scary and they couldn't sleep blah blah blah but it was mid.
July 1, 2024
Slightly more horrifying than the movie! And that’s saying something. Even 50 years later, The Exorcist manages to be the scariest movie of all time. It’s also one of my favorites, although it traumatized me for years as a child.
The book resembled the movie very well but was enriched with details. The details add another layer of terror to the story. Reading about the crucifixion scene was more horrifying than watching it in the movie. We also get additional character development from all the characters in the film/story. If you like the film, you will love this book. I could not put it down.
The book resembled the movie very well but was enriched with details. The details add another layer of terror to the story. Reading about the crucifixion scene was more horrifying than watching it in the movie. We also get additional character development from all the characters in the film/story. If you like the film, you will love this book. I could not put it down.
August 1, 2025
Read it as a teenager, and it terrified me. Read it again years later—and loved it even more. Dark, disturbing, and brilliantly written, The Exorcist is a masterclass in horror that still holds up. A chilling classic that never loses its grip.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews