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32 of 33 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fascinating, August 16, 2000
By A Customer
Growing up in the Washington, D.C. area, I had always heard that the movie "The Exorcist" was based on a true story that happened to a boy in the Washington area. I recall as a young teenager being blown away by an article I read in The Washington Post, about a Mount Rainier exorcism many years ago, and the spooky series of unfortunate events that befell the Mount Rainer neighbors. That article was on the front page of The Washington Post, May 6, 1985, at the bottom. I was amazed, I had never read anything like it before. In the May 1985 article there was a reference to the original article back in 1949. I went to the University of Maryland, got out the microfilm from 1949, and proceeded to look up this original WP story. There on the top of the August 20, 1949 issue was the story: "Boy Reported Held in Devil's Grip." I read it, printed it out, read it again a few times. This was the article that the author of "The Exorcist", William Blatty read while an undergraduate at Georgetown University, and was the basis of his fictional account. This story really stuck with with me for a number of years. Then in 1993, out-of-the-blue, appears this full-length book on the subject. While the articles I had read back in 1985 made quite an impression on me, the whole story came alive in Thomas Allen's book. The impressive research combined with the descriptive writing really made this book an experience. There are a number of events that still haunt me to this day, as well as theological questions related to certain facts in the book (e.g., what was the connection between the Ouija board and demonic possession? why didn't the Lutheran baptism take?). This was an absolutely fascinating book and I and other readers are in Mr. Allen's debt for writing it.
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19 of 20 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Beautiful Story About the Power of Faith..., December 7, 2000
I became curious about the 1949 exorcism after viewing the re-release of "The Exorcist" on Halloween. After a little research online, I discovered this book by Allen, and purchased it (though it was difficult to find a bookstore that had it in stock). After receiving the book, I literally disappeared from my routine life for a few days. The best thing about Allen (who is a self-declared agnostic) is that he's honest, and he provides numerous references for every event that occurs. Why this is crucial is because diabolical possession is a subject that faces heavy criticism. I take it as blind faith - you either believe in it, or you don't (although it was the book that convinced me of that). Others, as I am known to be a skeptic as well, need more - and thus why it is critical that this report comes from someone who neither believes or disbelieves. Most other books on diabolical possession are written either by the exorcists themselves, or by people who have had hands-on experiences with demons or spirits, or by priests who have known exorcists. While several of them I have read are incredibly well-written and are testaments to the belief that Satan and his legions are real, I can see how they can be more susceptible to criticism under the skeptic's eye. The intention behind those books and this one also differ - they are written for the people who already believe and are curious about investigating further into diabolical possession. Allen wrote the book for the same reason the reader chose to read it - to satiate the curiosity of a mystical phenomenon and to either be convinced by the evidence provided, or to be convinced that it is all a hoax. The book presents more than an account of diabolical possession. I found it to be a very personal and surprising story about faith, and the need for its strength during a time of hostile adversity. Throughout the read, I acquired a deep respect for the Jesuits, and the people involved with the exorcism. It is no doubt that the family and friends involved suffered wounds that quite possibly never healed due to the demon's wrath. Although the possession of the boy was a tragedy, the story is a triumph as well; celebrating the compassions of men who are willing to sacrifice their physical and spiritual wellness to save the life of a young boy. Quite simply, this story is also an admonition for those of us who are curious about the occult, witchcraft, psychic phenomena, and spiritualism. It warns the non-secular and secular population of today - think twice before playing with a Ouija board, think twice before attempting to raise spirits in a seance. On second thought, it also prompts readers to think again about their own spirituality, and to perhaps look again at restoring their once-lost faith. Rest in peace, Father Bowdern.
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18 of 20 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
High entertainment value, November 25, 2003
Whether or not Allen misses and distorts some of the historical information contained within his narrative, this work is still ultimately entertaining. It provides an extensive look at traditional demoniac psychology/experience, which is invaluable regardless of whether or not we believe in possession. It also provides an interesting look at Christianity's handling of demons and exorcism over the centuries, and even if there are historical inaccuracies, this aspect of the book is undeniably valuable. I am also impressed with Allen's style; he makes no attempt at sensational, horrific, "scary" language. It seems to me that Allen's goal is to provide an honest, impartial account. He leaves the reasoning to us. Whether you're a skeptic or a believer, this book has something to offer.
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