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Hostage to the Devil: The Possession and Exorcism of Five Living Americans
One On One With Satan
A chilling and highly convincing account of possession and exorcism in modern America, hailed by NBC Radio as "one of the most stirring books on the contemporary scene."
477 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1976
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 298 reviews
December 10, 2023
I am not entirely sure what to make of this book, but it's not a cheap-thrills read. It's meticulous, intelligently written, and compassionate towards those who seem to be afflicted by evil. Martin seeks neither to mock nor to exploit the suffering, and seems to be a sincere and likable fellow.
Having said that, I doubted the professional decisions made in many of the case studies in this book, and felt bewildered that these "possessed" folks were declared mentally stable by the psychiatrists and/or psychologists who assessed them. Given their symptoms, I would have diagnosed most of them in a heartbeat, referred them to a doctor to prescribe psychiatric medication, then followed with an appropriate course of therapy.
I wonder, would I have been correct to do so? Or, would I have only exacerbated their problems? I can't say for certain, but it seems to me that trying standard treatment protocols prior to exorcism might be prudent, since validating a person's belief they are possessed by demons would no doubt cause further trauma and potentially worsen their illness, in the event that you are mistaken (that said, I am well aware that psychiatric intervention frequently makes things worse for people, too).
I do wonder how the people who were exorcised turned out, years later, after their life-altering experiences. If they were truly possessed, one might expect a full and lasting recovery. If they were actually suffering from mental illness a relapse would have been inevitable. Given that we don't know their real identities, we can never know how their lives played out, decades on. It is also said in the literature on this topic that a person can be both mentally ill and under demonic influence which would presumably be much harder to sort out.
Malachi Martin writes a compelling set of life stories that whisks aside the veil that surrounds our daily lives to reveal an unseen world that he believes has the potential to affect us profoundly, for better or worse. Judging from what I've read before about possession, it seems to me that the people most commonly claiming to be afflicted by demons are those who, firstly, believe such beings exist and, secondly, that they have the power to possess humans. That said, Martin writes that most of the afflicted persons in this handful of cases were either never religious at all or had abandoned the faith of their childhood somewhere along the way.
So are we wrong to assume that it all comes down to what you believe? Surely, if you believe you have made a pact with Satan or become dependent on one of his minions, it will no doubt affect you profoundly, whether or not such creatures are actually harassing you. Belief is powerful. But then how to explain these unbelievers who appear possessed and are helped by exorcists? Well, I was not convinced that any of these folks were truly unbelievers in the supernatural, deep down, despite what they might have claimed in their daily lives.
However, I'm certainly not willing to say such things as possession are definitely unreal just because we cannot explain them from a scientific perspective. I simply do not know. The older I get, the less I feel sure about how the great world spins. What I do know, though, is that communities of faith and the beliefs that support them can be an important part of people's overall health, so I do not scoff at spiritual beliefs. That said, I would think long and hard and exhaust all other efforts before telling someone in my care I thought they were possessed by a demon. Needing medical care for a mental health problem seems to me far less stigmatizing, shaming, and sinister than needing to have (religiously-speaking) spiritual filth cleansed from your tormented soul.
Having said that, I doubted the professional decisions made in many of the case studies in this book, and felt bewildered that these "possessed" folks were declared mentally stable by the psychiatrists and/or psychologists who assessed them. Given their symptoms, I would have diagnosed most of them in a heartbeat, referred them to a doctor to prescribe psychiatric medication, then followed with an appropriate course of therapy.
I wonder, would I have been correct to do so? Or, would I have only exacerbated their problems? I can't say for certain, but it seems to me that trying standard treatment protocols prior to exorcism might be prudent, since validating a person's belief they are possessed by demons would no doubt cause further trauma and potentially worsen their illness, in the event that you are mistaken (that said, I am well aware that psychiatric intervention frequently makes things worse for people, too).
I do wonder how the people who were exorcised turned out, years later, after their life-altering experiences. If they were truly possessed, one might expect a full and lasting recovery. If they were actually suffering from mental illness a relapse would have been inevitable. Given that we don't know their real identities, we can never know how their lives played out, decades on. It is also said in the literature on this topic that a person can be both mentally ill and under demonic influence which would presumably be much harder to sort out.
Malachi Martin writes a compelling set of life stories that whisks aside the veil that surrounds our daily lives to reveal an unseen world that he believes has the potential to affect us profoundly, for better or worse. Judging from what I've read before about possession, it seems to me that the people most commonly claiming to be afflicted by demons are those who, firstly, believe such beings exist and, secondly, that they have the power to possess humans. That said, Martin writes that most of the afflicted persons in this handful of cases were either never religious at all or had abandoned the faith of their childhood somewhere along the way.
So are we wrong to assume that it all comes down to what you believe? Surely, if you believe you have made a pact with Satan or become dependent on one of his minions, it will no doubt affect you profoundly, whether or not such creatures are actually harassing you. Belief is powerful. But then how to explain these unbelievers who appear possessed and are helped by exorcists? Well, I was not convinced that any of these folks were truly unbelievers in the supernatural, deep down, despite what they might have claimed in their daily lives.
However, I'm certainly not willing to say such things as possession are definitely unreal just because we cannot explain them from a scientific perspective. I simply do not know. The older I get, the less I feel sure about how the great world spins. What I do know, though, is that communities of faith and the beliefs that support them can be an important part of people's overall health, so I do not scoff at spiritual beliefs. That said, I would think long and hard and exhaust all other efforts before telling someone in my care I thought they were possessed by a demon. Needing medical care for a mental health problem seems to me far less stigmatizing, shaming, and sinister than needing to have (religiously-speaking) spiritual filth cleansed from your tormented soul.
January 20, 2012
There are two books I have read in my brief life that truly frightened me. One is The Tailypo: A Ghost Story by Joanna C. Galdone, which I read in the third grade (scared the absolute crud out of eight-year-old Me, and even still makes me uneasy when I think about that evil little creature watching that man from the foot of his bed in the dark). The other is Hostage to the Devil: The Possession and Exorcism of Five Contemporary Americans by Malachi Martin.
Whether or not you are a skeptic in demonic matters, this book will probably still send chills up your spine. It's already given me one virtually sleepless night. Martin chronicles the cases of five individuals possessed by evil spirits, including their histories, the histories of their exorcists, and the circumstances as to how they became possessed. Each exorcism was tape recorded, so Martin's descriptions of the exorcisms should be relatively accurate. In my opinion, the two most disturbing cases in the book are The Virgin and the Girl-Fixer and Uncle Ponto and the Mushroom-Souper.
There is one passage from this book that has really stuck with me. In it, Martin and Father Mark (the exorcist in the "Uncle Ponto" case) are discussing the fate of exorcists:
It was a source of some amazement to [Mark's] close associates and superiors that he did not go the way of most exorcists. A few years' active ministry in exorcism, and the majority paled, as it were: they seemed to wither in a variety of ways; some by illness, others by premature aging; others still because they seemed to have lost the will to live.
"Most of us crawl away and die somewhere quietly," Mark said as we talked one evening. I knew he was right.
"Why not you, Mark?"
"Well, you see," Mark began jokingly, "I have this great pal upstairs, and when I start into one of those exorcism businesses, he comes along and holds my hand."
Overall, I found this to be better than a "good" read--it was a great read. You just might not want to read it after the sun has gone down.
Whether or not you are a skeptic in demonic matters, this book will probably still send chills up your spine. It's already given me one virtually sleepless night. Martin chronicles the cases of five individuals possessed by evil spirits, including their histories, the histories of their exorcists, and the circumstances as to how they became possessed. Each exorcism was tape recorded, so Martin's descriptions of the exorcisms should be relatively accurate. In my opinion, the two most disturbing cases in the book are The Virgin and the Girl-Fixer and Uncle Ponto and the Mushroom-Souper.
There is one passage from this book that has really stuck with me. In it, Martin and Father Mark (the exorcist in the "Uncle Ponto" case) are discussing the fate of exorcists:
It was a source of some amazement to [Mark's] close associates and superiors that he did not go the way of most exorcists. A few years' active ministry in exorcism, and the majority paled, as it were: they seemed to wither in a variety of ways; some by illness, others by premature aging; others still because they seemed to have lost the will to live.
"Most of us crawl away and die somewhere quietly," Mark said as we talked one evening. I knew he was right.
"Why not you, Mark?"
"Well, you see," Mark began jokingly, "I have this great pal upstairs, and when I start into one of those exorcism businesses, he comes along and holds my hand."
Overall, I found this to be better than a "good" read--it was a great read. You just might not want to read it after the sun has gone down.
January 8, 2013
Okay, my reasons for the low rating here may not be all that important to some. I may also be in the minority today in that I believe in evil (and yes an actual Satan). C.S.Lewis once observed (as have others) that the fact that no one believes in him is Satan's greatest advantage. Martin agrees with this and also says it.
I find I disagree with certain things said in the book about the nature of possession, the relief of it (exorcism if you will)and certain other details.
I have no problem with his views on the dangers extant in our society and society's general rejection of the existence of "evil", spiritual or otherwise.
I don't see any problem with recommending this book in general. Many will approach it as complete skeptics others as thrill seekers (I'd hope the book might serve as a warning to that group), and some with an open mind. If you're a Roman Catholic this may serve as a call to look again at the situation in your church. Non-Roman Catholics may have their own beliefs (pro or con) about the subject. I'm a Christian, I'd suggest any and all beliefs be based in Biblical scripture.
If you are not a Christian or find belief in actual spiritual evil to be naive or otherwise contemptible then we of course disagree and I doubt you'd see this book as much more than a diversion.
*********************** Spoilers Below ********************
I find I disagree with certain things said in the book about the nature of possession, the relief of it (exorcism if you will)and certain other details.
I have no problem with his views on the dangers extant in our society and society's general rejection of the existence of "evil", spiritual or otherwise.
I don't see any problem with recommending this book in general. Many will approach it as complete skeptics others as thrill seekers (I'd hope the book might serve as a warning to that group), and some with an open mind. If you're a Roman Catholic this may serve as a call to look again at the situation in your church. Non-Roman Catholics may have their own beliefs (pro or con) about the subject. I'm a Christian, I'd suggest any and all beliefs be based in Biblical scripture.
If you are not a Christian or find belief in actual spiritual evil to be naive or otherwise contemptible then we of course disagree and I doubt you'd see this book as much more than a diversion.
*********************** Spoilers Below ********************
July 28, 2011
I have done quite a bit of research on possession for a story, and I can honestly say that this book actually scared me. I can list on one hand the amount of things in the world that scare me and this book easily made the list. My sister was so creeped out that she wouldn't even finish the book. Dr. Martin delivers on his harrowing tales of true demonic possession. He tackles the book objectively from both sides (much like a reporter) and lets the reader come to their own conclusions. Although published in 1976, this book remains the premier book on demonic possession today. If you're curious, or doing a bit of research, this is one book that you should not overlook.
Don't believe me? Here's what the Washington Post Book Review had to say: "In the barrage of books on possession and exorcism, this is undoubtedly the most authoritative and convincing."
"Martin's polished contemporary sense of traditional theology entices even the skeptical....Stunningly pertinent...Will set you thinking-and thingking-and thinking." -Detroit News
Don't believe me? Here's what the Washington Post Book Review had to say: "In the barrage of books on possession and exorcism, this is undoubtedly the most authoritative and convincing."
"Martin's polished contemporary sense of traditional theology entices even the skeptical....Stunningly pertinent...Will set you thinking-and thingking-and thinking." -Detroit News
March 31, 2013
This is a shocking account of possession, deviant psychology, and most importantly: the religious approach to combating it. I found this book in the footnotes to "People of the Lie" and found it to be another intriguing page-turner, but clearly something that I would not recommend just anyone to read. Some of the accounts are so diabolical that they descend into a depth of evil most of us would never even conceive of; and, quite frankly, are better off not even being exposed to, even in a book. Conversely, one benefit of the book is gaining of insight to discern the characteristics often exhibited by those who have fallen sway to very heavy levels of evil enslavement. Another benefit is the unveiling of the immense danger of evil, in any form, and the exposure of the spiritual warfare that exists around us. This book is like an “X” rated version of C.S Lewis’ "The Screwtape Letters" … on steroids!
October 25, 2019
These 5 true stories of demonic possession all have the flavour of fiction, they're told in a literary style: setting the scene with lyrical descriptions of the scenery and weather. Perhaps we can accept this as a necessary story-tellers aid, a harmless flourish to help us get in the mood? I know that I certainly forgive this sort of thing when authors overstep their bounds in historical non-fiction.
More seriously there's plenty of the sort of co-incidence that only occurs in Victorian novels. What are the odds that the exorcist asked to come and help the poor possessed person would just happen to have a personal weakness that the demon is specialised in exploiting?
Anway, setting aside any niggling doubts on that front - I still find myself hopelessly confused by Christianity. If it is only through Christ that we are saved from evil then why must the victim and the exorcist pay such a terrible price to free themselves? Indeed, if Christ saves then why is the priest necessary at all? Why can't the victim just call on Jesus and be saved on the spot? (I suspect I may be rehashing the Reformation here, but I don't know enough to know!) Martin is firm on this point multiple times: only Christ saves and the priest acts in Christ's name, not in his own. Nevertheless, it's almost impossible not to read these stories as battles between men and monsters - with the priest giving everything in a titanic battle of wills. One gets the very strong impression that Christ probably wouldn't have saved if the priest hadn't personally fought and won.
Another point where my querulous, seculuar mind quibbles: Martin emphasises that possession only occurs when the victim consents - but there is precious little informed consent going on here. None of the victims have a clear idea of just how bad things are going to get. And many of these possessions begin in childhood! Can children give consent? I feel like there should be some spiritual court in which one can obtain an easy and pain-free exorcism for anyone who didn't get a clear definition of the terms of the contract.
As soon as I start to get these petty legalistic thoughts in my mind I come over all Pratchett-like, and start to imagine how funny it would be if Corporal Nobby Nobbs had been present at any of these exorcisms. Fat chance of the demon embarrassing him by shouting out his most secret sexual perversions. No way that Granny Weatherwax could be driven to despair by the problem of being and non-being.
Okay - so if I stop being silly and take these stories seriously, I find myself deeply troubled by the seemingly small and innocent faults that open these poor people up to demons. One priest subscribes to some bad philosophy about how to reconcile religion and evolution; one boy is confused about his gender; one of these guys gains a familiar just because he's lonely! Can it really be so easy? Flirt with monism and BURN FOR ETERNITY!?
If I was going to give some advice on avoiding possession, based on what I've read here it would be:
1) If you ever feel like any thought or feeling inside you comes from an alien being then tell that being to bugger off!
2) Have some friends. Stay in touch with your family.
3) Don't think too much! Seriously, 4/5 of these possessions involved too much thinking about philosophy, or caring too much about how to categorise yourself and others. Just let it be, eh?
More seriously there's plenty of the sort of co-incidence that only occurs in Victorian novels. What are the odds that the exorcist asked to come and help the poor possessed person would just happen to have a personal weakness that the demon is specialised in exploiting?
Anway, setting aside any niggling doubts on that front - I still find myself hopelessly confused by Christianity. If it is only through Christ that we are saved from evil then why must the victim and the exorcist pay such a terrible price to free themselves? Indeed, if Christ saves then why is the priest necessary at all? Why can't the victim just call on Jesus and be saved on the spot? (I suspect I may be rehashing the Reformation here, but I don't know enough to know!) Martin is firm on this point multiple times: only Christ saves and the priest acts in Christ's name, not in his own. Nevertheless, it's almost impossible not to read these stories as battles between men and monsters - with the priest giving everything in a titanic battle of wills. One gets the very strong impression that Christ probably wouldn't have saved if the priest hadn't personally fought and won.
Another point where my querulous, seculuar mind quibbles: Martin emphasises that possession only occurs when the victim consents - but there is precious little informed consent going on here. None of the victims have a clear idea of just how bad things are going to get. And many of these possessions begin in childhood! Can children give consent? I feel like there should be some spiritual court in which one can obtain an easy and pain-free exorcism for anyone who didn't get a clear definition of the terms of the contract.
As soon as I start to get these petty legalistic thoughts in my mind I come over all Pratchett-like, and start to imagine how funny it would be if Corporal Nobby Nobbs had been present at any of these exorcisms. Fat chance of the demon embarrassing him by shouting out his most secret sexual perversions. No way that Granny Weatherwax could be driven to despair by the problem of being and non-being.
Okay - so if I stop being silly and take these stories seriously, I find myself deeply troubled by the seemingly small and innocent faults that open these poor people up to demons. One priest subscribes to some bad philosophy about how to reconcile religion and evolution; one boy is confused about his gender; one of these guys gains a familiar just because he's lonely! Can it really be so easy? Flirt with monism and BURN FOR ETERNITY!?
If I was going to give some advice on avoiding possession, based on what I've read here it would be:
1) If you ever feel like any thought or feeling inside you comes from an alien being then tell that being to bugger off!
2) Have some friends. Stay in touch with your family.
3) Don't think too much! Seriously, 4/5 of these possessions involved too much thinking about philosophy, or caring too much about how to categorise yourself and others. Just let it be, eh?
May 4, 2023
I suppose this could come under the horror category since possession tropes, like zombie tropes and vampire tropes, never go away. It could also come under the categories of psychological phenomena or religious phenomena or paranormal phenomena, depending on your point of view. But for the free thinkers and open minded it's an important read. It's gripping.
July 1, 2010
This book really surprised me. I grabbed it from my boss's office to have something to read on the train--tales of five "true" American possessions? I was expecting something a lot less interesting than what I got.
I believe the book dates from the 70s. It's interesting to see how the attitudes of that time period clearly inform all the possessions. This being a book about exorcisms the book obviously takes the possession that Christianity is real and everyone really needs to rely on Jesus for to stray from that path puts you in danger. But where as nowadays I think this type of book would be a lot cruder, probably showing simple tales where the devil tempts people into having abortions, being feminist, environmentalist or in any way liberal, the victims in this book go through much more intersting, subtle struggles with earlier ideas. There's the philosophy major seduced by the idea that everything=nothing. The priests seduced by a then popular book about Jesus as the evolutionary pinnacle of nature. The man who appreciates the feminine so much he comes to want to be androgynous (I think a reflection of the whole "men should get in touch with their feminine side" ideas of the time). The college meditation Guru with psychic powers.
This last story is perhaps the most 70s as the book presents the study of parapsychology and psychic powers like telekinesis as totally scientific. While many of Carl's powers are illusions from "Tortoise," others are not.
I don't really consider the book non-fiction, but I did enjoy it.
I believe the book dates from the 70s. It's interesting to see how the attitudes of that time period clearly inform all the possessions. This being a book about exorcisms the book obviously takes the possession that Christianity is real and everyone really needs to rely on Jesus for to stray from that path puts you in danger. But where as nowadays I think this type of book would be a lot cruder, probably showing simple tales where the devil tempts people into having abortions, being feminist, environmentalist or in any way liberal, the victims in this book go through much more intersting, subtle struggles with earlier ideas. There's the philosophy major seduced by the idea that everything=nothing. The priests seduced by a then popular book about Jesus as the evolutionary pinnacle of nature. The man who appreciates the feminine so much he comes to want to be androgynous (I think a reflection of the whole "men should get in touch with their feminine side" ideas of the time). The college meditation Guru with psychic powers.
This last story is perhaps the most 70s as the book presents the study of parapsychology and psychic powers like telekinesis as totally scientific. While many of Carl's powers are illusions from "Tortoise," others are not.
I don't really consider the book non-fiction, but I did enjoy it.
February 17, 2013
Here I was thinking that I was comfortable in my retreat from childhood Catholicism into guilt-free adult agnosticism. Silly me. Then, I read this book and literally scared myself so much I was terrified to be in the house alone. Not that being in the same room as someone helped too much. I'm pretty much uncomfortable and filled with terror all the time now. Thanks Malachi Martin. I appreciate that.
Five accounts of real Catholic exorcisms that occurred in the United States as late as the nineteen sixties - exorcisms not officially sanctioned by the church but exorcisms that were performed in the church's name. In writing this review, I ... can't even force myself to relive these horrifying ordeals. If it matters, I think the first exorcism was the worst in terms of profanity and general terror. Think Linda Blair. Think real life. *shudder*
At times, however, Martin managed to bore the pants off of me while simultaneously scaring the bejesus out of me. He's an authority on the Catholic church, and he lays on the Catholic philosophy and belief system (complete with the ever popular helping of guilt) fairly thick in between the actual accounts of exorcisms. This bore-factor combined with the Catholic guilt combined with the fear of becoming possessed at all times has lead me to give this book a paltry two stars despite some really great moments.
Will I be revisiting this book in the future? Hell no. I cannot wait to get it out of my house and back to the library. Was it terrible? Again, hell no but it managed to inspire a fear that I never knew I harbored. Will I be Googling "real exorcisms" anytime soon or watching any scary movies anytime soon? For the third time, HELL NO. Serious. I'm still scared. I'm not sure if I'll be the same ever again.
February 12, 2014
Never thought I'd ever say I found a book on demons and exorcism boring, but I have. You have to work hard at making stories of supposed real-life possessions and church-sanctioned exorcism mind-numbingly tedious, but Malachi Martin's "Hostage to the Devil" succeeded.
This is allegedly a nonfiction book, so recount the facts and quit the purple prose and repetitive elaboration about things that drag the stories down. I understood what you meant the first time; no need to repeat it ten different ways. Explain your point in several sentences, not ten pages that ramble in indulgent prose and flowery words plucked from a thesaurus.
I want seminal info and case studies that don't read like literary fiction. Gimme the facts! Many people found this book scary, disturbing, and unsettling. I found it frustrating and anything but.
This is allegedly a nonfiction book, so recount the facts and quit the purple prose and repetitive elaboration about things that drag the stories down. I understood what you meant the first time; no need to repeat it ten different ways. Explain your point in several sentences, not ten pages that ramble in indulgent prose and flowery words plucked from a thesaurus.
I want seminal info and case studies that don't read like literary fiction. Gimme the facts! Many people found this book scary, disturbing, and unsettling. I found it frustrating and anything but.
March 18, 2014
Malachi martin, before going into further detail on the cases, gives very useful information that enlightens the reader. The information he gave educated you to understand possession and exorcism. For example, he specifically details the understanding of demonic possession in the beginning of the book in a section called “A Brief Handbook of Exorcism.” He states, “The truth is that all three- the possessed, the possessing spirit, and the exorcist- bear a close relation to the reality of life and to its meaning as all of us experience it each and every day.” With that phrase, he is preparing the reader for the comparison of demonic possession to reality.
I personally do believe in the forces of evil and spirits. Martin was on point describing to us how possession works, and the dangers of it.
The cases were so entertaining to read about. I know that demonic possession is not exactly like what they portray in the movies, nor is it something that should be taken lightly, but reading about it gave me a thrill. One line in the case of “Zio’s Friend and the Smiler” sent shivers down my spine. He described the Presence as “everywhere and nowhere,” and states that “the Presence was all over him, inside him, outside him. A total trap of cloying ropes he couldn’t see. He heard no word, saw no vision, smelled no odor.” His description makes the reader comprehend the realities and dangers of demonic possession.
It was an amazing, dark, and fascinating book. It really depends on the type of literature you enjoy reading, but I do believe this book will enthrall any type of reader. I recommend this to absolutely anyone. Regardless of what religion you are, you should get educated on this matter. Even if you are sketchy on the topic or you completely believe in it, it’s great to get familiar with this information. I believed in these matters prior to me reading this novel, however I learned a lot and if I did not believe in it, Malachi Martin would have influenced my belief in it.
I personally do believe in the forces of evil and spirits. Martin was on point describing to us how possession works, and the dangers of it.
The cases were so entertaining to read about. I know that demonic possession is not exactly like what they portray in the movies, nor is it something that should be taken lightly, but reading about it gave me a thrill. One line in the case of “Zio’s Friend and the Smiler” sent shivers down my spine. He described the Presence as “everywhere and nowhere,” and states that “the Presence was all over him, inside him, outside him. A total trap of cloying ropes he couldn’t see. He heard no word, saw no vision, smelled no odor.” His description makes the reader comprehend the realities and dangers of demonic possession.
It was an amazing, dark, and fascinating book. It really depends on the type of literature you enjoy reading, but I do believe this book will enthrall any type of reader. I recommend this to absolutely anyone. Regardless of what religion you are, you should get educated on this matter. Even if you are sketchy on the topic or you completely believe in it, it’s great to get familiar with this information. I believed in these matters prior to me reading this novel, however I learned a lot and if I did not believe in it, Malachi Martin would have influenced my belief in it.
November 13, 2022
This book pretty much ticked every box I wanted it to, and with flying colours. As a Catholic work, it was heavily imbued with the values, concepts and theology of the faith; as an account of real-life demonic possession, it was utterly scary and unsettling. Yet, on top of those two aspects, perhaps my favourite element was the extremely thoroughgoing way Martin draws out each case with such a high level of intrigue, lucidity and psychological nuance. Undoubtedly, his skill as a fiction novelist elevates the writing of this book, even if it may also cause some to have doubts as to its authenticity.
Each of the five victims' stories take the reader on a disturbing, insightful and thought-provoking journey, and all five are so wholly unique that, despite my initial feeling each time that surely this one won't be quite as good, each leaves an indelible mark upon the reader. That, at least, was my experience.
I absolutely love William Peter Blatty's The Exorcist, and the movie no less than the novel. But I would say that, if this book isn't necessarily better, it does at the very least serve as perfect complimentary reading after that. If you are to believe these stories - being a faithful but still discerning Catholic, I am inclined to do so myself - this book lacks the weaker, more outrageous elements of Blatty's novel. Yet somehow it does still share a similar, eerie atmosphere that is strangely intrinsic to both; something I can only describe as potently 1970s, otherworldly, ethnically foreign, like a mysterious and cloying smell wafting from under the door of an old, non-English-speaking widow's lonesome skyfront apartment. I don't know what I'm trying to say, but I think I failed.
Anyway, this is one of the best books I have read - period. Not the standalone best, but definitely up there, I would think, in my top five. Much, much better than I expected it to be, and yet my expectations were not even low to begin with.
Each of the five victims' stories take the reader on a disturbing, insightful and thought-provoking journey, and all five are so wholly unique that, despite my initial feeling each time that surely this one won't be quite as good, each leaves an indelible mark upon the reader. That, at least, was my experience.
I absolutely love William Peter Blatty's The Exorcist, and the movie no less than the novel. But I would say that, if this book isn't necessarily better, it does at the very least serve as perfect complimentary reading after that. If you are to believe these stories - being a faithful but still discerning Catholic, I am inclined to do so myself - this book lacks the weaker, more outrageous elements of Blatty's novel. Yet somehow it does still share a similar, eerie atmosphere that is strangely intrinsic to both; something I can only describe as potently 1970s, otherworldly, ethnically foreign, like a mysterious and cloying smell wafting from under the door of an old, non-English-speaking widow's lonesome skyfront apartment. I don't know what I'm trying to say, but I think I failed.
Anyway, this is one of the best books I have read - period. Not the standalone best, but definitely up there, I would think, in my top five. Much, much better than I expected it to be, and yet my expectations were not even low to begin with.
July 25, 2010
Malachi Martin was an exceptional writer and a highly gifted and blessed Catholic theologian. His premature death was a great loss to a world desperately set on detroying itself. As a word of caution, this is not the book on which to start reading Martin. It is better to have an understanding of general spiritual warfare which is going on in the world today, perhaps better illustrated by his novels having to do with John Paul II and his efforts as pope.
With that being said, this book is an astounding look into a very dark spiritual world.
One must decide, first, whether one believes such things as Martin writes about are real or fictional. I think that if one did not believe, this book would be a waste of time, but then I may be wrong as there is so much to be gleaned, either in a secular way or in a spiritual way. Certainly anyone who believes that man has a spiritual component should be impressed by this volume. Indeed, these episodes stand on their own merits and ought to speak for themselves. My only word of sincere warning is that these are dark tales indeed.
With that being said, this book is an astounding look into a very dark spiritual world.
One must decide, first, whether one believes such things as Martin writes about are real or fictional. I think that if one did not believe, this book would be a waste of time, but then I may be wrong as there is so much to be gleaned, either in a secular way or in a spiritual way. Certainly anyone who believes that man has a spiritual component should be impressed by this volume. Indeed, these episodes stand on their own merits and ought to speak for themselves. My only word of sincere warning is that these are dark tales indeed.
Read
October 7, 2012Well, the fascination ended. I got stuck around page 250 and found myself picking up other books instead. After months of it sitting on my bedside table, untouched, I think it's time to throw in the towel. It really grabbed me at first, but I just ran out of steam on it. I'm still fascinated by the strong belief people have in demonic possession; if only I didn't have so many other good-looking books on my shelf waiting to be read....
never-finished
June 29, 2020I had high hopes for this, but the writing was drier than a hangover in Hell. I kept going back to it and falling asleep.
January 30, 2024
The words flow eloquently and was pretty much exactly what I expected.
January 2, 2013
You know, had this book been written by anyone but the late Malachi Martin, I would think it just a cheesy look at bizarre belief. But for some reasons, I like Martin and considered him a sincere believer who may have been a good showman but at least backed his show with some actual insider information and genuine belief. He was also a pretty good writer. I am not a believer in demonic possession but Martin was able to write in such a gripping manner that I was able to suspend disbelief and just enjoy the book. Atheists who don't like to wallow in the odd may want to give this a miss but for the rest of us, this book is at the very least a very entertaining read.
October 31, 2011
Not an easy book to get through, but perhaps one of the best reads on demonic possession I have ever experienced. Other books just seem to say the same things, almost like the authors have not done any research. This author was an exorcist and that alone sold me. If you have any interest at all in this subject this is one book you can not afford to miss. Buy it!
Read
November 12, 2013This book is so terrifying I had to buy it twice, throwing it away at first attempt, and picking another up years later. I never did read it all, and have no care to. Take it from one who has had first-hand experience with Evil, this is a true life horror, not to be taken lightly! NOT recommended for mere curiosity sake.
May 8, 2022
Sometimes such things a material world rejects must be considered and pondered.
May 9, 2023
A 21 hour unabridged audiobook.
There's a few different stories in this book. All creepy, but some super creepy. There were long stretches where I was intently listening to every word, but also stretches where I found my mind wandering elsewhere. Hence the 3 star review.
There's a few different stories in this book. All creepy, but some super creepy. There were long stretches where I was intently listening to every word, but also stretches where I found my mind wandering elsewhere. Hence the 3 star review.
November 29, 2023
I wanted to like this but I feel like it was a case of being to wordy in most of the book.
August 22, 2016
Puff! por dónde empiezo? ésta ha sido la lectura más difícil que he tenido. Tuve que tomarme ciertas pausas para poder digerirlo. Me llamó la atención que fuera tan descriptivo y completo. El libro se divide en 4 partes: Introducción breve al tema, casos de exorcismo empezando con una breve biografía de la víctima y del eclesíastico, proceso de posesión y finalmente el exorcismo, conclusiones y comentarios finales y explicación del Manual Romano.
La Posesión es un ataque a la voluntad y el libre albedrío del individuo. En el transcurso del exorcismo no hay ataques a la religión a la fe religiosa o a Jesús por parte del espíritu maligno.
Existen tres etapas de posesión: 1. Preliminar, 2. Parcial y 3. Total o Perfecta. Durante el proceso se seduce a la víctima con lugares,objetos,animalesy recurren a los sentidos e imaginación para
al final crear el consentimiento de posesión.
Muchas veces la víctima de posesión no sabe que está siendo atacada hasta que el individuo siente una presencia externa/interna desconocida.
Los cambios más dramáticos vienen cuando se acepta la invasión o posesión parcial, los cambios afectan los juicios,los principios y la presentación externa del individuo cambia.
La víctima pierde el control de sí mismo y llega al punto de perder conocimiento de las acciones que realiza y es através de los amigos y familiares que se busca ayuda.
El exorcista se presenta como rehén ante el espíritu maligno del poseído.
El poseído debe soportar intensos y agotadores ataques a su cuerpo, mente y emociones para defender lo poco que queda libre de su ser.
Como en el último caso del libro, al llegar al punto final del exorcismo, la víctima quedó catatónica por una larga temporada.
El exorcista sufrirá dolores y penalizaciones, como sucedió en el exorcismo de Richard/Rita, el exorcista dejó de ser representante de Cristo y al sustituirlo fue atacado por el espíritu diabólico, física y mentalmente. Muchas de éstas penalizaciones causan lesiones graves que acortan la vida del
exorcista. Padre Michael Strong, no volvió a ser el mismo después del exorcismo que realizó en NanKing por 1949, * you are never quite at home in this human world ever again after an exorcism*.
El exorcista tiene la percepción de dos planos: el espiritual y el material, tienen una doble visión por así decirlo. Un exorcismo agudiza tu percepción de la realidad.
El espíritu maligno hará lo posible para no abandonar su posesión o su *hogar* humano. La angustia del espíritu maligno representada con alaridos, chillidos, aullidos de animales y voces gritando en ecos deben ser realmente una prueba de la eterna agonía experimentada en el infierno.
De acuerdo con algunos casos, la víctima invita a éste espíritu maligno en su vida o como en el tercer caso de exorcismo, la víctima es elegida antes de que nazca. No se sabe realmente porqué unos son elegidos y otros no.
En el caso del Jamsie, su espíritu malígno *Tío Ponto* le explica que no en todos los hogares es bienvenido, apesar de que los individuos que las habitan tengan adicciones/vicios, cometan asesinatos y otras, él no puede entrar.
No debemos olvidar que el mal existe así como el bien, la mayor victoria del demonio es que la humanidad crea que no existe.
El exorcista es el ejemplo más claro de el amor del hombre por Dios y la humanidad. Cierro mi comentario con las palabras de que Cristo pronunció en referencia a el amor humano:
* Amor más grande del hombre no existe, que el hombre que dá la vida por su amigo *
La Posesión es un ataque a la voluntad y el libre albedrío del individuo. En el transcurso del exorcismo no hay ataques a la religión a la fe religiosa o a Jesús por parte del espíritu maligno.
Existen tres etapas de posesión: 1. Preliminar, 2. Parcial y 3. Total o Perfecta. Durante el proceso se seduce a la víctima con lugares,objetos,animalesy recurren a los sentidos e imaginación para
al final crear el consentimiento de posesión.
Muchas veces la víctima de posesión no sabe que está siendo atacada hasta que el individuo siente una presencia externa/interna desconocida.
Los cambios más dramáticos vienen cuando se acepta la invasión o posesión parcial, los cambios afectan los juicios,los principios y la presentación externa del individuo cambia.
La víctima pierde el control de sí mismo y llega al punto de perder conocimiento de las acciones que realiza y es através de los amigos y familiares que se busca ayuda.
El exorcista se presenta como rehén ante el espíritu maligno del poseído.
El poseído debe soportar intensos y agotadores ataques a su cuerpo, mente y emociones para defender lo poco que queda libre de su ser.
Como en el último caso del libro, al llegar al punto final del exorcismo, la víctima quedó catatónica por una larga temporada.
El exorcista sufrirá dolores y penalizaciones, como sucedió en el exorcismo de Richard/Rita, el exorcista dejó de ser representante de Cristo y al sustituirlo fue atacado por el espíritu diabólico, física y mentalmente. Muchas de éstas penalizaciones causan lesiones graves que acortan la vida del
exorcista. Padre Michael Strong, no volvió a ser el mismo después del exorcismo que realizó en NanKing por 1949, * you are never quite at home in this human world ever again after an exorcism*.
El exorcista tiene la percepción de dos planos: el espiritual y el material, tienen una doble visión por así decirlo. Un exorcismo agudiza tu percepción de la realidad.
El espíritu maligno hará lo posible para no abandonar su posesión o su *hogar* humano. La angustia del espíritu maligno representada con alaridos, chillidos, aullidos de animales y voces gritando en ecos deben ser realmente una prueba de la eterna agonía experimentada en el infierno.
De acuerdo con algunos casos, la víctima invita a éste espíritu maligno en su vida o como en el tercer caso de exorcismo, la víctima es elegida antes de que nazca. No se sabe realmente porqué unos son elegidos y otros no.
En el caso del Jamsie, su espíritu malígno *Tío Ponto* le explica que no en todos los hogares es bienvenido, apesar de que los individuos que las habitan tengan adicciones/vicios, cometan asesinatos y otras, él no puede entrar.
No debemos olvidar que el mal existe así como el bien, la mayor victoria del demonio es que la humanidad crea que no existe.
El exorcista es el ejemplo más claro de el amor del hombre por Dios y la humanidad. Cierro mi comentario con las palabras de que Cristo pronunció en referencia a el amor humano:
* Amor más grande del hombre no existe, que el hombre que dá la vida por su amigo *
February 20, 2018
My first Malachi Martin book/experience ... it' is exactly how I pictured it.
November 5, 2018
This book is basically a treatise on exorcism practiced by the Catholic Church, consisting of five cases of demonic possession in which each case of possession is ordered by the personal history of the possessed and the exorcist, as well as the details of the exorcisms in themselves, allowing the reader to have a good perspective of each case.
Regardless of whether one is a believer or not, it's a book that is well written and the details are well described, to such an extent that it's possible to vividly imagine the facts as they supposedly happened, and above all, I found it entertaining and quite informative.
Regardless of whether one is a believer or not, it's a book that is well written and the details are well described, to such an extent that it's possible to vividly imagine the facts as they supposedly happened, and above all, I found it entertaining and quite informative.
February 22, 2017
Part of me thinks Malachi Martin should have been prosecuted as a fraud for this book. The rest of me thinks it should be called one of the best books in American literature. Much like "Old Scratch" himself, Hostage to the Devil is transfixing, colorful, brilliant, alluring, extraordinarily intelligent.... and ultimately despicable.
Hostage to the Devil is purportedly non-fiction (perhaps in the way that Bruce Chatwin's Songlines and In Patagonia were originally passed off as travel narrative and history, when it fact they were largely cooked up.) Martin, an Irish ex-Jesuit living in New York, claims to have based these narratives off audio recordings of Catholic exorcisms in the '60s and early '70s. Yet because of his own style, and obviously because of the fantastic subject matter involved, it's difficult to believe the narrative isn't either fabricated or at least severely dramatized.
That said, the book is an undeniably gripping read.
Without access to the original tape recordings upon which the book's authenticity is based -- and I don't think this access will ever be forthcoming, even if the exorcisms were genuine -- it's impossible to say how much of the book is true. Exorcisms certainly do occur. Catholic priests are trained to be profoundly skeptical about anyone claiming demonic possession, yet this stuff still occurs in 2017, let alone 1965. The encounters described herein might easily be based on real events. Which, of course, explains nothing to someone who wasn't actually present, because the "possessed" might still have been only in the grip of extreme mental illness and had truly outlandish verbal and physical powers.
And yet... the book is outrageously interesting (as was the figure of Malachi Martin, who has been called both a genius and a charlatan.) As a book, as writing, it's a tour-de-force. The opening chapter about Father Strong, an Irish priest present at the Rape of Nanking in 1937, will super-glue your eyes to the page. The Devil's witty, foul-mouthed sputterings and Martin's scintillating prose would best James Joyce, Martin's countryman.
Yet dig deeper and take a breath, and I think it's still wise to approach Hostage to the Devil with some real caution. Especially since Martin's own character has been challenged before and after he died in 1999. Much of me believes Hostage to the Devil is a cleverly disguised fictional screed against modern psychology and the post-Vatican II Catholic Church.
In any case... seriously, don't read this before bed. You'll be afraid to lift the toilet bowl for your last piss of the evening, for fear the Devil will be floating there, staring you in the face. Happened to me.
Hostage to the Devil is purportedly non-fiction (perhaps in the way that Bruce Chatwin's Songlines and In Patagonia were originally passed off as travel narrative and history, when it fact they were largely cooked up.) Martin, an Irish ex-Jesuit living in New York, claims to have based these narratives off audio recordings of Catholic exorcisms in the '60s and early '70s. Yet because of his own style, and obviously because of the fantastic subject matter involved, it's difficult to believe the narrative isn't either fabricated or at least severely dramatized.
That said, the book is an undeniably gripping read.
Without access to the original tape recordings upon which the book's authenticity is based -- and I don't think this access will ever be forthcoming, even if the exorcisms were genuine -- it's impossible to say how much of the book is true. Exorcisms certainly do occur. Catholic priests are trained to be profoundly skeptical about anyone claiming demonic possession, yet this stuff still occurs in 2017, let alone 1965. The encounters described herein might easily be based on real events. Which, of course, explains nothing to someone who wasn't actually present, because the "possessed" might still have been only in the grip of extreme mental illness and had truly outlandish verbal and physical powers.
And yet... the book is outrageously interesting (as was the figure of Malachi Martin, who has been called both a genius and a charlatan.) As a book, as writing, it's a tour-de-force. The opening chapter about Father Strong, an Irish priest present at the Rape of Nanking in 1937, will super-glue your eyes to the page. The Devil's witty, foul-mouthed sputterings and Martin's scintillating prose would best James Joyce, Martin's countryman.
Yet dig deeper and take a breath, and I think it's still wise to approach Hostage to the Devil with some real caution. Especially since Martin's own character has been challenged before and after he died in 1999. Much of me believes Hostage to the Devil is a cleverly disguised fictional screed against modern psychology and the post-Vatican II Catholic Church.
In any case... seriously, don't read this before bed. You'll be afraid to lift the toilet bowl for your last piss of the evening, for fear the Devil will be floating there, staring you in the face. Happened to me.
October 3, 2014
(** 2.5 stars downgraded to 2 because, well, I can't actually give it a 2.5-star review and I was instructed once to always round down.)
So, here's the deal.
I've two points of critique with this one. The first pertains to the actual writing of the book. Too often, Martin seems overly interested in amping up the drama of what can only be described as an already-dramatic situation [the possessions & exorcisms of the book's five subjects]. He takes three or four paragraphs to describe what he could've in one. He uses excessive, flowery and overly descriptive language to talk about things that are not any clearer to your understanding by the time you've finished reading about them. In short, the book is, at times, an example of one of the worst dualities in literature: it drags & plods along in the midst of discussing some truly fascinating subject matter.
Secondly, the Catholic veneer upon everything seems to raise as many questions as it answers. To be fair, this should be expected. After all, Martin was himself a Jesuit priest. But the religiosity, errant doctrine, and ritual traditions of the Catholic church - which, in the vast majority of cases, have no Scriptural basis whatsoever - have to be taken into account. (Martin is not going to answer the question, for example, of why he and the Catholic church believe graven images of Christ crucified should have any particular effect in direct spiritual warfare when such things are forbidden by commandment of God in the first place.) It leaves one wondering if some of these Catholic exorcists are themselves being played by the adversary they seem convinced they are fighting so hard to defeat.
That all being said, the book does manage to raise some interesting issues for those willing to get through the entire reading. The lessons that pertain to seeing the world for how it really is - far more than material and guided by imperceptible forces - and for understanding that seemingly tiny compromises & insignificant deviations from the directives of God lead to catastrophic results in our lives are indeed powerful and worth rumination. As with so many things, the realities of possession & exorcism serve as living metaphors for the truth laid out for us in Scripture, if only we allow ourselves the eyes to see them as such.
So, here's the deal.
I've two points of critique with this one. The first pertains to the actual writing of the book. Too often, Martin seems overly interested in amping up the drama of what can only be described as an already-dramatic situation [the possessions & exorcisms of the book's five subjects]. He takes three or four paragraphs to describe what he could've in one. He uses excessive, flowery and overly descriptive language to talk about things that are not any clearer to your understanding by the time you've finished reading about them. In short, the book is, at times, an example of one of the worst dualities in literature: it drags & plods along in the midst of discussing some truly fascinating subject matter.
Secondly, the Catholic veneer upon everything seems to raise as many questions as it answers. To be fair, this should be expected. After all, Martin was himself a Jesuit priest. But the religiosity, errant doctrine, and ritual traditions of the Catholic church - which, in the vast majority of cases, have no Scriptural basis whatsoever - have to be taken into account. (Martin is not going to answer the question, for example, of why he and the Catholic church believe graven images of Christ crucified should have any particular effect in direct spiritual warfare when such things are forbidden by commandment of God in the first place.) It leaves one wondering if some of these Catholic exorcists are themselves being played by the adversary they seem convinced they are fighting so hard to defeat.
That all being said, the book does manage to raise some interesting issues for those willing to get through the entire reading. The lessons that pertain to seeing the world for how it really is - far more than material and guided by imperceptible forces - and for understanding that seemingly tiny compromises & insignificant deviations from the directives of God lead to catastrophic results in our lives are indeed powerful and worth rumination. As with so many things, the realities of possession & exorcism serve as living metaphors for the truth laid out for us in Scripture, if only we allow ourselves the eyes to see them as such.
August 31, 2020
More like 2.5 but I'm feeling generous and will round up.
Where do I start with this one? I wouldn't recommend it to an agnostic/atheist person, you probably should approach this with the idea that this stuff could happen.
The first two cases didn't particularly strike me as interesting/scary/convincing. Not saying I don't believe there is any credibility to the stories, just that the way Mr. Martin depicts them leaves room for doubt, like they thought themselves into possession. The narrative at times follows their stream of consciousness and it's just too easy to suppose these individuals are mentally ill.
The last three cases are more believable to me. The most interesting was Uncle P... and the Mushroom Souper (the names for the cases are all pretty stupid). The scariest part of the book was the new preface written in 1992 (so if you're reading an earlier version, don't).
Malachi Martin was a sketchy character; some people say he was a charlatan, others a saint. I find him no less sketchy after reading this. One thing I find odd is he depicts the possessions as being a relatively brief process (less than 48 hours) but all the other exorcists say it's a gradual thing that occurs in multiple sessions over a period of months and years. Also, he's been criticized by Adam Blai (a famous demonologist) for not focusing on how good triumphs evil, but suggesting the helplessness of humanity in the face of the encompassing darkness of the demonic (alright, atheist Goodreads friends, I see your eyes rolling). I tend to agree with this opinion. There doesn't seem to be a lot of hope in this book, even though everyone was rescued.
Martin is also very repetitive, which others have noted. Overall, I can't say I recommend this book and I would never want to reread it.
Where do I start with this one? I wouldn't recommend it to an agnostic/atheist person, you probably should approach this with the idea that this stuff could happen.
The first two cases didn't particularly strike me as interesting/scary/convincing. Not saying I don't believe there is any credibility to the stories, just that the way Mr. Martin depicts them leaves room for doubt, like they thought themselves into possession. The narrative at times follows their stream of consciousness and it's just too easy to suppose these individuals are mentally ill.
The last three cases are more believable to me. The most interesting was Uncle P... and the Mushroom Souper (the names for the cases are all pretty stupid). The scariest part of the book was the new preface written in 1992 (so if you're reading an earlier version, don't).
Malachi Martin was a sketchy character; some people say he was a charlatan, others a saint. I find him no less sketchy after reading this. One thing I find odd is he depicts the possessions as being a relatively brief process (less than 48 hours) but all the other exorcists say it's a gradual thing that occurs in multiple sessions over a period of months and years. Also, he's been criticized by Adam Blai (a famous demonologist) for not focusing on how good triumphs evil, but suggesting the helplessness of humanity in the face of the encompassing darkness of the demonic (alright, atheist Goodreads friends, I see your eyes rolling). I tend to agree with this opinion. There doesn't seem to be a lot of hope in this book, even though everyone was rescued.
Martin is also very repetitive, which others have noted. Overall, I can't say I recommend this book and I would never want to reread it.
August 8, 2012
This observation refers to the original purchased and read in 1976. I obtained this book after having read
William Peter Blatty
I believe I remember seeing Malichi Martin on the tonight show where he was discussing the release of his book. It's been awhile ago but I believe he brought a audio tape of an actual exorcism as well. And that was definitely enough to raise the hackles on the back of my neck.
It was enough to bring the possibility of EVIL existing as a separate entity into my thoughts . . . and that an individual could invite that entity into their space, soul, mind . . . sometimes actively encouraging it or unconsciously providing a conduit for it's expression.
That being said . . . if one is a believer in a higher power - what is the purpose of EVIL in the world?? And if you believe that GOD created all that we are . . . didn't IT also create EVIL as well??
Anyway . . . at the time (the 1970's) this was an excellent book from many angles. A thriller or a horror story that provided or provoked more questions than it answered. I would recommend it if you are interested in seeing EVIL in action in the world.
William Peter BlattyI believe I remember seeing Malichi Martin on the tonight show where he was discussing the release of his book. It's been awhile ago but I believe he brought a audio tape of an actual exorcism as well. And that was definitely enough to raise the hackles on the back of my neck.
It was enough to bring the possibility of EVIL existing as a separate entity into my thoughts . . . and that an individual could invite that entity into their space, soul, mind . . . sometimes actively encouraging it or unconsciously providing a conduit for it's expression.
That being said . . . if one is a believer in a higher power - what is the purpose of EVIL in the world?? And if you believe that GOD created all that we are . . . didn't IT also create EVIL as well??
Anyway . . . at the time (the 1970's) this was an excellent book from many angles. A thriller or a horror story that provided or provoked more questions than it answered. I would recommend it if you are interested in seeing EVIL in action in the world.
August 10, 2013
Like many of my reviews, this one is of course biased by my personal experiences and the meaningfulness of the book to me on a personal level. My read was from an earlier edition, FYI.
Author-wise, I've enjoyed Martin's other books and writings...but HTTD stands above them. Regardless of a person's motives or level of interest, this is the book I always initially recommend for persons seeking information on demonology, exorcism, etc. This is especially true with the glut of possession films in recent years.
HTTD has a message of course, but Martin does not beat one about the head with his religion or cosmology the way that many religious authors do. Many a valuable book on the subject has it's information and message obscured by dogma and personal motive.
The very best part of the book is the account of Martin's mentor/predecessor, and the relief he feels at the time of his death. It is one of the most powerful modern religious/supernatural accounts I've read.
The case studies are evenly done, although I'm certain each reader will latch onto their 'favorites'. Many of the issues presented will be noticed as common to some other Catholic exorcism accounts, but I encourage folks to re-read the book, out of sequence, one case at a time, simply to disassociate the processes and persons involved.
Highly recommended.
Author-wise, I've enjoyed Martin's other books and writings...but HTTD stands above them. Regardless of a person's motives or level of interest, this is the book I always initially recommend for persons seeking information on demonology, exorcism, etc. This is especially true with the glut of possession films in recent years.
HTTD has a message of course, but Martin does not beat one about the head with his religion or cosmology the way that many religious authors do. Many a valuable book on the subject has it's information and message obscured by dogma and personal motive.
The very best part of the book is the account of Martin's mentor/predecessor, and the relief he feels at the time of his death. It is one of the most powerful modern religious/supernatural accounts I've read.
The case studies are evenly done, although I'm certain each reader will latch onto their 'favorites'. Many of the issues presented will be noticed as common to some other Catholic exorcism accounts, but I encourage folks to re-read the book, out of sequence, one case at a time, simply to disassociate the processes and persons involved.
Highly recommended.
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