Customer Reviews

The Exorcist

5 star:		(180)
4 star:		(34)
3 star:		(11)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(6)

 

 

William Peter Blatty's seminal novel of demonic possession took the nation and much of the world by storm when it was published in 1971, and the movie adaptation of The Exorcist ranks as one of the most famous horror movies of all time. Many, many readers over the years have described it as a quite unsettling if not frightening read; I envy these people because I didn't find the book at all shocking or scary. I was actually more affected by the inner turmoil of Father Karras than anything else. His doubts over his own faith, the horrible guilt he feels for having left his aged mother alone when he became a Jesuit priest, and some of his scattered sad childhood memories make of him a philosophical, sentimental character who serves as the main liaison between the reader and the events of the novel. What we see through Father Karras' eyes is a complex, troubling vision of life and death, a conduit of our own philosophical and religious struggles.

The plot of the The Exorcist is well-known to just about everyone. Chris MacNeil and her daughter are living in Georgetown while Chris is filming a new movie. The energetic and happy child, Regan, suddenly begins to change. Strange things begin to happen in the house - rustling noises are heard at night, objects seem to disappear and reappear in strange places, and Regan begins to complain about her bed shaking at night. When Regan's state of mind begins to deteriorate, Chris seeks medical help for her daughter, but the doctors, after a series of complete, agonizing tests, can find no evidence to support their theories of a condition brought about by a lesion in the temporal lobe of the brain. Regan continues to worsen, making wild animal noises, struggling with her caretakers with superhuman strength, cursing like a drunk pirate, speaking with several different voices, projectile vomiting a nasty green substance, claiming to be the devil himself, and - in what is probably the most shocking image of all - hideously violating herself with a religious icon. She eventually has to be strapped into bed for the protection of her as well as those around her. Desperately, the nonreligious Chris turns to the Jesuit priesthood for help, asking for an exorcism to be performed on her daughter. Father Karras studies the case, attempting to find a medical explanation for Regan's behavior even after he witnesses some extraordinary things in Regan's room and converses with the demon claiming to reside within her. In the end, Father Merrin, whom we met in a highly symbolic scene at the beginning of the book, comes to perform an exorcism, engaging once again in battle a demon he had defeated years earlier. The book concludes in a particularly strong, dramatic, and satisfying way.

The descriptions of Regan's behavior and increasingly disturbing actions are laid out in quite open and impacting ways here, but I think this aspect of the story is expressed much more effectively in the movie. It's one thing to read about projectile vomiting, a head spinning completely around, and the other physical manifestations of Regan's condition, but it's something else to actually watch it presented visually onscreen. The book's main strength, in my opinion, comes in the form of the character of Father Karras. The novel provides much deeper access into the mind and soul of this tragically troubled character, and herein is to be found the true heart of the book. The exorcism itself does not take center stage the way it does in the film. Despite all of its religious and demonic attributes, I believe Peter William Blatty's novel is a deep look inside the heart of man as he attempts to make sense and keep the faith in the face of the sometimes revolting human condition.

Those who have seen the movie will benefit greatly from a reading of Blatty's novel. There are a number of sub-plots covered only in these pages, and much of the symbolic and quite subtle aspects of the harrowing drama are not captured in the film at all (or are awkwardly included in the form of symbology that the casual viewer may not notice or recognize). It is interesting for me to ponder why so many find The Exorcist a truly frightening reading experience while I really do not. Perhaps those who are not religious have never really examined pure evil as straightforwardly as they are forced to in the form of this possessed child. In any event, I believe the horror many feel at this undeniably gripping and disturbing story comes not from a vision of the events so vividly described herein, but rather from a consciousness of the changes and perhaps fears wrought upon their own heart and soul by the implications of the experience.

Compared to the 1973 movie version, the book spends a great deal more effort in keeping it a mystery as to whether a genuine possession is taking place or whether it is simply a case of mental hyperactivity that can be explained scientifically. In trying to keep the reader guessing as to the authenticity of the possession, the more suspenseful the story becomes and the more unsettling and disquieting the result is.

The book frequently posits logical explanations whenever a seemingly paranormal event takes place. For instance, Regan's imaginary friend "Captain Howdy", who is first believed to be the source of the possession, may simply indicate a guilt complex caused by the absence of her father, who is named Howard; and prior to her acting out certain occultist rituals, she may have read a book on witchcraft that a party guest had given to her mother. These and many other details in the book are all but ignored in the movie. The movie also differs greatly regarding the exorcism ritual itself; while the movie is pretty clear on how it ends, the book still entertains the thought that the guilt-striken Jesuit priest simply suffers a mental breakdown...

Also not adequately explained in the movie is that why the Jesuit priest, who has been so skeptical of the alleged possession, should have a change of heart and agree to perform an exorcism. The book explains this. Although he doesn't believe a possession has occurred, he believes the ritual of exorcism would actually serve some form of psychiatric treatment that no known scientific method can.

The book mentions many scientific theories on paranormal activities; while I'm no scientific expert and cannot tell how factual they are, they help to maintain an "investigative" style of storytelling that serves to heighten the drama.

The book will enhance your appreciation of the story even if you read it after having seen the movie.

First, this is unquestionably the most terrifying book I have ever read. Secondly, many readers seem to enjoy the book but miss the point. I find it amusing that many hard-core Christian types are down on this book (i,e, it glorifies Satan, etc.), as that shows that they clearly do not know anything about it. The entire point of the book is that a priest, trained in the ways of science (he is a Psychiatrist) has through his pursuit of science lost his belief in God. His lack of faith in God brings with it a disbelief in the existance of Satan as well. When he is asked to see the possessed girl, Regan, it is as a priest, to confront what is clearly (to the mother) a case of demonic possession. Instead he approches the situation with his scientific rather than his spiritual training, and sees the girl as insane and thus treatable via science, rather than possessed. Even in the face of all evidence, he steadfastly refuses to admit that there is anything supernatural about the girl's condition, though science has so far failed miserably to treat the girl. We get insight into this when he arranges a exorcism (for cathartic, not spiritual, reasons) and interacts with a priest who is a believer, has performed exorcisms in the past, and is very respectful and afraid of the power of a very real Satan. At one point, the young priest discusses the possession of Regan, and tells the old priest that he cannot understand what Satan might stand to gain from harming an innocent girl. The old priest replies that in a possession it is not the possessed who is the target, but rather the persons around the possessed. Upon hearing that, and upon hearing some very personal attacks on the young priest by the possessed/insane Regan, it becomes obvious that the young priest is the target of Satan's attack, and the priest's lack of faith is what has made him a target. Later, after the death of the old priest, and upon the occurance of some shocking and blatantly supernatural occurances, the young priest comes to believe that the girl really is under possession by Satan. At that point, the logic is obvious. If Satan exists, then God must exist also, and this brings a sudden reawakening of the young priest's faith. This gives him the strength to spiritually combat Satan and defeat him, and thereby rescue the girl. So, the point is that the priest has lost his faith to science, and is not able to effectively counter Satan until his belief in God returns. Thus Heaven triumphs over Hell, and I really can't understand why this would be lost on the many naysayers who have tried to steer people from this shocking book. One wonders who is truly the pawn in the plot of this book; Regan, in Satan's attack on the young priest; or Satan himself, in some heavenly strategy to bring the priest back into the fold. Note that I have deliberately oversimplified the story line so as not to ruin the book for those who have yet to read it. Be forewarned that the book is complex, shocking, graphic (violence and perverse sexuality) and is terrifying, but you will not find a better horror novel anywhere. I can't recommend this book highly enough, but it is not for the faint hearted. I also find it noteworthy that after at least five reads of the book, I (a thirtyish man) still find it necessary to sleep with the light on for a few days after finishing the book

I love the book and the movie but the book of The Exocist even more. I won't bore you with explaining the plot of the book..but...but I don't know how to finish that sentence. Anyway, just as I said in my review for the directors cut, my favorite part is when Ragaen is spider crwling down the stairs and follows her Chris's secretary around almost mechanically. Whenever I read that it gives me the chills. The part of the book that makes me uncomfortable is when reading the part where Ragaen is(uncontrolably)jabbing herself with a crucifix in her genitalia(I find it hard to read even though I'm of the oppostie sex). And it's even more uncomfortable watching it in the movie(but I can't resist). Another scary part is reading where Ragaen is running away in terror from Captain Howdy, and saying that he was beating her, mouthing obcenities, and threatening to kill her, and therefore hiding under her mother's chair. Then she get's spun around in mid-air and looks at everyone with an evil sneer. Anyway, this is a great book, and make sure you read it with all the lights on, and the T.V. and radio on. Otherwise, you'll have nightmares for weeks. In conclusion, kudos to William Peter Blatty for writing The Exorcist, the scariest book of all time.

I first read this book while I was in the army, after I had been a flight medic in Vietnam and infantry medic on the DMZ in Korea. It is the scariest book I have ever read. It made what little hair I had on the back of my neck stand up and even gave me the chills now and then.

35 years later I read the new release just to see if it was as "bad" in 2006 as it was in 1971. Between those years I had been an MP and criminal investigator in the army and a civilian security police night superviser for the Depatment of Public Defense in the State of Iowa.

All I can add to the many fine reviews is that 35 years later it's just as scary! If you haven't yet read this book, where have you been? If you do not like scary books I dare you to read it. If you like this type of fiction, but have not read it yet, lets get with it!!

If it doesn't scare the pee right out of you, you are not human either! SSG C.E. Howard( US Army Ret.)

I first read this book during my last year of college. I really became absorbed in it...I couldn't put the novel down for 3 consecutive days. Blatty presents various psychiatric & neurological conditions to explain the bizarre phenomena occurring within the MacNeil household...but at the end, the reader is forced to accept the concept of demonic possession. One of the most chilling sections in the novel occurs when Detective Kinderman tries to research Satanism...reading the description of satanic rituals/rites was quite disturbing for me...even at the age of 21 when maturity should temper shocking material. The rising tension & suspense created by the novel was great...and I certainly had some difficulty falling asleep during the 3-day span of time I spent in completing the book. Moreover, I kept pondering the themes of the book (the nature & existence of Evil) for a long while afterwards. The Exorcist galvanized me to explore the genre of the supernatural, the occult, & the dark aspect of the human experience. If anyone wants to chat about this book &/or related topics, feel free to send email to kiwi35@aol.com

"The Exorcist" is a stunning novel. A sense of unease builds slowly but steadily with each chapter, and the author resists any temptation there may have been to rush straight to the "main event". We experience a series of subtle changes in Regan which lead to a realisation that all is not quite right with this child...something that was also well portrayed in the film (in particular the director's cut). Blatty has researched his subject very well and incorporates much of this into the book, including (admirably) the rigourous testing and very specific "requirements" needed to state a case as being one of genuine demonic possession. The language is unsurpassed, in particular his descriptions relating to the malignancy and pure malevolance of the demon could not have been better penned. See "The haunted boy of cottage city: the cold hard facts behind the story that inspired the exorcist" by Mark Opsasnick ("Strange" Magazine, issue 20) for a thorough, up to date investigation of the case that inspired Blatty's novel.

Hey, some books aren't as good as the movie; some movies aren't as good s the book.

This book freaked me out so much I couldn't even keep it in my home library when done. I had to throw it out. I wanted to give it to my local library, but the freak-factor of the existence of this book being somewhere within the spatial vicinity of my mind was too much aggravation to bear. I had to throw the dan*g thing out - bring it outside to the trash - and then even bring it like four or five or six buildings down and throw it out in the alley trash of some unnamed aparment complex of some neighbor I didn't like.

I don't even like writing this review. Seriously. There is something about that adolescent age girl telling the story of riding a horse that is disturbing me to the core at this very book.

Mr Blatty, I applaud you. But I never want to speak to you.

Reading audience, I cannot recommend that anyone reads this book. But if you want to be unsettled to your very core... stop here, and click >buy.<

Forget THE STAND. Forget, even, THE LORD OF THE RINGS. THIS is BY FAR, the best interpretation of a battle between GOOD and EVIL. No, I haven't seen the movie, but even if I did, the book would deserve an EASY 5 stars. It is very OBVIOUS that Blatty did his homework--like he said, he read EVERY book on exorcism in the English language. The story starts off in the middle east--or somewhere abouts. At first, you can't help but wondering what this has to do with the story--well, you'll find out towards the end. Once the prologue is done, the story talks about an actress and her daughter Regan, also known as "Rags." Regan has an Ouija board. The actress mother and her maids start to notice things out of place. At first they think it's nothing. But then something happens that forces Regan's mother to take immediate action. About halfway through the book you meet a detective that might remind you of COLUMBO (Peter Falk). I guess it's the way he talked, and yes, it can get a wee bit annoying at times. As for the Exorcist, well, he doesn't appear until almost the very end, but it is definitely worth it. You can feel Blatty building up the suspense, page by page, until that final, horrific moment. All I'll say is that the end was very unpredictable, and I'm a person who is usually good about predicting endings before they happen. By the way, yes, this book is very vulgar and graphic at times, but on the other hand, most of it is done by the DEMON. This makes it believable. We're talking about a spawn of Satan, not some half-baked bum off the street with a fifth grade vocabulary and few morals. I finished this book in about two days, but I could have done it in one if it weren't for other things I had to attend to. This is a TRUE page-turner, but one that you'll want to read over and over again. I highly recommend this book.

A study in demonic possession is not a popular topic in too many circles, however, it still comes up from time to time in spiritual psychology. Upon doing my own research of what 'exactly' demonic possession is, 'The Exorcist' is certainly a must, no matter how exploited and distorted the matter has become. William Peter Blatty's book 'The Exorcist' stands as a compentent study of demonic possession in modern times told in story format. The crisis of Regan and her spiritual turmoil she will endeavor by the demon known as 'nowonami'. Yes, this is the backwards English she began to speak, however, in light of modern psychology, it is quite revealing about ones internal state as well as the perceptions one has of themself. The book is an easy read, and for the enthusiastic, you will go through it like a flip book. It would be difficult not to comment on the impression the film has made upon America minds, as one reads the book, one can picture so vividly the different scenes from the film. The film captures the book quite well and almost verbatim where the lines even become recognizable. Again, the only aspect of the book that was not captured in the film was the psychological end, which is too bad in some ways because now, for those who dont like to read, are left with a startling image with no 'intellectual reasoning' about what possession truly is (or might be). That is to say, they are left with feelings of 'I hope that does not happen to me', or 'I believe in God, so it wont happen to me', etc, etc. This is not to say the book is any less startling because of the intellectual content, but rather, because there is no definition of possession, the movie watcher is left with the belief that it is all based on supernatural powers of the devil and/or demons. The majority of the studies given within the framework of the story are legitimate and you can look them up in libraries and find them, which made this book so appealing to me. The story is told well, with well-defined and likable characters with some profound dialogue amongst the priests. My own understanding of demonic possession is not one displayed in this book where I felt it was probably over the top (I imagine for dramatic purposes). Nonetheless and great read and informative, I highly reccomend this novel as a great work of fiction in the last thirty years. If you have seen the movie and are willing to endure the cycle again, you will be thrilled you did. The movie, by and large, would be easier to sit through because the imagination is certainly more powerful than anything that can be projected onto a screen.