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Possessed
"The Exorcist", a 1973 movie about a twelve-year-old girl possessed by the Devil, frightened people more than any horror film ever did. Many moviegoers sought therapy to rid themselves of fears they could not explain. Psychiatrists coined the term "cinematic neurosis" for patients who left the movie feeling a terrifying presence of demons. At the Washington premiere, a young woman stood outside the theater, trembling. "I come out here in the sunlight," she said, "and I see people's eyes, and they frighten me."Among the few moviegoers unmoved by the horror were two priests, Father William S. Bowdern and Father Walter Halloran, members of the Jesuit community at St. Louis University. "Billy came out shaking his head about the little girl bouncing on the bed and urinating on the crucifix," Halloran remembers. "He was kind of angry. 'There is a good message that can be given by this thing,' he said. The message was the fact that evil spirits operate in our world."Bowdern and Halloran knew that the movie was fictional veneer masking a terrible reality. Night after night in March and April 1949, Bowdern had been an exorcist, with Halloran assisting. Bowdern fervently believed that he had driven a demon from a tormented soul. The victim had been a thirteen-year-old boy strangely lured to St. Louis from a Maryland suburb of Washington. Bowdern's exorcism had been the inspiration for the movie.The true story of this possession, told in Possessed, is based on a diary kept by a Jesuit priest assisting Father Bowdern. The diary, the most complete account of an exorcism since the Middle Ages, is published for the first time in this revised edition of Possessed.
332 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1993
79 people are currently reading
1918 people want to read
About the author
Thomas B. Allen
68 books25 followersThomas B. Allen's writings range from articles for National Geographic Magazine to books on espionage and military history.
He is the father of Roger MacBride Allen.
He is the father of Roger MacBride Allen.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
March 10, 2013
This was fascinating, as I've lived two blocks from the house for 25 years where this incident first took place. I did a lot of research into the incident because I love local history. I also knew about Father Hughes, who attempted the first (life-threatening) exorcism at Georgetown University Hospital. My first boyfriend (and both of his brothers) was baptized by him. He married the guys' parents. Their relatives lived a few houses up from the original house, which was burned down by the fire department, at the request of the homeowners. I have pictures of the house that was burned in the 60's. It wasn't as dramatic and freaky as the movie, "The Exorcist", but it was still pretty weird. William Peter Blatty took a lot of poetic license when he wrote his book. It was good to read the facts. If you want the real story, you should read this book.
Read
October 4, 2009OK, I'm not reading any more. After 40 pages I couldn't get to sleep last night. The kid plays with a ouija board and the next thing you know the family's hearing scratching sounds in the walls and bloody claw marks are spelling words on the kid. Forget it!
May 25, 2014
I often find it difficult to "rate" "nonfiction" books. This is one of those. How do you "rate" a book of this type? Is it based on "accuracy"? Maybe it should, as in my reviews of most fiction books be based on the "enjoyment" factor? Possibly I could just base it on the writing and readability? I'm sort of going with a mixture of these and what I suppose might be called "overall impression".
The book is or purports to be an account of the "actual events" that were the basis for William Peter Blatty's novel, The Exorcist and (of course) the movie based on said novel. The book is of necessity largely an anecdotal account, or set of anecdotal accounts from those who were involved at the time. I suppose this is a subject that "snags" the interest simply by being what it is...after all look at the sales of horror books and income of horror movies. There's a sort of irony in all this of course as according to this book an early interest in "Spiritualism" or "Spiritism" is what led "Robbie" into his plight. Led there by a favorite aunt who was a spiritualist and introduced him to the "game" of using a Ouija Board was said to be the beginning of his trouble. Aunt Harriet died and Robbie apparently spent more and more time trying to contact her...only a part of the story of course.
This is not (at least it wasn't for me) an easy book to read in some places due to the struggle and suffering that this young man and those around him went through, still getting passed that you'll find a fairly cogent (seeming) account of the the events that are reported here.
Of course it must be said that these are reported events and while the people who relate them are (or were) seemingly quite sure and completely convinced of their accounts you will have to decide for yourself what to accept. A lot of this will or may depend on beliefs and attitudes you already hold. I am a Christian (non-Roman Catholic) and was greeted with an inaccurate statement about non-Catholic or "Protestant" Christians right off the bat. This concerned me in that it occurred to me that this might indicate something about other statements made in the book. Still, he seems to have based what he states on the Lutheran pastor involved early on here and thought "all" Protestants were somewhat monolithic on this subject. Poor scholarship leading to an incorrect assumption (and statement). Still, take it as you will.
Side notes: There a few "odd" things in this book that made me wonder about the accounts given and people who "participated in them. A single example and (to me) one of the oddest takes place relatively early on. The major symptoms had started to manifest in the young man "Robbie" and the family had already tried getting help. Things had not gone well with early religious help and the family decides to "change houses". They moved in with another family and even with all that had started to happen the family allowed their son (Marty) to sleep with Robbie. Who are/were these people? This situation was allowed to go on until the bed started jumping around again and noises were going on around the room...then it finally seems to have dawned on these people that "they may have been endangering their own child". I don't know how this episode will strike you but I was somewhat astounded. I might have tried to help and let them stay with me....but I wouldn't have left my child alone in the room. Possibly just me.... :o
Another account that reveals something about humans, I suppose most are aware that Sir Richard Burton's wife burned many valuable manuscripts and translations among his papers to "protect" his name after he died. Losing posterity many possibly valuable sources of history and information. During this case Karl W. Bubb, a relatively well know scientist and mathematician who worked on the Manhattan Project, chairman of applied mathematics at Washington University was invited in. He had an interest in "parapsychology" and there are a few comments he made recorded. BUT, upon his death (apparently to protect his scientific reputation) his papers on parapsychology were destroyed. I wonder how many other people's notes and writings have been destroyed or burned to "save their reputation"?
Overall, an interesting book on an interesting subject. In the end there is an abbreviated discussion on the possible psychological and medical causes of this case and statements from some who think they may have an idea of what "other than possession" might have caused this. I can't say I "liked" the book or "enjoyed" the book, but I did fined it (as stated above) "interesting".
The book is or purports to be an account of the "actual events" that were the basis for William Peter Blatty's novel, The Exorcist and (of course) the movie based on said novel. The book is of necessity largely an anecdotal account, or set of anecdotal accounts from those who were involved at the time. I suppose this is a subject that "snags" the interest simply by being what it is...after all look at the sales of horror books and income of horror movies. There's a sort of irony in all this of course as according to this book an early interest in "Spiritualism" or "Spiritism" is what led "Robbie" into his plight. Led there by a favorite aunt who was a spiritualist and introduced him to the "game" of using a Ouija Board was said to be the beginning of his trouble. Aunt Harriet died and Robbie apparently spent more and more time trying to contact her...only a part of the story of course.
This is not (at least it wasn't for me) an easy book to read in some places due to the struggle and suffering that this young man and those around him went through, still getting passed that you'll find a fairly cogent (seeming) account of the the events that are reported here.
Of course it must be said that these are reported events and while the people who relate them are (or were) seemingly quite sure and completely convinced of their accounts you will have to decide for yourself what to accept. A lot of this will or may depend on beliefs and attitudes you already hold. I am a Christian (non-Roman Catholic) and was greeted with an inaccurate statement about non-Catholic or "Protestant" Christians right off the bat. This concerned me in that it occurred to me that this might indicate something about other statements made in the book. Still, he seems to have based what he states on the Lutheran pastor involved early on here and thought "all" Protestants were somewhat monolithic on this subject. Poor scholarship leading to an incorrect assumption (and statement). Still, take it as you will.
Side notes: There a few "odd" things in this book that made me wonder about the accounts given and people who "participated in them. A single example and (to me) one of the oddest takes place relatively early on. The major symptoms had started to manifest in the young man "Robbie" and the family had already tried getting help. Things had not gone well with early religious help and the family decides to "change houses". They moved in with another family and even with all that had started to happen the family allowed their son (Marty) to sleep with Robbie. Who are/were these people? This situation was allowed to go on until the bed started jumping around again and noises were going on around the room...then it finally seems to have dawned on these people that "they may have been endangering their own child". I don't know how this episode will strike you but I was somewhat astounded. I might have tried to help and let them stay with me....but I wouldn't have left my child alone in the room. Possibly just me.... :o
Another account that reveals something about humans, I suppose most are aware that Sir Richard Burton's wife burned many valuable manuscripts and translations among his papers to "protect" his name after he died. Losing posterity many possibly valuable sources of history and information. During this case Karl W. Bubb, a relatively well know scientist and mathematician who worked on the Manhattan Project, chairman of applied mathematics at Washington University was invited in. He had an interest in "parapsychology" and there are a few comments he made recorded. BUT, upon his death (apparently to protect his scientific reputation) his papers on parapsychology were destroyed. I wonder how many other people's notes and writings have been destroyed or burned to "save their reputation"?
Overall, an interesting book on an interesting subject. In the end there is an abbreviated discussion on the possible psychological and medical causes of this case and statements from some who think they may have an idea of what "other than possession" might have caused this. I can't say I "liked" the book or "enjoyed" the book, but I did fined it (as stated above) "interesting".
November 1, 2018
Frightening true account of an adolescent boy's possession as it was handled by St. Louis University priests over 65 years ago. Be prepared to keep your lights on when you go to bed after reading this disturbing story.
February 1, 2022
Possessed is the account of the alleged demonic possession of a young boy in Maryland during the late 1940s, based on the diary of Father Walter Halloran, a Jesuit priest who participated in the events. There isn't a great deal of substance to the account and, as such, the book is more known for inspiring the vastly superior William Peter Blatty novel
The Exorcist
, which in turn was adapted into one of the greatest horror movies of all-time by William Friedkin. So the greatest achievement of Thomas Allen's book is in the work it inspired. Possessed itself lacks the depth and objectivity required of a book investigating such far-fetched (and potentially abusive) events, although it has its own novel charm.
February 19, 2019
Benieuwd naar de film!
August 30, 2017
Having just read The Exorcist it seemed like a good idea to start Possessed while the story was fresh in my mind. The real draw for me with this book was comparing the real story and the infamous fictional version. I learned that they are pretty dramatically different. The Exorcist seems to be a much more violent, loud, in your face exorcism story, but that doesn't mean what happened to Robbie was any less shocking. Though the stories were pretty different, I saw that as a positive because this isn't just a rehash of a story most people already know.
In my mind this should have been even scarier then The Exorcist, maybe even the scariest book on the supernatural I have ever read. Unfortunately, my high expectations were not met. The beginning is exciting because of what's to come and the ending is interesting in that the author reveals how the film and novel came about in relation to when the real exorcism happened. But as for the actual meat of the story? I was left pretty darn bored. I would say a good hundred pages felt like it was just paragraphs of prayer. While I like a dash of prayer every now and then to get a sense of what the exorcist is saying to fight off the demonic, this was too much detail and a bit repetitive. Likewise, the descriptions of Robbie's behavior while possessed felt monotonous. He was either on a shaking bed or spitting. That was about the extent of it or at least what he consistently exhibits as a possessed human.
Compared to other stories of possession, whether fact or fiction, those stories felt much more shocking and creepy then what is detailed in this book. There are better books on the supernatural and if you want a scare I suggest just sticking to The Exorcist instead of the story it's based on. Between the two, this is definitely the more forgettable version of such a famous story.
In my mind this should have been even scarier then The Exorcist, maybe even the scariest book on the supernatural I have ever read. Unfortunately, my high expectations were not met. The beginning is exciting because of what's to come and the ending is interesting in that the author reveals how the film and novel came about in relation to when the real exorcism happened. But as for the actual meat of the story? I was left pretty darn bored. I would say a good hundred pages felt like it was just paragraphs of prayer. While I like a dash of prayer every now and then to get a sense of what the exorcist is saying to fight off the demonic, this was too much detail and a bit repetitive. Likewise, the descriptions of Robbie's behavior while possessed felt monotonous. He was either on a shaking bed or spitting. That was about the extent of it or at least what he consistently exhibits as a possessed human.
Compared to other stories of possession, whether fact or fiction, those stories felt much more shocking and creepy then what is detailed in this book. There are better books on the supernatural and if you want a scare I suggest just sticking to The Exorcist instead of the story it's based on. Between the two, this is definitely the more forgettable version of such a famous story.
June 16, 2016
Incrível pela oportunidade de ver um caso sobrenatural sob uma abordagem jornalística, baseada no diário de um dos padres que participou do exorcismo. Como eu esperava, as descrições do caso não são exatamente gráficas, já que supostamente não foram feitas pra impressionar, e sim pra registrar todo o processo de exorcismo para estudo posterior, o que pode quebrar as expectativas de quem procura o livro pensando que vai encontrar algo similar ao livro e ao filme que romancearam o caso depois. Mas essa descrição "desapaixonada" de coisas horríveis estimula mais ainda a imaginação, o que perturbou um pouco o meu sono hehe... Naturalmente o livro assume a posição de que o que houve com Robbie foi, de fato, uma possessão demoníaca, mas flerta com a possibilidade de doença mental e, ainda, de paranormalidade (mais especificamente, telecinesia). Vale muito a leitura, fora que a edição da DarkSide é maravilhosa.
June 26, 2020
For Crying Out Loud !
When I watched the Exorcist many,many years ago, for a couple of weeks or so, I slept with my nightstand lamp on. Now when reading this book, I couldn't help it but think we should stick to the movie. It has its moments but otherwise is tamed all throughout in my opinion. Although, one night while reading, somebody decided to text me and my phone scared the crap out of me.
When I watched the Exorcist many,many years ago, for a couple of weeks or so, I slept with my nightstand lamp on. Now when reading this book, I couldn't help it but think we should stick to the movie. It has its moments but otherwise is tamed all throughout in my opinion. Although, one night while reading, somebody decided to text me and my phone scared the crap out of me.
January 24, 2018
O livro nos apresenta a história de Robert Mannhein, nome fictício dado para um garoto que vivia com os pais no subúrbio de Maryland.
Robbie era um garoto franzino, pesando por volta de 43 quilos, sem nenhum problema mental ou físico. Não era muito chegado a esportes, preferindo jogar jogos de tabuleiro na mesa da cozinha.
Sendo a única criança e cercado de adultos, ele dependia justamente deles para brincar. Um desses adultos, era a sua tia Harriet, irmã do seu pai, que mora em Saint Louis e que frequentemente visita-os.
Sabendo do interesse de Robbie, por jogos de tabuleiro, Harriet, o apresenta ao tabuleiro de Ouija, e por ser espiritualista, ela via o tabuleiro como uma maneira de conectar esse mundo com o além.
"A planchette, ela explicou a Robbie, às vezes se movia graças às respostas dadas pelos espíritos dos mortos. Eles se comunicavam ao entrar na consciência das pessoas ao redor do tabuleiro. Os espíritos, dizia tia Harriet, geravam impulsos que viajavam do médium até a planchette, que se movia obedientemente para soletrar as respostas ou apontar sim ou não"
A partir de então, Robbie passou a apresentar comportamento estranho e uma série de acontecimentos bizarros passaram a perturbar a família.
Marcas estranhas pelo corpo de Robbie, barulhos que persistiam, quadros chacoalhando, eram apenas umas das coisas que aconteciam.
A família então busca ajuda médica para entender o que acontece com o menino, mas não obtendo sucesso, procuram um padre luterano (religião que a família seguia) para obter respostas, e mesmo presenciando os eventos, conversando com a família e com Robbie, não conseguiram chegar a nenhuma conclusão também.
A respeito da possessão demoníaca, de fato, um pastor luterano não seria capaz de ajudar Robbie e sua família, visto que luteranos e católicos possuem visões diferentes sobre o fenômeno.
Luteranos enxergam a possessão como apenas, uma exibição do diabo, para os católicos, o exorcismo dura vários dias, é um trabalho exaustivo, e tem como finalidade comprovar se naquela pessoa existe realmente uma ação diabólica, e que o Exorcismo pode também ser usado como diagnostico em alguns casos na qual há suspeita e fortes indícios da ação direta do Demônio.
Thomas, diferente de outros autores, investigou um caso real e transformou-o em livro, além de nos contar toda a história por trás do exorcismo. Ele entrevistou diversas pessoas, entre elas o Padre Halloran, o qual entregou uma cópia do diário escrito pelo Padre Raymon J. Bishop, que foi um dos membros que acompanhou todo o processo de Robbie.
Baseado em relatos e no que encontrou no diário, o autor descreve desde os primeiros momentos em que Robbie e sua tia tem contato com o tabuleiro Ouija até as crises e rituais de exorcismo, praticado na tentativa de salvar a vida do garoto.
Além do caso de Robbie, temos uma mistura de casos em um só.
Não espere encontrar semelhanças entre o filme O exorcista e o livro. Segundo o próprio autor, um dos padres que participou do exorcismo de Robbie, estava na estreia do filme e saiu do cinema horrorizado, por achar que a ficção em nada se parecia com a realidade.
Exorcismo é um livro tenso, com muitas informações e que posso afirmar, é necessário reservar um tempo para ler com toda atenção para se assimilar tudo que está ali descrito. Confesso que a leitura depende de como você encara o tema. Ela pode ser uma leitura tranquila, ou uma leitura que te deixa bastante impressionado, assim como aconteceu comigo.
O autor fez um trabalho tão sensacional que diversas vezes fiquei com um tanto aflita e posso até dizer, amedrontada. Mas, quero salientar, mais uma vez que é preciso ter paciência para ler esse livro, pois são muitas informações, muitas vezes até repetidas, o processo do exorcismo é cansativo, mas no fim, ao finalizar a leitura, você vai ter certeza que vai ter valido a pena.
Como já era de se esperar, a editora Darkside, fez um excelente trabalho no livro, dentro, encontramos um tabuleiro real de Ouija, incluindo a palheta para se jogar (se você tiver coragem, rs.), nas páginas finais temos o diário do exorcista, o mesmo que serviu de base para Thomas escrever o livro, a clássica capa dura que tem tudo a ver com a história, não encontrei erros ortográficos, diagramação muito bem feita, apesar de ter achado as letras um pouco pequenas, não foi nada que atrapalhasse a leitura.
Para finalizar, digo, se você acredita ou se você não acredita em demônios e possessões demoníacas, este livro irá testar sua crença e deixa-lo no mínimo reflexivo sobre o tema.
https://goo.gl/93EfqC
Robbie era um garoto franzino, pesando por volta de 43 quilos, sem nenhum problema mental ou físico. Não era muito chegado a esportes, preferindo jogar jogos de tabuleiro na mesa da cozinha.
Sendo a única criança e cercado de adultos, ele dependia justamente deles para brincar. Um desses adultos, era a sua tia Harriet, irmã do seu pai, que mora em Saint Louis e que frequentemente visita-os.
Sabendo do interesse de Robbie, por jogos de tabuleiro, Harriet, o apresenta ao tabuleiro de Ouija, e por ser espiritualista, ela via o tabuleiro como uma maneira de conectar esse mundo com o além.
"A planchette, ela explicou a Robbie, às vezes se movia graças às respostas dadas pelos espíritos dos mortos. Eles se comunicavam ao entrar na consciência das pessoas ao redor do tabuleiro. Os espíritos, dizia tia Harriet, geravam impulsos que viajavam do médium até a planchette, que se movia obedientemente para soletrar as respostas ou apontar sim ou não"
A partir de então, Robbie passou a apresentar comportamento estranho e uma série de acontecimentos bizarros passaram a perturbar a família.
Marcas estranhas pelo corpo de Robbie, barulhos que persistiam, quadros chacoalhando, eram apenas umas das coisas que aconteciam.
A família então busca ajuda médica para entender o que acontece com o menino, mas não obtendo sucesso, procuram um padre luterano (religião que a família seguia) para obter respostas, e mesmo presenciando os eventos, conversando com a família e com Robbie, não conseguiram chegar a nenhuma conclusão também.
A respeito da possessão demoníaca, de fato, um pastor luterano não seria capaz de ajudar Robbie e sua família, visto que luteranos e católicos possuem visões diferentes sobre o fenômeno.
Luteranos enxergam a possessão como apenas, uma exibição do diabo, para os católicos, o exorcismo dura vários dias, é um trabalho exaustivo, e tem como finalidade comprovar se naquela pessoa existe realmente uma ação diabólica, e que o Exorcismo pode também ser usado como diagnostico em alguns casos na qual há suspeita e fortes indícios da ação direta do Demônio.
Thomas, diferente de outros autores, investigou um caso real e transformou-o em livro, além de nos contar toda a história por trás do exorcismo. Ele entrevistou diversas pessoas, entre elas o Padre Halloran, o qual entregou uma cópia do diário escrito pelo Padre Raymon J. Bishop, que foi um dos membros que acompanhou todo o processo de Robbie.
Baseado em relatos e no que encontrou no diário, o autor descreve desde os primeiros momentos em que Robbie e sua tia tem contato com o tabuleiro Ouija até as crises e rituais de exorcismo, praticado na tentativa de salvar a vida do garoto.
Além do caso de Robbie, temos uma mistura de casos em um só.
Não espere encontrar semelhanças entre o filme O exorcista e o livro. Segundo o próprio autor, um dos padres que participou do exorcismo de Robbie, estava na estreia do filme e saiu do cinema horrorizado, por achar que a ficção em nada se parecia com a realidade.
Exorcismo é um livro tenso, com muitas informações e que posso afirmar, é necessário reservar um tempo para ler com toda atenção para se assimilar tudo que está ali descrito. Confesso que a leitura depende de como você encara o tema. Ela pode ser uma leitura tranquila, ou uma leitura que te deixa bastante impressionado, assim como aconteceu comigo.
O autor fez um trabalho tão sensacional que diversas vezes fiquei com um tanto aflita e posso até dizer, amedrontada. Mas, quero salientar, mais uma vez que é preciso ter paciência para ler esse livro, pois são muitas informações, muitas vezes até repetidas, o processo do exorcismo é cansativo, mas no fim, ao finalizar a leitura, você vai ter certeza que vai ter valido a pena.
Como já era de se esperar, a editora Darkside, fez um excelente trabalho no livro, dentro, encontramos um tabuleiro real de Ouija, incluindo a palheta para se jogar (se você tiver coragem, rs.), nas páginas finais temos o diário do exorcista, o mesmo que serviu de base para Thomas escrever o livro, a clássica capa dura que tem tudo a ver com a história, não encontrei erros ortográficos, diagramação muito bem feita, apesar de ter achado as letras um pouco pequenas, não foi nada que atrapalhasse a leitura.
Para finalizar, digo, se você acredita ou se você não acredita em demônios e possessões demoníacas, este livro irá testar sua crença e deixa-lo no mínimo reflexivo sobre o tema.
https://goo.gl/93EfqC
December 6, 2020
A book about the most famous exorcism in the United States...and I'm bored as heck. Didn't figure that would happen, but here we are.
It seems like the author brushes off everything that isn't Perfect Jesuit Exorcism as just nonsense. This includes doctors. (To be fair, 1940s psychiatry is the stuff of nightmares.) Very frustrating.
My advice: Read the very beginning where he tells how he got his hands on the diary, then skip to the end and read the diary.
It seems like the author brushes off everything that isn't Perfect Jesuit Exorcism as just nonsense. This includes doctors. (To be fair, 1940s psychiatry is the stuff of nightmares.) Very frustrating.
My advice: Read the very beginning where he tells how he got his hands on the diary, then skip to the end and read the diary.
October 24, 2009
This book was about the real exorcism that the popular horror movie The Exorcist was loosely based on. Thomas had the diary of the Bishop that helped in the excorcism and used that in writing this boook.
I must say that while the writing didn't scare me the subject matter had me terrified. I'm not sure how often I will read about demonic possesion because it really does scare me!
I must say that while the writing didn't scare me the subject matter had me terrified. I'm not sure how often I will read about demonic possesion because it really does scare me!
September 11, 2013
Wow for the first time in
ages a book I could not put down. written in journalistic style with much attention to detail. Interesting information also on the Jesuits. creepy and scary stuff.
ages a book I could not put down. written in journalistic style with much attention to detail. Interesting information also on the Jesuits. creepy and scary stuff.
February 28, 2018
At first, it was disturbing. Then it went on and on Catholic-politics and I lost interest.
February 18, 2020
When I was a little boy, there was one film that I was never allowed to watch on television (even though it was edited). That film was The Exorcist. When I finally did see the fully unedited version I could not make head or tail of it. As a non-practicing Lutheran (now a practicing Catholic), the idea of demon spirits was thoroughly outside-the-box of my reality and thinking. I just believed in God and that was it. No more no less. Having befriended some Catholic priests over the years, I am certainly a lot more open minded, for if God exists, it is only logical that the exact opposite of God must somehow exist, too. But I can’t quite wrap my head around a demon with a pitchfork and horns. I think of evil as being more subtle (not always, however) and snaking into the vulnerability of an individual’s heart, mind and soul. And I believe Thomas Allen’s book personifies that truth clearly. However, in this particular case, subtle paranormal activity evolved into downright supernatural terror.
Using a chronological timeline from the actual diary started by one of the Jesuit priests, Allen reconstructs the possession story of Robbie Mannheim (a pseudonym) by first exploring his background, his school and family life as well as his overall environment; all the mundane facets that comprise an ordinary life are looked at. And by all accounts, it was a very typical existence. Nothing screamed, “Aha!” One of the three theories offered in this case is that of a poltergeist or noisy ghost by which an individual is experiencing psychokinesis, the ability to move objects by the mind. But the underlying stressor causing that ability to manifest has to be something remarkably intense in which the individual is not coping with in a healthy manner; there is no outlet in which to release that stress. They are keeping whatever it is that is affecting them “bottled in” and like a pressure cooker that does not have a valve to release its steam, it explodes or rather, the mental energy does. A lot of these things can apparently manifest around a prepubescent age. And “Robbie Mannheim” fit the age bracket for such an experience perfectly. Before the “Mannheim” Family ever consulted a Catholic priest, they turned to their pastor, Reverend Luther Miles Schulze of St.Stephen’s Evangelical Lutheran Church. And this was a theory that he very strongly seemed to believe in. The family consulted doctors and psychiatrists, per his recommendation, but they deemed him healthy and normal albeit high string. But a hospital setting, especially when you’re the patient, can make any one high strung.
The second theory that is often bandied about is that the child was dealing with the psychological trauma of sexual abuse. Often kept as a guarded secret by the vicim and often underreported, this could definitely be a major stressor that could be a trigger for any kind of psychokinetic abilities, a perfect storm, if you will. If you are raging in you mind and are unable cope with the plethora of rage and unexplained feelings stemming from sexual abuse, this could be a way to let loose, even if the person is unaware that he or she is psycho-kinetically doing anything. But if that was the the case, why could it not be assessed by the psychiatrists and medical staff? People can be very good at keeping secrets, but secrets do eventually come out, especially in a safe environment like a hospital where one can communicate freely without repercussions. And the shadow of abuse is always ever present throughout one’s life, more-often-than-not leading to drug and alcohol abuse and a future life that is often filled more with thorns than roses. The boy in this case ultimately went on to a successful career in NASA. So sexual abuse does not really sound like the most probable cause.
The third theory is the most disturbing one, that being the infestation of a demonic force trying to overtake the child and ultimately possess him. Having dabbled around with a Ouija Board that his aunt-an apparent spiritualist-used and introduced to him, he went back to it upon her death. And it was soon thereafter that unexplainable phenomena started to happen. While I do not think Ouija Boards are bad in and of themselves, I do believe more that it is the person’s intent above everything else that can cause the problem. However, the board can act as a conduit by which things can pass through and go wrong. Ouija translates into the word “Yes” from two different languages, the first being “Oui” in French and “Ja” in German. It translates into: “Yes Yes”. With that kind of eager spiritual anything-goes openness to the supernatural, it is the exact opposite of the Rosary prayer; it is kind of negative prayer or asking under the guise of frameless and harmless goodness, because you’re not asking God for what is deeply in your heart and mind, you’re asking whatever force-diabolical or otherwise-for a fulfilment to be met. And evil does rejoice in deception and despair. The latter theory seems to be the most logical, because the assessment was able to connect everything very clearly. The boy had all the earmarks of diabolical possession: an aversion to religious items, hidden knowledge ,a radical personality change, physical attacks, abnormal strength, etc. And yet, he could flip on a dime and function like his old self. It was a duality of extremes. And the priest/exorcist had to maintain a rigid focus on what he was dealing with, not deviate under any circumstances.
This was a real interesting read, one that kept me thoroughly engrossed and jumping between belief and disbelief. I think what gave this story more credibility was the fact that the actual recorded diary of the events was included in the work. I was able to go from the diary to some pages within the narrative and see for myself how Allen took a nugget of some of the events and was able to flesh it out into a full-bodied narrative. The diary was straightforward and certainly not florid in language. It was packed with detail of “Robbie’s” suffering and the family’s reaction to it and the steps that were used (exorcism) to rectify it. If you are an open-minded person, this work will only confirm what you probably already believe. If you are not a person of faith, this work will probably jar you because it will give you a glimpse into a disturbed young mind. If anything, that disturbance of the mind, might, too, be a conduit to faith.
Using a chronological timeline from the actual diary started by one of the Jesuit priests, Allen reconstructs the possession story of Robbie Mannheim (a pseudonym) by first exploring his background, his school and family life as well as his overall environment; all the mundane facets that comprise an ordinary life are looked at. And by all accounts, it was a very typical existence. Nothing screamed, “Aha!” One of the three theories offered in this case is that of a poltergeist or noisy ghost by which an individual is experiencing psychokinesis, the ability to move objects by the mind. But the underlying stressor causing that ability to manifest has to be something remarkably intense in which the individual is not coping with in a healthy manner; there is no outlet in which to release that stress. They are keeping whatever it is that is affecting them “bottled in” and like a pressure cooker that does not have a valve to release its steam, it explodes or rather, the mental energy does. A lot of these things can apparently manifest around a prepubescent age. And “Robbie Mannheim” fit the age bracket for such an experience perfectly. Before the “Mannheim” Family ever consulted a Catholic priest, they turned to their pastor, Reverend Luther Miles Schulze of St.Stephen’s Evangelical Lutheran Church. And this was a theory that he very strongly seemed to believe in. The family consulted doctors and psychiatrists, per his recommendation, but they deemed him healthy and normal albeit high string. But a hospital setting, especially when you’re the patient, can make any one high strung.
The second theory that is often bandied about is that the child was dealing with the psychological trauma of sexual abuse. Often kept as a guarded secret by the vicim and often underreported, this could definitely be a major stressor that could be a trigger for any kind of psychokinetic abilities, a perfect storm, if you will. If you are raging in you mind and are unable cope with the plethora of rage and unexplained feelings stemming from sexual abuse, this could be a way to let loose, even if the person is unaware that he or she is psycho-kinetically doing anything. But if that was the the case, why could it not be assessed by the psychiatrists and medical staff? People can be very good at keeping secrets, but secrets do eventually come out, especially in a safe environment like a hospital where one can communicate freely without repercussions. And the shadow of abuse is always ever present throughout one’s life, more-often-than-not leading to drug and alcohol abuse and a future life that is often filled more with thorns than roses. The boy in this case ultimately went on to a successful career in NASA. So sexual abuse does not really sound like the most probable cause.
The third theory is the most disturbing one, that being the infestation of a demonic force trying to overtake the child and ultimately possess him. Having dabbled around with a Ouija Board that his aunt-an apparent spiritualist-used and introduced to him, he went back to it upon her death. And it was soon thereafter that unexplainable phenomena started to happen. While I do not think Ouija Boards are bad in and of themselves, I do believe more that it is the person’s intent above everything else that can cause the problem. However, the board can act as a conduit by which things can pass through and go wrong. Ouija translates into the word “Yes” from two different languages, the first being “Oui” in French and “Ja” in German. It translates into: “Yes Yes”. With that kind of eager spiritual anything-goes openness to the supernatural, it is the exact opposite of the Rosary prayer; it is kind of negative prayer or asking under the guise of frameless and harmless goodness, because you’re not asking God for what is deeply in your heart and mind, you’re asking whatever force-diabolical or otherwise-for a fulfilment to be met. And evil does rejoice in deception and despair. The latter theory seems to be the most logical, because the assessment was able to connect everything very clearly. The boy had all the earmarks of diabolical possession: an aversion to religious items, hidden knowledge ,a radical personality change, physical attacks, abnormal strength, etc. And yet, he could flip on a dime and function like his old self. It was a duality of extremes. And the priest/exorcist had to maintain a rigid focus on what he was dealing with, not deviate under any circumstances.
This was a real interesting read, one that kept me thoroughly engrossed and jumping between belief and disbelief. I think what gave this story more credibility was the fact that the actual recorded diary of the events was included in the work. I was able to go from the diary to some pages within the narrative and see for myself how Allen took a nugget of some of the events and was able to flesh it out into a full-bodied narrative. The diary was straightforward and certainly not florid in language. It was packed with detail of “Robbie’s” suffering and the family’s reaction to it and the steps that were used (exorcism) to rectify it. If you are an open-minded person, this work will only confirm what you probably already believe. If you are not a person of faith, this work will probably jar you because it will give you a glimpse into a disturbed young mind. If anything, that disturbance of the mind, might, too, be a conduit to faith.
July 12, 2025
This is not a novel but a narration of facts. What is described and explained in the book is based on the real diaries the bishop left behind and its interpretation by the author, who could only talk to Hughes (directly involved in the exorcism).
I admit I dropped some pages because there was so much information, but I still think it is a very interesting book if you want to understand the background of the story.
I admit I dropped some pages because there was so much information, but I still think it is a very interesting book if you want to understand the background of the story.
May 3, 2023
I learned a lot about how the world views the devil., Jesuits, and exorcisms. Still scares me.
January 6, 2024
Everyone who knows me well is aware that I'm a horror movie enthusiast. I've been watching horror movies with my mother since I was seven years old. She'd turn the lights off so we scare ourselves shitless and then go to bed. Since then my motto has always been "the scarier the better". I love horror books too but there aren't that many that makes my hair stand on end. My favourite kind of horror is demonic possession so The Exorcist, and The Exorcism of Emily Rose, Penny Dreadful, and Ju-On (the original Japanese movie) are top tier.
This book has been on my list since 2019, recommended to me by my boss who is a devout Catholic. It is the true account on which The Exorcist movie was based on - Robbie Manheimm (real name Roland Doe) was a 13yr old boy living in Washington DC, and his haunting took place six miles from The White House. I assure you, six pages in and I'm already freaked out but I turned the lights off and continued reading under dim lights to enhance the experience. Now I don't know if I'll be able to walk from my library to my bed in the dead of the night. I only lasted thirty minutes before I chickened out and ran off to hide under my bed covers.
Catholics and Muslims have a lot of similar superstitions - Old people say if you hear knocking or someone calling your name when you know there shouldn't or couldn't be anyone, don't respond. We also believe that ghost infestation can happen when a site has got magicians dabbling in the occult; by "place memories" of sin or violence (think asylum & torture); by repeated sinful activities (such as site of ancient fertility-cult rites); by poltergeists. In these places we usually read a prayer.
Demonic possession stages: Infestation - scratchings and thumpings in the house, disturbing the sleeper (pulling mattress/tipping him out of bed/shaking the bed/chair he sits in); Obsession - scratches appearing on the body/words materializing from within the skin; Possession - victim lose consciousness and demon plays in his body using his eyes to see with, ears to listen with, mouth to speak with, and victim suffers burns when touched by holy objects.
The epidemic of possessions among nuns in the Ursuline convent in Loudun, France that I read about in the book "The Devils of Loudun" by Aldous Huxley was mentioned as one of the sources the Jesuits, Father Bowdern, and Father Bishop studied while investigating Robbie Mannheim's possession.
Prior to teenage Robbie in 1949, a 40 year old woman was exorcised in Earling, Iowa in 1928 and a frightening summary of her exorcism was detailed (from pg. 75-77). In this book the records show she was referred to as Mary, but when I researched, she shows up as Emma Schmidt and her exorcism lasted from 18 August to 23 December 1928.
This book discusses (legitimately so as a Muslim) that the existence of evil is not to be questioned but the issue that arises when an exorcism is requested is to acknowledge the presence of the devil himself in a human being. We remember that God put restrictions on the devil and if the devil could do everything he wanted then there would be no living human left on earth but he is lurking and prowling looking for those he could devour. Ordinarily, the devil tempts. The basic hypothesis about evil: do not go near it. That's why as children we are always advised to not go near something that can project evil. Don't go looking for trouble. To battle evil, the priest exorcist has to touch evil and focus on it knowing full well that he is mere human agent of God pitting himself against a powerful enemy with long experience in perpetrating evil.
I don't know what's scarier: the possessed showing whites of the eyes while screaming and laughing diabolically, or eyes closed. Both are hair-raising scary. As this book is a detailed and thrilling true account of the 1949 possession and exorcism, it is not for the faint-hearted.
This book has been on my list since 2019, recommended to me by my boss who is a devout Catholic. It is the true account on which The Exorcist movie was based on - Robbie Manheimm (real name Roland Doe) was a 13yr old boy living in Washington DC, and his haunting took place six miles from The White House. I assure you, six pages in and I'm already freaked out but I turned the lights off and continued reading under dim lights to enhance the experience. Now I don't know if I'll be able to walk from my library to my bed in the dead of the night. I only lasted thirty minutes before I chickened out and ran off to hide under my bed covers.
Catholics and Muslims have a lot of similar superstitions - Old people say if you hear knocking or someone calling your name when you know there shouldn't or couldn't be anyone, don't respond. We also believe that ghost infestation can happen when a site has got magicians dabbling in the occult; by "place memories" of sin or violence (think asylum & torture); by repeated sinful activities (such as site of ancient fertility-cult rites); by poltergeists. In these places we usually read a prayer.
Demonic possession stages: Infestation - scratchings and thumpings in the house, disturbing the sleeper (pulling mattress/tipping him out of bed/shaking the bed/chair he sits in); Obsession - scratches appearing on the body/words materializing from within the skin; Possession - victim lose consciousness and demon plays in his body using his eyes to see with, ears to listen with, mouth to speak with, and victim suffers burns when touched by holy objects.
The epidemic of possessions among nuns in the Ursuline convent in Loudun, France that I read about in the book "The Devils of Loudun" by Aldous Huxley was mentioned as one of the sources the Jesuits, Father Bowdern, and Father Bishop studied while investigating Robbie Mannheim's possession.
Prior to teenage Robbie in 1949, a 40 year old woman was exorcised in Earling, Iowa in 1928 and a frightening summary of her exorcism was detailed (from pg. 75-77). In this book the records show she was referred to as Mary, but when I researched, she shows up as Emma Schmidt and her exorcism lasted from 18 August to 23 December 1928.
This book discusses (legitimately so as a Muslim) that the existence of evil is not to be questioned but the issue that arises when an exorcism is requested is to acknowledge the presence of the devil himself in a human being. We remember that God put restrictions on the devil and if the devil could do everything he wanted then there would be no living human left on earth but he is lurking and prowling looking for those he could devour. Ordinarily, the devil tempts. The basic hypothesis about evil: do not go near it. That's why as children we are always advised to not go near something that can project evil. Don't go looking for trouble. To battle evil, the priest exorcist has to touch evil and focus on it knowing full well that he is mere human agent of God pitting himself against a powerful enemy with long experience in perpetrating evil.
I don't know what's scarier: the possessed showing whites of the eyes while screaming and laughing diabolically, or eyes closed. Both are hair-raising scary. As this book is a detailed and thrilling true account of the 1949 possession and exorcism, it is not for the faint-hearted.
September 16, 2015
I was looking for a different, really "out there" read and this definitely met the criteria, but not in the ways I expected.
Allen writes in a matter-of-fact style, not at all sensationalized. The book reads like a report at times (not in a bad way). Of course, the subject matter hardly requires additional dramatization, but not all writers would recognize that and let the story speak for itself, as Allen does. It also means you can read it before bed and sleep just fine.
Allen also provides just enough theological, Catholic and Jesuit history to make the story understandable to readers who are not Catholic and, I expect, Catholics who may not know much about the Jesuit order and its practices specifically. Any reader of any background will receive the same thorough story.
I was raised Catholic and immersed in Catholic school when The Exorcist was released. (I watched The Exorcist on TV the evening of my First Holy Communion party when I was supposed to be in bed and the adults were still drinking and playing cards in the basement. I've regretted that disobedience ever since!)
The details of exorcism were always something Catholic teachers kept mum about, though they'd periodically offer tantalizing hints. "No one really does exorcisms anymore, but if you do, you need a special priest." Our child eyes would grow into saucers. What?! A special priest?! How are they chosen? Would it be one of OUR priests? "Well, I can't really say, but for something like this you usually call in a Jesuit." A Jesuit?! Why a Jesuit? What magic do they wield?! Like that. Later on, the Jesuits at my university were no more forthcoming, but I was struck that these grounded, eminently logical, and trustworthy men believed that diabolical possession was incredibly rare but nonetheless real. Huh!
This book is perhaps the only resource that describes the actual exorcism ritual, and a bit about how the Jesuits in this case went about deciding whether or not to do one. The descriptions of the ritual itself are tedious at times, but this is due to the lengthy and repetitive nature of the ritual itself (and yes, the Latin), not to Allen's style. I am in awe that these Jesuits had the stamina they did, to do this night after night.
An engrossing and straightforward book on an intriguing and notorious bit of Catholic history.
Allen writes in a matter-of-fact style, not at all sensationalized. The book reads like a report at times (not in a bad way). Of course, the subject matter hardly requires additional dramatization, but not all writers would recognize that and let the story speak for itself, as Allen does. It also means you can read it before bed and sleep just fine.
Allen also provides just enough theological, Catholic and Jesuit history to make the story understandable to readers who are not Catholic and, I expect, Catholics who may not know much about the Jesuit order and its practices specifically. Any reader of any background will receive the same thorough story.
I was raised Catholic and immersed in Catholic school when The Exorcist was released. (I watched The Exorcist on TV the evening of my First Holy Communion party when I was supposed to be in bed and the adults were still drinking and playing cards in the basement. I've regretted that disobedience ever since!)
The details of exorcism were always something Catholic teachers kept mum about, though they'd periodically offer tantalizing hints. "No one really does exorcisms anymore, but if you do, you need a special priest." Our child eyes would grow into saucers. What?! A special priest?! How are they chosen? Would it be one of OUR priests? "Well, I can't really say, but for something like this you usually call in a Jesuit." A Jesuit?! Why a Jesuit? What magic do they wield?! Like that. Later on, the Jesuits at my university were no more forthcoming, but I was struck that these grounded, eminently logical, and trustworthy men believed that diabolical possession was incredibly rare but nonetheless real. Huh!
This book is perhaps the only resource that describes the actual exorcism ritual, and a bit about how the Jesuits in this case went about deciding whether or not to do one. The descriptions of the ritual itself are tedious at times, but this is due to the lengthy and repetitive nature of the ritual itself (and yes, the Latin), not to Allen's style. I am in awe that these Jesuits had the stamina they did, to do this night after night.
An engrossing and straightforward book on an intriguing and notorious bit of Catholic history.
February 7, 2017
Although the supernatural has always made me very curious, I’m really afraid of it, too. That’s why rarely I read horror books.
But, when I started reading this one I realized that it was something like reading a psychology book (and I’ve read my share of them!), because Thomas is just relating to you something that he read or listened about.
Is it scary to think about the exorcism of a 14-year-old boy? Absolutely, yes!
Because you start to understand that evil is something that surrounds us everywhere, and I’m not talking about the devil. I’m not Christian, and I don’t believe in Satan but, I believe that evil exists and we choose the way we’re going to behave toward the other. So, in the end, the devil is nothing more than a person who chose to be evil.
I believe in the inner goodness of everyone. Everything that the Goddess (or God, or the name you use) created is god and beautiful but, sometimes, we got corrupted along the way...
So, for me to imagine a spirit so vile that is going to torment a child for months without end is something inconceivable!!
This book is a good “study” if you are trying, just like me, to read “The Exorcist” by William Peter Blatty. If you can read this one without problems, I believe you can go on to the other.
I read this book in Portuguese so, I can’t give my opinion about English versions of it.
But, when I started reading this one I realized that it was something like reading a psychology book (and I’ve read my share of them!), because Thomas is just relating to you something that he read or listened about.
Is it scary to think about the exorcism of a 14-year-old boy? Absolutely, yes!
Because you start to understand that evil is something that surrounds us everywhere, and I’m not talking about the devil. I’m not Christian, and I don’t believe in Satan but, I believe that evil exists and we choose the way we’re going to behave toward the other. So, in the end, the devil is nothing more than a person who chose to be evil.
I believe in the inner goodness of everyone. Everything that the Goddess (or God, or the name you use) created is god and beautiful but, sometimes, we got corrupted along the way...
So, for me to imagine a spirit so vile that is going to torment a child for months without end is something inconceivable!!
This book is a good “study” if you are trying, just like me, to read “The Exorcist” by William Peter Blatty. If you can read this one without problems, I believe you can go on to the other.
I read this book in Portuguese so, I can’t give my opinion about English versions of it.
January 20, 2020
'Exorcismo' pelo Thomas B. Allen é baseado em fatos reais e inspirou o filme 'O Exorcista' do William Friedkin. Allen conseguiu uma cópia do diário do exorcista que havia participado do caso através de um dos padres que também participara. O autor descreve detalhadamente todo o caso, desde o início onde na casa ouve-se barulhos de madeira, goteiras, até o momento que o garoto de fato apresenta um comportamento paranormal. Sim, garoto! Thomas revela logo de início que o possuído é um menino e que todos os nomes foram trocados para proteger a identidade dele e da sua família. Robert - ou Robbie - foi o nome dado pelo autor. A primeira parte do livro, onde é relatado de fato todos os acontecimentos é bastante intrigante, porém, em minha opinião, chega um momento que a leitura se torna cansativa de tanto que se repete as sessões de exorcismos. Mais cansativo ainda, torna-se o final do livro, pois o autor resolve por toda a cópia original datilografada do diário do exorcista conseguida, que só repete tudo que já havia no início do livro. Vale destacar que as cenas onde o garoto se mostra 'perturbado' são muito bem detalhadas e prende a atenção do leitor.
February 20, 2023
Since “The Exorcist” is one of those horror movies that just hits differently, I finally got up the courage (or faith) to learn more.
Although “Possessed” contains much usage of the adverbs “allegedly,” “supposedly,” and “reportedly,” the 1949 case of demonic possession that inspired the movie, “The Exorcist” has an eerie realness to it. A quote that stuck with me came from Father Bowden, a Jesuit priest involved in the alleged exorcism. When writing to William Peter Blatty, author of The Exorcist, Bowden says,
“My own thoughts were that much good might have come if the case had been reported, and people had come to realize that the presence and the activity of the devil is something very real….. I can assure you of one thing: the case in which I was involved was the real thing. I had no doubt about it then and I have no doubt about it now.”
Of course, this was in 1949 and mental illness was much unstudied. When the case was examined by a Jesuit philosopher, he reported that “…it could be explained as a psychosomatic disorder and some kinesis action that we do not understand but which is not necessarily preternatural.”
Read and decide for yourself.
Although “Possessed” contains much usage of the adverbs “allegedly,” “supposedly,” and “reportedly,” the 1949 case of demonic possession that inspired the movie, “The Exorcist” has an eerie realness to it. A quote that stuck with me came from Father Bowden, a Jesuit priest involved in the alleged exorcism. When writing to William Peter Blatty, author of The Exorcist, Bowden says,
“My own thoughts were that much good might have come if the case had been reported, and people had come to realize that the presence and the activity of the devil is something very real….. I can assure you of one thing: the case in which I was involved was the real thing. I had no doubt about it then and I have no doubt about it now.”
Of course, this was in 1949 and mental illness was much unstudied. When the case was examined by a Jesuit philosopher, he reported that “…it could be explained as a psychosomatic disorder and some kinesis action that we do not understand but which is not necessarily preternatural.”
Read and decide for yourself.
February 24, 2021
A lot of people are afraid of The Exorcist, a book that has been adapted for cinema and has scared thousands of readers and viewers over the years with the story of a possessed girl and a mother desperate for help, causing hysteria. What many did not know is that the work of fiction was inspired by real events. Journalist Thomas B. Allen explored the case of a boy who was possessed by the devil in his 272-page book Exorcismo (Possessed), republished by DarkSide Books in Brazil in 2016, with translation by Eduardo Alves.
Despite being a non-fiction book, the work arouses as much interest as any well-constructed fiction / terror plot. It is difficult to read Exorcism without associating the work, mainly, with the book The Exorcist and the countless horror films that explore the theme of possession and the supernatural. Thomas B. Allen tried to reconstruct one of the best known cases of exorcism in history - taking into account that it is a subject that is often hidden by the church itself - and has become a reference reading on the subject for demonologists (the couple of specialists in paranormal cases Ed and Lorraine Warren recommends the book), priests, theologians and others interested in learning more about the subject.
What the author of Exorcism did was to investigate a real case and publish it in a book. Interviewing people, including Father Walter Halloran, who handed him a copy of the diary written by Father Raymon J. Bishop, one of the members who helped and followed Robbie's progress - a name that has been changed to preserve the victim's real identity. Based on the reports and records, Thomas B. Allen described from the early days, when Robbie started playing with the Ouija board - an instrument used for spiritualists to communicate with spirits -, up to progression and crises, with the countless exorcism rituals to try to save the boy's soul.
In the preface to the book, Thomas Allen says that his interest in exorcism came from a column published in the Washington Post about a living witness to the 1949 case. Interestingly, the interest of William Peter Blatty, author and screenwriter of The Exorcist, also came from an article published in a newspaper on the subject. At the time, he was studying at Georgetown University in Washington and sent a letter to Father Bowdern who replied to William about the difficulty of finding books on authentic possession cases and did not provide much help. According to Allen, this did not stop Blatty from writing his horror book, which was a huge success, becoming an instant best seller.
The story of Robbie's exorcism is divided into 14 parts, narrated in a linear and progressive way. For those who are even more interested in the subject, at the end of the book, Thomas B. Allen shared pages from the diary of exorcist Raymon J. Bishop, talked about his own career as a journalist who came from a Jesuit college, exposed the bibliography, the sources and notes for each of the chapters, providing more information and guidance for those interested in finding out about the subject that still remains obscure today.
The story of Robbie's possession, begins like that of many other people who decide to venture out to play with the spirits. Paranormal couple Ed and Lorraine Warren said the Ouija tablet is one of the main entry points for evil infestation - the information is not in the book, but can be found in one of their books. Robbie's aunt Harriet teaches the boy how to play with his board. After the woman's death, the boy starts to get worse and the family seeks help.
What at first seemed like a Poltergeist case was evolving into something more dangerous. The priests, family and neighbors who visited Robbie, were unaware of what was going on in the boy's room. Objects moved without him touching, marks and scratches appeared on his body and the first suspicions that Robbie's parents had was that it was Aunt Harriet, trying to communicate through the boy's body.
As the reading progresses, we discover that there is something more demonic about Robbie. In an attempt to leave the house, to see if the problem would be in the boy's room, the supernatural occurrences continue to persist and chase him, no matter where he is. Whether in blessed territory, on the street or in his own home, Robbie loses control over his own body and is dominated by an evil force, eager to spread chaos.
The more priests strive to exorcise the boy's demon, the more the creature seems to gain strength. If in O Exorcista we feel the tension increasing with the passing of the pages, in Exorcismo it could not be different - because it was based on real facts, the reading becomes more distressing. A real battle between good and evil. Numerous attempts and twists bind the reader until the end of the book, as well as extra information about other older cases of exorcism, such as that of nuns in a convent in France and another of a possessed woman happened in the United States in the 17th century. and XX, respectively.
DarkSide Books has taken great care in the graphic design of the edition, mainly with a black and textured cover with the cross, the image of an Ouija board and the layout, providing a more sensory reading experience and better understanding how the used tag works to communicate with the beyond, since in Brazil it is not as popular as in the United States.
Thomas B. Allen certainly knows how to tell a story. In addition to involving us with the narrative, the great differential of the book is the descriptions and accuracy of the reports. Taking into account the still current difficulty of reading on the subject, Exorcism remains a great source of study and entertainment for those who like dark narratives. Originally published in the United States in 1993, the book continues to reverberate and inspire hundreds of storytellers and people to the present day, interested in better understanding the spiritual and paranormal phenomenon of demonic possession.
Despite being a non-fiction book, the work arouses as much interest as any well-constructed fiction / terror plot. It is difficult to read Exorcism without associating the work, mainly, with the book The Exorcist and the countless horror films that explore the theme of possession and the supernatural. Thomas B. Allen tried to reconstruct one of the best known cases of exorcism in history - taking into account that it is a subject that is often hidden by the church itself - and has become a reference reading on the subject for demonologists (the couple of specialists in paranormal cases Ed and Lorraine Warren recommends the book), priests, theologians and others interested in learning more about the subject.
What the author of Exorcism did was to investigate a real case and publish it in a book. Interviewing people, including Father Walter Halloran, who handed him a copy of the diary written by Father Raymon J. Bishop, one of the members who helped and followed Robbie's progress - a name that has been changed to preserve the victim's real identity. Based on the reports and records, Thomas B. Allen described from the early days, when Robbie started playing with the Ouija board - an instrument used for spiritualists to communicate with spirits -, up to progression and crises, with the countless exorcism rituals to try to save the boy's soul.
In the preface to the book, Thomas Allen says that his interest in exorcism came from a column published in the Washington Post about a living witness to the 1949 case. Interestingly, the interest of William Peter Blatty, author and screenwriter of The Exorcist, also came from an article published in a newspaper on the subject. At the time, he was studying at Georgetown University in Washington and sent a letter to Father Bowdern who replied to William about the difficulty of finding books on authentic possession cases and did not provide much help. According to Allen, this did not stop Blatty from writing his horror book, which was a huge success, becoming an instant best seller.
The story of Robbie's exorcism is divided into 14 parts, narrated in a linear and progressive way. For those who are even more interested in the subject, at the end of the book, Thomas B. Allen shared pages from the diary of exorcist Raymon J. Bishop, talked about his own career as a journalist who came from a Jesuit college, exposed the bibliography, the sources and notes for each of the chapters, providing more information and guidance for those interested in finding out about the subject that still remains obscure today.
The story of Robbie's possession, begins like that of many other people who decide to venture out to play with the spirits. Paranormal couple Ed and Lorraine Warren said the Ouija tablet is one of the main entry points for evil infestation - the information is not in the book, but can be found in one of their books. Robbie's aunt Harriet teaches the boy how to play with his board. After the woman's death, the boy starts to get worse and the family seeks help.
What at first seemed like a Poltergeist case was evolving into something more dangerous. The priests, family and neighbors who visited Robbie, were unaware of what was going on in the boy's room. Objects moved without him touching, marks and scratches appeared on his body and the first suspicions that Robbie's parents had was that it was Aunt Harriet, trying to communicate through the boy's body.
As the reading progresses, we discover that there is something more demonic about Robbie. In an attempt to leave the house, to see if the problem would be in the boy's room, the supernatural occurrences continue to persist and chase him, no matter where he is. Whether in blessed territory, on the street or in his own home, Robbie loses control over his own body and is dominated by an evil force, eager to spread chaos.
The more priests strive to exorcise the boy's demon, the more the creature seems to gain strength. If in O Exorcista we feel the tension increasing with the passing of the pages, in Exorcismo it could not be different - because it was based on real facts, the reading becomes more distressing. A real battle between good and evil. Numerous attempts and twists bind the reader until the end of the book, as well as extra information about other older cases of exorcism, such as that of nuns in a convent in France and another of a possessed woman happened in the United States in the 17th century. and XX, respectively.
DarkSide Books has taken great care in the graphic design of the edition, mainly with a black and textured cover with the cross, the image of an Ouija board and the layout, providing a more sensory reading experience and better understanding how the used tag works to communicate with the beyond, since in Brazil it is not as popular as in the United States.
Thomas B. Allen certainly knows how to tell a story. In addition to involving us with the narrative, the great differential of the book is the descriptions and accuracy of the reports. Taking into account the still current difficulty of reading on the subject, Exorcism remains a great source of study and entertainment for those who like dark narratives. Originally published in the United States in 1993, the book continues to reverberate and inspire hundreds of storytellers and people to the present day, interested in better understanding the spiritual and paranormal phenomenon of demonic possession.
September 1, 2019
Thomas Allen has made a career out of investigating the 1940s exorcism of a 15-year old Lutheran boy in St. Louis. That exorcism, conducted by Jesuit priests from St. Louis University with the permission of the Catholic archdiocese, formed the basis for William Peter Blatty's fictionalized book and film titled "The Exorcist." This book contains the fruits of Allen's investigation into the case, which hit U.S. newspapers in 1948 after the Lutheran pastor told the press about what had happened. It's a readable and gripping volume written in an informal style that makes it hard to put down.
If you are fascinated by the phenomenon of exorcism and you want a relatively sober account, this paperback is a good starting point.
If you are fascinated by the phenomenon of exorcism and you want a relatively sober account, this paperback is a good starting point.
December 18, 2012
I can't believe I read this home alone AND so late at night... I must be TRYING to give myself nightmares! Still, it is a fascinating and horrifying read - made all the more so because it is presented in a very non-fiction manner. The idea of such a modern, and well-documented exorcism sure does make you wonder... especially since Chicago has its own Exorcist posted here. Not all of the information concerning exorcism, and this case, is new, of course (the original publication date is 1993). In fact, much of it has been covered by History Channel/Discovery Channel specials. Still, I will be sleeping with the lights on for sure!
June 8, 2018
This book did not grab me at all. I am not sure if it was just me but the author seemed to swap between a narrative style and then to a story style which I found confusing. It was obviously well researched but became bogged down in detail, a lot which became repetitive. I also thought it raised a lot more questions then the author addressed, which I think was caused by him wanting to be seen as a credible author rather then 'sensationalising' the incident. I also think The Exorcist stole all the thunder and this book suffered as a result.
August 9, 2018
I listened to the abridged audio of this book. I usually don't like abridged audiobooks, but with this one I had no choice. I would give it five stars based on the production, which was superb: This is how you produce an audiobook!
As to the story, it was engaging and interesting. Whether this is a true case of diabolical possession, well I don't know about that. Way too many times there were "witnesses stories varied wildly" in regards to certain incidents. It was still an interesting listen. Richard Poe (I believe that was the narrator) has an excellent voice.
As to the story, it was engaging and interesting. Whether this is a true case of diabolical possession, well I don't know about that. Way too many times there were "witnesses stories varied wildly" in regards to certain incidents. It was still an interesting listen. Richard Poe (I believe that was the narrator) has an excellent voice.
December 18, 2018
Really "enjoyed" this book. I'm from St. Louis and my father worked at Alexian Brothers Hospital starting in the late 1950s. He, being a very superstitious Catholic, would never speak about it and the part of the hospital that was all locked up - but we heard about it somehow. I appreciated the author's journalistic style but did find all the repetition of prayer a bit mind numbing. The author has researched the subject thoroughly, and presented it as clearly as possible - given the time lapse and lack of first-hand witnesses. A good and scary read, all the more so because it is true!
February 20, 2013
This book tells the true story that the book and movie "The Exorcist" are based on. It is a compelling read and the creep factor is high. We get an inside look into the only sanctioned exorcism ever to happen in the US. The only drawback is that the story delves deep into the actual ritual, with pages of what the priests are reading. If you can get through that, then you will thoroughly enjoy this book.
October 1, 2023
This book is my besties favorite so of course I had to read it! It started out a little slow but it picked up a little over halfway through and for a non fiction book it really held my attention (though I will say I read it in the voice of Rod Sterling hahha) and honestly it’s just made me that much more excited to read “The Exorcist”
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